120d SE 184 Auto 5dr Hatchback

The car I'd most like to drive every day for the next 10 years

Here's a BMW 1 Series review, from a "Ford man"!

So everybody hates BMW drivers, right? They're snobby, arrogant, the indicators don't work etc etc.....I've heard all that stuff. Then I drove one. Now I get it.

I've been a Ford man for years but then, after a Fiesta for over 2 years (which I loved) I had a Mercedes B Class. Luxurious, but r****** to drive. Missed the Fiesta every single day. Really. Then I bought this 1 series, second hand of course. I don't know about the benefits of rear wheel drive but how it corners, turns in and yet floats over bumps - it's just amazing. 16" wheels mind you with no run-flats, so bear that in mind please.

I've never sat in a car where everything felt like it was designed around the driver, quite like a BMW. I was looking at the new Ford Focus today and was reminded that you sit "on" the car rather than "in" the car, like in the BMW. Yes, it's very low but once you're in, everything is in perfect reach, which makes it lovely to drive. Whether I'm on the motorway at 70 mph, pootling around the country roads at 40, or having a play in the dry and gunning the back roads the BMW does it all with the greatest of poise and...yes...fun. It's not the unadulterated fun of a Fiesta ST or some other sports car, but it's the fun you can enjoy that doesn't punish your bones or your teeth when a few bumps come along. It's one of if not the best car I have ever driven, as an all rounder.

Add to that 52mpg (I have the automatic 120d), 0-60 in 7'ish seconds, reliability, long service intervals and better residuals and I'm left asking - why would I buy a Ford again? I love Fords, don't get me wrong, but to drive every day and really enjoy it.....? Ignore the image issues, let people out anyway, wave at them like you mean it and enjoy driving regardless of the badge.....I'm sold.

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