{"id":3494,"date":"2025-09-20T07:08:43","date_gmt":"2025-09-20T07:08:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/?p=3494"},"modified":"2025-09-20T07:08:43","modified_gmt":"2025-09-20T07:08:43","slug":"c2009007-simon-cowell-america-got-talent-golden-buzzer_part2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/?p=3494","title":{"rendered":"C2009007 Simon Cowell America Got Talent Golden Buzzer_part2"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video height=\"900\" style=\"aspect-ratio: 720 \/ 900;\" width=\"720\" controls src=\"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/C2009007-Simon-Cowell-America-Got-Talent-Golden-Buzzer_part2.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Life with a BMW 1 Series: 4000 miles in Munich&#8217;s Golf rival<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The entry-level version of the sporting hatch divided opinion while it was here<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.cdn.autocar.co.uk\/sites\/autocar.co.uk\/files\/styles\/gallery_slide\/public\/images\/car-reviews\/long-term-review\/legacy\/bmw-120i-lt-2025-front-cornering.jpg?itok=3w1y7W4I\" alt=\"bmw 120i lt 2025 front cornering\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.cdn.autocar.co.uk\/sites\/autocar.co.uk\/files\/styles\/square_43x43\/public\/kris_culmer_0.jpg?itok=9g1nXah-\" alt=\"Kris Culmer\" title=\"Kris Culmer\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/users\/kris-culmer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kris Culmer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">20 September 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Share<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?app_id=236580861022118&amp;sdk=joey&amp;u=https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/bmw\/1-series\/long-term-reviews\/life-bmw-1-series-4000-miles-munichs-golf-rival&amp;display=popup&amp;ref=plugin&amp;src=share_button\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?url=https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/bmw\/1-series\/long-term-reviews\/life-bmw-1-series-4000-miles-munichs-golf-rival&amp;count=horizontal&amp;via=autocar&amp;text=Life%20with%20a%20BMW%201%20Series:%204000%20miles%20in%20Munich%27s%20Golf%20rival&amp;counturl=https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/bmw\/1-series\/long-term-reviews\/life-bmw-1-series-4000-miles-munichs-golf-rival\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Life%20with%20a%20BMW%201%20Series:%204000%20miles%20in%20Munich%27s%20Golf%20rival&amp;body=https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/bmw\/1-series\/long-term-reviews\/life-bmw-1-series-4000-miles-munichs-golf-rival\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I was really&nbsp;taken aback by the discovery that my new&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/bmw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BMW<\/a>&nbsp;120 incurs the UK government\u2019s \u2018luxury car tax\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">BMW is undeniably a premium brand, of course, and it\u2019s well known that the threshold for the VED supplement is some \u00a313k lower than it would be if Keir and co reasonably accounted for inflation, but still, this is the cheapest model in BMW\u2019s cheapest series. I\u2019ve always considered the \u20181er\u2019 hatchback a fairly affordable luxury, but evidently no more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two things are exacerbating matters. First, this series is much slimmer than it once was: as the \u2018F40\u2019 made way for the \u2018F70\u2019 last year, it took both diesel engines and manual gearboxes with it (at least in the UK), instantly raising the entry price by some \u00a32000; and going back several more years, we lost the 114i and 116i models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Second, my car is not only in upper-level M Sport trim, some \u00a32000 higher than basic Sport grade, but also has \u2013 get ready for it \u2013 fitted options totalling \u00a310,415.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/sites\/autocar.co.uk\/files\/styles\/body-image\/public\/bmw-120d-lt-2025-jh-29.jpg?itok=UkzLC7IH\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The mad thing is that none of them seem superfluous or even particularly extravagant for a car of this kind. It\u2019s not the price that seems to bother most people about the F70, however. Rather, it\u2019s the exterior styling. \u201cIt looks like a bloody Kia,\u201d I\u2019ve heard more than one&nbsp;person scoff. Okay, and\u2026?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most modern Kias look great to my eyes \u2013 certainly better than most recent BMWs. And perhaps that was inevitable with the 1 Series\u2019 switch from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive back in 2019 (I\u2019m still not over the revelation that the vast majority of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/bmw\/1-series\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BMW 1 Series<\/a>&nbsp;owners surveyed by BMW didn\u2019t even know why their cars looked and handled the way they did).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Latest Reviews<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3\" height=\"2\" src=\"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-433.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3498\" title=\"Honda Civic R fronttracking\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/honda\/civic-type-r\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/honda\/civic-type-r\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Honda Civic Type R<\/a><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>8<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/honda\/civic-type-r\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Honda Civic Type R<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3\" height=\"2\" src=\"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-432.