I don't think this guy likes the 1-series

[haigha]

http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,12529-1397786,00.html

... or did I miss something?

[breytonX5]

I give this guy 2 :thumbdwn:.

[haigha]

I give this guy 2 :thumbdwn:. You're too generous Phong. Too much time in tolerant Toronto. I give him .5 http://my.opera.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[breytonX5]

You're too generous Phong. Too much time in tolerant Toronto. I give him .5 http://my.opera.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif
Haha, thought it was bad enough.

[Alex Baumann]

Everyone has the right to like or dislike any car.

[bmw325]

Clarkson can be a jerk-- but I love how British auto writers are so much more candid than American writers-- its definitley more entertaining. I actually completely agreee w/ Clarkson's review. Personally, I really don't care about BMW's brand image being somehow "tarnished"--all I want is a good car. But, Clarkson makes some very good points; the 1 series just doesn't make sense: its hatchback without any of the practicality of a hatchback, its ugly, it has a cheap interior and its kind of slow. It does handle well, but as he says, if you want that and no practicality you might as well buy an s2000. I actually would be interested in a 1 series type of car if:
-it was a small good-looking 2 door back-to-basics BMW
-Sold in the US for no more than 25k
-To save cost, BMW skimped on the features not the interior quality.
Given the 1's strenths and weaknesses it probably shoud've been introduced in the form of a better lookin coupe and convertible w/ more power at a slightly higher price. The hatch really doesn't make too much sense.

Edit: from a design standpoint, I can sort of deal with the profile, but there's something not-right about the front-end (and the interior is unnecessarily funky).

[haigha]

Everyone has the right to like or dislike any car.Everyone has the right to like or dislike a car reviewer http://www.iamviet.com/forum/images/smilies/smilie_naughty.gif :rofl:

[breytonX5]

Clarkson can be a jerk-- but I love how British auto writers are so much more candid than American writers-- its definitley more entertaining. I actually completely agreee w/ Clarkson's review. Personally, I really don't care about BMW's brand image being somehow "tarnished"--all I want is a good car. But, Clarkson makes some very good points; the 1 series just doesn't make sense: its hatchback without any of the practicality of a hatchback, its ugly, it has a cheap interior and its kind of slow. It does handle well, but as he says, if you want that and no practicality you might as well buy an s2000. I actually would be interested in a 1 series type of car if:
-it was a small good-looking 2 door back-to-basics BMW
-Sold in the US for no more than 25k
-To save cost, BMW skimped on the features not the interior quality.
Given the 1's strenths and weaknesses it probably shoud've been introduced in the form of a better lookin coupe and convertible w/ more power at a slightly higher price. The hatch really doesn't make too much sense.
I actually think it looks good and it's gonna be a hot seller for BMW in any market. They'll have a cult following just like the 3er (E30/E36/E46) and the tuners are licking their chops.

[Plaz]

I like Jeremy, and think he's probably spot-on with this review.

:dunno:

[Alex Baumann]

Anyone watched his SMG M3 review ? :D

[haigha]

Anyone watched his SMG M3 review ? :D
Link?

[andy_thomas]

Clarkson can be a jerk-- but I love how British auto writers are so much more candid than American writers-- its definitley more entertaining. I actually completely agreee w/ Clarkson's review. Personally, I really don't care about BMW's brand image being somehow "tarnished"--all I want is a good car. But, Clarkson makes some very good points; the 1 series just doesn't make sense: its hatchback without any of the practicality of a hatchback, its ugly, it has a cheap interior and its kind of slow.

Remember: Clarkson is a journalist, and a British one at that - to that end, nothing he says needs to be corroborated, truthful or factual. It interior is as good as everything including the A3 (which also sports some cheap materials), and is better than the Golf. Its petrol motors aren't that distinguished but are zippier and more efficient than the competitions'. And Clarkson subscribes to the theory that a high-boost turbodiesel with a 1,500 rpm power band is naturally faster than a petrol with power over nearly three times that range on the basis of its peak figures. In reality, the 100 lb-ft deficit is very easy to overcome.

The points he raised about the serious lack of space in the rear are more valid but aren't new - we've been reading that, and seeing it for ourselves, since August. I agree with you that the car would have worked better as either a three-door hatch, or a sportback of some description (not as in "Audi A3 sportback", I am using the generic term in use before Audi appropriated it).

