Just Attended 1 series launch

[streak]

The 1 series is currently launching here in South Africa and I was invited to the launch yesterday.
BMW really know how to do things properly.
On arrival not a 1 series in sight.
Entered the theatre for the presentation which took 20 minutes and when we walked back outside there stood 60 1 series all neatly lined up for us to drive.
They were the 120i mainly manual but some steptronic.
I drove to the local race track where we did some slalom work, emergency lane changes and other interesting stuff after which we returned back to the theatre. Total distance travelled was about 120km or 70 miles.

The car is superb and handles extremely well.

Any questions fire away, I am no expert but will try and answer them.

Streak

[Tine]

[streak]

The finishes are superb and the seats really comfortable.
As can be expected from a hatchback, rear seat leg room is limited.

The car I drove had leather seats.

[meen]

Canadiandriver.com
Where abouts in South Africa are you from? I was born in Joburg. Anyways, I was told that the 1 five door will not be in Canada only the coupe.
Is the rear seating really tight or can two adults sit comfortably. If it is smaller than the current E46 legroom, then I doubt I will be interested.

Thanks for the feedback.

[streak]

Hi,
I am in Johannesburg.
I am not that familiar with the space at the rear of the E46 but I would hazard a guess that it would be smaller. After all it is a hatchback. Two adults could easily sit in the back but leg room may be a problem.
I am 6' 1", with the drivers seat adjusted for me, I was unable to sit behind it as a rear passenger but then again this will probably apply in most cars?

[eurofan]

The rear legroom is definitely much smaller than in the E46!
Remember the 1-series has almost a full 3in shorter wheelbase than E46, which really has a huge effect on the backseat space.

Perhaps BMW chose to make the rear space tight, to avoid competing with the E46 and the new 3-series which is once again going upmarket.

[meen]

Thanks for the info. I was born in Lenasia- a small town outside of Joburg. Now I currently live in Canada. I was in Joburg after 16 years and I cannot believe how much has changed since Apartheid. I could not believe the number of BMW's in S.A. Everyone owns one and they are not cheap.
Where abouts in Joburg are you from?

[donnalee]

The rear is MUCH smaller than the E46