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3497\" title=\"01 Peugeot e408 PEUGEOT\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/peugeot\/e-408\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/peugeot\/e-408\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Peugeot e-408<\/a><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>7<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/peugeot\/e-408\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Peugeot e-408<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3\" height=\"2\" src=\"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-435.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3499\" title=\"changan deepal s07 01\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/changan\/deepal-s07\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/changan\/deepal-s07\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Changan Deepal S07<\/a><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/changan\/deepal-s07\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Changan Deepal S07<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3\" height=\"2\" src=\"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-436.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3501\" title=\"Toyota Corolla front three quarter\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/toyota\/corolla\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/toyota\/corolla\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Toyota Corolla<\/a><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>8<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/toyota\/corolla\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Toyota Corolla<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3\" height=\"2\" src=\"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-434.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3500\" title=\"Nissan Micra review 2025 001\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/nissan\/micra\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/nissan\/micra\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Nissan Micra<\/a><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/nissan\/micra\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Nissan Micra<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">View all car reviews<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Read our review<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Car review<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3\" height=\"2\" src=\"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-437.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3502\" title=\"BMW 1 Series review 2025 01 front cornering\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/bmw\/1-series\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/bmw\/1-series\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BMW 1 Series<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Munich&#8217;s fourth-generation &#8216;compact premium&#8217; hatchback adopts mild-hybrid petrol power<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/bmw\/1-series\" class=\"\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read our review<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Back to top<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And even if it doesn\u2019t have that cab-rearward, long-snouted uniqueness of the old RWD cars, I think we can all agree that the F70 looks much smarter than the dumpy, snorty F40. I imagine my car is representative of what you will typically see of the F70 on the road, considering that there\u2019s only the choice of 120, 123 xDrive and hot M135 xDrive variants now, and British car buyers apparently have an incurable addiction to sporty-looking, big-alloyed specifications and like their transport to reflect their gloomy surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, there are no fewer than four shades of grey on offer. Hat tip to anyone brave enough to order the purple. The F70 being more of a heavily updated F40 than an all-new car, my 120\u2019s engine is the familiar \u2018B38\u2019 turbocharged three-cylinder petrol unit, albeit now with a 48V mild-hybrid system, connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox with paddle shifters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/sites\/autocar.co.uk\/files\/styles\/body-image\/public\/bmw-120d-lt-2025-jh-27.jpg?itok=2zI32Gg7\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">MHEV technology promises to simultaneously improve performance and economy, and indeed the car serves up a healthy 154bhp and an impressive 53.0mpg officially, up from 134bhp and 47.9mpg in the equivalent old 118i.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It sure feels a lot punchier than I had expected upon seeing a low cylinder count. Moreover, BMW claims that \u201cthe agility, steering precision and cornering dynamics of the new 1 Series benefit from the increased rigidity of the body structure and&nbsp;the chassis connection\u201d, plus my 120 has been further enhanced by the M Sport Package Pro, including M adaptive suspension (the ride seems very firm even in default mode, but apparently this actually \u201cfurther increases the vehicle\u2019s dynamic potential without compromising comfort\u201d) and M Sport brakes (red calipers mean you can\u2019t miss \u2019em).