[HW]

:dunno: i agree and i do like reading british reviewers like jeremy clarkson. AND those TopGear video reviews are cool. :thumbup:http://www.topgear.com/

also http://www.topgear.com/content/misc/TV/

Sunday December 26: 8:30pm, BBC2
(repeated Monday December 27, 10:50pm, BBC2)
We take a look at cars from the Pacific rim
The BMW 1-series gets tested
Richard goes for a spin in the new Mercedes G55 AMG
Jeremy tests the Ariel Atom
Guests are Trinny and Susannah from What Not to Wear
http://www.topgear.com/content/misc/TV/images/img01.gif

[London Talking]

I like Jeremy, and think he's probably spot-on with this review.

:dunno:


:stupid:

[BMWintoxication]

Bimmer, not Beemer Jeremy!

TIFF should've stayed in Top Gear.... Fifth Gear just isn't as good..

[andy_thomas]

Bimmer, not Beemer Jeremy!

He is a Brit, writing in the UK, where the word "Bimmer" doesn't exist. Well it does, but no-one knows what it means :)

[LmtdSlip]

:dunno:

I agreed with virtually all of the article.

BMW has given up on its roots and elements that defined the very essence of the brand.

Now, instead of working on engineering R&D to make exciting "driving machines" they have offices in Palo Alto trying to figure out how to add more doo dads which add very little real value to the driving experience.

Rather than being the "snipers of the car industry" BMW seems intent on capturing market share from Lexus and Mercedes and seems intent on catering to the creature comforts and doo dads that those brand's customers crave.

Give me a reasonably lightweitght sedan with a fat inline six and mostly manual controls. Spend the R&D budget on suspension and engines. Thats the path to a real Driving Machine.

[MarcusSDCA]

BMW has the right and in fact a duty to evolve to bring value to it's shareholders through profits. That's the bottom line. If this means expanding the product line into convertibles, 4x4s, and entry level vehicles then it's fine with me. In fact I would be thrilled to see the 1-series evolve into a major success. Maybe that will allow the company to subsidize my next BMW: the 2012 965i Hydrogen Series. :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

It always amazes me that people think a car company should NEVER change. Or, it should only change in the exact way that they want it to change.

If you don't like the car..***** something else. :angel:

[TD]

He basically said what many of us have know for some time - starting with the E65, BMW has "jumped the shark".

It's over.

[Mr. The Edge]

I like how he describes corvettes:

It’s a car with arms like Schwarzenegger but a penis like a shrivelled-up little acorn

[Fifty_Cent]

Jeremy Clarkson is a known BMW hater. I have been watching his show bck when I was in London (1995-1999) and the guy simply hates BMWs.

He has been testing an E39M5 together with some Jaguar XJR something(cant remember) and actually found the Jaguar to be a better car. Come on....

I have to agree in some of his comments though.

1. 1 series is ugly. Come on guys, I have seen Japanese cars( Mazda 3 series) that llok better than the 1 series. (Damn Chris Bangle)

2. It is slow. I mean, come on. The new 2.0l valvetronic is said to be harsh, and unwilling, unlike the one fitted on the e46(with 143hp) What's the deal with that? It is made in the Uk mind you. And the 2.0l diesel is the fastest??????Come on. We are talking for a BMW that we knew? Where is the M car? Where is the Z4M car btw???? Why no S54Z4? Why not S54 1series?
something must be really wrong here.

3. There is simply not enough room. An OPEL ASTRA has the same room as my 3 series, and the boot is HUGE. The 1 series is just cramped.

4. The run flat tyres are awful. I have heard this over and over again, and still bmw insists on using them.

I wont say the car is crap, but it surealy is expensive.

For the money the 116i is offered here, I can buy the following: 16.000 cyp

1. A 116i with 2electric windows and climate, cd player
2. a Mazda 3 series 1.6 (same perf) fully loaded, including the nice 17' alloys, and save myself 4.000CYP!!!!!showroom price 12.000cyp. AND I will have more room, nicer looking car, and more reliable mind you.
3. A y2003 Mazda RX8 6 SP OR 4 SP AUTO with 10.000-20.000 km on the clock, rated at 4.5 in Japan. Fully loaded. OK, so this will be a Japanese import, all manuals in Japanese, will have one year quarantee, but HEY, the 1 series BMW dealer gives ONLY ONE YEAR QUARANTEE ALSO!!! (:yikes: )
4. With 1.000 pounds more. (That is the alloys of the 1 series btw)
A VW GOLF GTI (200bhp). Fully loaded.
5. With 500 pounds more. The OPEL ASTRA GT TURBO\(200 ponies also)


ALL OF THESE CARS TRUST ME WILL NOT HAVE the problems that the 1 series will definitely have. (ok except the window motors on the golf)

All these cars(except the used RX8, will btw will be in as new condition, I saw quite a few and you cannot even tell they are used) will have a 3 YEAR QUARANTEE.

