johnna wrote:A 1 series five door looks very much like a touring to me.
plus 1's are about as aerodynamic as a brick... just like the e30!
Not true! The 1 series cuts through the air very nicely.
The best 1 i have driven was a 120d, haven't driven a 6 pot unfortunately. The handling is sublime, direct nicely weighted steering, feels perfectly balanced as you'd expect. It was quick too, they're even quicker now with 180 bhp ish. As said the 116i sewing machine is a complete waste of money. Higher spec models make more sense, and I bet the 135 coupe is a great drive. The only real issue i have with the 1 is its poor practicality.
It may not have the raw feel of the e30 but what mainstream car does nowadays.
My dad is about to order a 118d M sport as a company car after not being too impressed with the 123d (lets face it its still a diesel). The co2 emissions are very low on all 1 series but the 118d is the lowest. He said he'd rather save the money on co2 tax every month and spend it on our e30 track machine.
The current Focus isn't as sharp looking as the old one but it's still a formidable bit of kit and the TDCi is very good.