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Back to top<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The car\u2019s interior has also exceeded my expectations, despite that startling \u00a343k price as tested. Thanks to the Technology Plus Pack, BMW\u2019s dashboard-topping Curved Display, which combines the digital instrument display with the infotainment touchscreen, has grown slightly larger and is packed with every gizmo I could imagine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The cream-coloured upholstery looks fabulous (Veganza faux leather is mandatory but also comes in brown, red and black or in combination with Alcantara).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/sites\/autocar.co.uk\/files\/styles\/body-image\/public\/bmw-120d-lt-2025-jh-44.jpg?itok=ZEBir5wm\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And although many will see them as tacky, I\u2019m a fan of the M Sport tricolour stitching and ambient lighting panels on the dashboard. (I might add that the appropriate sections flash&nbsp;red if you\u2019re about to open your door into somebody\u2019s path \u2013 one active safety innovation to be welcomed.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There\u2019s also \u2013 and I know this sounds silly \u2013 that new BMW aroma. I can\u2019t think of another brand that has such a distinctive one. It\u2019s easily recognisable and, I think, really rather nice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But yes, this is coming from someone who loves to smell a freshly printed magazine\u2026 I must say there is one thing I\u2019m miffed about in here: the lack of adjustable lumbar support for the driver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I mean, come on. These things really are of the utmost importance: BMW\u2019s market research has revealed that the average 1 Series customer is most interested in interior luxury and accommodation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Back to top<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The likes of you and I, meanwhile, naturally prioritise driving enjoyment. Various 1 Series have sat at varying places on the spectrum over the years, but it seems to me that this one might be capable of pleasing everybody. I do hope it will prove me right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Update 2&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The new pope is Catholic, the UK won zero points in Eurovision\u2019s public vote and, in other truly shocking news, I have fallen in love with a small sporty car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I must admit that it hasn\u2019t been all sunshine and rainbows between me and my BMW 120. There have been a couple of disagreements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But as with all healthy relationships, we have agreed on some compromises. Or rather, I have made some compromises to suit its demands\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first disagreement involved the other (true) love in my life. Whenever we got in the car together, she would have to stand on the pavement waiting for me to open my door, sit down and press the unlock button before she could follow suit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/sites\/autocar.co.uk\/files\/styles\/body-image\/public\/bmw_1_series_in_car_park.jpg?itok=MbwRmDDy\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Why? The key fob unlocks only the one door, and trying to change this to all four doors within the touchscreen menu prompts the message: \u2018Function only available with BMW ID\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, to change this fairly basic \u2013 and fundamental \u2013 setting, I first have to hand over my personal data to a monolithic corporation. My colleagues have noted this with other BMWs and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/mini\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Minis<\/a>, and none of us likes it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Back to top<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My girlfriend works in the tech industry and always says \u201cif you don\u2019t have to pay for something, you\u2019re paying for it with personal data\u201d, but in this case I have already (in theory) paid \u00a343,000 for the something in question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">BMW may well claim that the purpose of the ID is the easy transfer of a driver\u2019s personal preferences between cars, and that indeed is a potential boon for repeat customers. But as far as I\u2019m concerned, no function should ever be locked behind a data gate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/sites\/autocar.co.uk\/files\/styles\/body-image\/public\/bmw_1_series_reversing_camera.jpg?itok=_rYVaOzb\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But anyway, I gave BMW my name and email address and now I can share the wonders of central locking with my passengers. Such is life nowadays. The second compromise I\u2019ve made concerns parking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I was really struggling when trying to parallel or bay park slowly into a tight spot, because if the car came to a halt when in reverse, it would require a daft&nbsp;amount of accelerator pedal travel to bring the engine back to life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So I go into yet another on-screen menu to deactivate the engine stop-start and auto hold functions, and suddenly parking has never been easier \u2013 not least because my car is equipped with a military-grade arsenal of parking aids (part of the \u00a32750 Technology Plus Pack).