[Fifty_Cent]

Well, it looks like opinions vary and are highly subjective. 1 series is selling like hot cakes over here, especially the 116i. I have seen one with the aero pack as well!!!

I must say it is different and stands out from the rest of the competition though.....

Exclusivity is selling........
And we must all agree......
It stands out from the competition. All the others (golf, astra, A3 etc) look the same from 50 meters away.

Well, the market has spoken!!!!

[Desertnate]

Clarkson is awesome! I loved watching that guy on TV while I lived in the UK. His write-ups in TOP-GEAR magazine were first rate as well.

I totally agree with him in this article. BMW has lost its way and is thrashing around. I am holding out hope for the E90. It doesn't look too bad and hopefully it will drive as well or better than the E46.

What I don't understand in regards to the 1 is how they feel they are making it an entry level car. Its tiny, cramped and expensive. Someone here noted that you can get a 320i for the same price...Grated it might not be as quick as the 1er, but I drove several 320d's while in the UK and they ran pretty well. So did the 316...

I don't get it :dunno:

[Silver328i]

The author fails to mention the most logical alternative - to buy a used bigger BMW with more muscle. I don't know why people shell out $15 - $30 grand for midget cars when with the same money they can buy something used that is bigger and has more power. Why not buy a good used 5 series or 3 series instead?

It not just in BMW brands, but I don't get people who pay $14 grand for a brand new Chevy Aveo, Doge Neon or Ford Focus where they could get a 2 to 3 yr old bigger car with low mileage for same amount of money (like a Ford Crown Vic or Taurus, a Chevy Impala, Dodge Stratus, etc). And in 2 - 3 yrs these midget cars are all used up. I see used midget cars for sale all the time that are only 2 to 3 years old with blown engines, rusted out bodies, etc. Good return on a $14,000 purchase! NOT!

Larger and more substantial vehciles keep their value longer, and last a hell of a lot longer too. Especially BMWs!

[MatWiz]

Quote: Jeremy Clarkson.
Even at normal, trundling-about speeds it feels more together than even the Focus
Here. Who says its not a good car? It is even better than a Ford Focus! :thumbup:

[Silver328i]

Quote: Jeremy Clarkson.

Here. Who says its not a good car? It is even better than a Ford Focus! :thumbup:

That isn't saying much, since a Cub Cadet garden tractor would be better than a Ford Focus. :rofl:

[WileECoyote]

Bimmer, not Beemer Jeremy!

TIFF should've stayed in Top Gear.... Fifth Gear just isn't as good..

IMO,


Beemer/Bimmer....Trekkie/Trekker - Same Issue (http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1217918#post1217918) :rofl:


I happen to agree with Jeremy's review. From the photos I've seen, I don't like the styling of the 1 series, and am seriously considering the A3 (but won't choose until I can drive the quattro model late this year).

Way back when, I was contemplating an E36 318i, before the 318ti came out. I was disappointed in the overall package. It seemed cheap, but the price didn't reflect it :D

[MatWiz]

That isn't saying much, since a Cub Cadet garden tractor would be better than a Ford Focus. :rofl:
I was being sarcastic. But you are laughing, so its good, you got my joke, even thought you didn't know I was joking.... ;)

And in a similar way, I am sure you are one of the best looking guys in a 2 feet radius around you. :p

[Silver328i]

Danke, You too! :rofl:

Especially since I am surrounded by women - maybe you can relate. :D

[Silver328i]

IMO,


Beemer/Bimmer....Trekkie/Trekker - Same Issue (http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1217918#post1217918) :rofl:


Highly Illogical......

[Miguel Shaia]

I somewhat agree with his verdict... Handles well, but rather pointless all in all. Why spend the BMW money for anything in that segment? This is why the Pheton VW, has done considerably poor because nobody wants to spend BMW money on the wrong car. VW have learnt, and will most likely continue to dominate the hot-hatch segment. I thought I'd never say this, but VW have finally produced a better looking car than a rival BMW, in this instance. For those of you who think this car will do well and help the marque.... I have yet to see the truth in that. I believe this car will simply fade and be forgotten once the E90 is completely on the market. If BMW are planning on an "M2" which is said to have the inline6 - im sure people will still prefer the E46 M3... So either way, this 1er leads to no progression for BMW and as Jeremy said, is a pointless attempt.