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I would have been happy with audible sensors alone, but there\u2019s also a camera suite that offers me top-down and panoramic views with coloured proximity indicators and even curved lines that change as I move the steering wheel \u2013 not to mention a system that will automatically drive the car into a bay or parallel space if I want it to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Back to top<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I tried this and was impressed \u2013 although I did chicken out and hit the brakes before the car adjudged the manoeuvre to be complete. You can fall in love quickly, but it takes time to build trust, I guess.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Update 3<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s almost amazing that I have written several&nbsp;reports on the same car and not felt the need to discuss the user interface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So radically has design in this area changed that nowadays it\u2019s frequently the main focus of a car review \u2013 often because physical controls have been \u2018moved\u2019 onto a touchscreen with consequences that we\u2019ve found less than gratifying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That just isn\u2019t the case with the 1 Series, despite it too having succumbed to that trend in the transition between its third and fourth generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The lower row of buttons (for the audio) and the upper one (for the climate control) were both wiped clean, replaced by a strip of trendy ambient lights and more icons on the central touchscreen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I would always rather have physical controls, but the&nbsp;1 Series\u2019 highly configurable digital instrument display has given me a decent substitute. It essentially replicates what you used to get in the Audi TT \u2013 still the best modern interior layout in my estimation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/sites\/autocar.co.uk\/files\/styles\/body-image\/public\/bmw_1_series_interior.jpg?itok=lTJP10w0\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Back to top<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The speedometer and tachometer are rendered as C-shaped half dials and between them is my current audio feed, plus sat-nav instructions \u2013 or if I\u2019m on unfamiliar roads, I can switch to see the sat-nav map. Best of all, this is integrated with Apple CarPlay, not forcing me to use the native BMW sat-nav.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then I can have the climate control menu fill&nbsp;the entire touchscreen. I only wish the icons could be made larger and therefore easier to hit while I\u2019m driving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite the touchscreen measuring 10.7in, I have to be precise with my weaker, left&nbsp;hand to increase the fan speed or temperature, and all so I can see giant digital renderings of the two front seats and active vents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And it\u2019s even trickier to use the shortcuts at the top of the screen, if you should need them. Before&nbsp;finding this ideal configuration, I would often accidentally mute a podcast while trying to open up the sat-nav, which was pretty exasperating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/sites\/autocar.co.uk\/files\/styles\/body-image\/public\/bmw-120d-lt-2025-jh-18.jpg?itok=N6LllSK1\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At least the preservation of physical audio controls on the steering wheel made it easy to restart the digital chatter. The infotainment software, BMW iDrive OS9, has mercifully been entirely glitch-free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-news\/consumer\/what-apple-carplay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Apple CarPlay<\/a>&nbsp;has randomly developed a curious habit, similar to that which Mark Tisshaw recently experienced in his&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/renault\/scenic-e-tech\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Renault Scenic<\/a>: after alerting me to a new text message, Siri turns mute when I ask him to read it aloud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Back to top<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I\u2019ve belatedly updated my iPhone to the latest iOS but still Siri\u2019s silence persists. Sigh. I must also mention the paddle shifters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Flicking them to change gear just doesn\u2019t hit the same way as co-ordinating my left&nbsp;limbs for a perfect manual shift, and when I\u2019ve forced myself to use them, I\u2019ve got bored after only a few corners and rediverted my attention to nailing my cornering lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I just can\u2019t see the point \u2013 and nor have I in previous automatic performance cars. Am I in the minority among enthusiasts here? Let me know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final update<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>I know it\u2019s over, and it never really began \u2013 but in my heart, it was so real.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yep, I\u2019ve been as mopey as Morrissey since having to hand \u2018my\u2019 120 back to BMW. What a fabulously practical and enjoyable little car it proved to be \u2013 and many of its attributes that I so valued have now been put into an even sharper perspective by the enormous plug-in hybrid&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-news\/best-cars\/best-suvs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SUV<\/a>&nbsp;that has replaced it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The entry-level 1 Series is a BMW that has never fully convinced us in its sub-M forms, and that didn\u2019t change when Munich moved it into its fourth generation (F70).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe 120 uses its new-found mild-hybrid tech quite well, but its digital cabin technology less so. The car\u2019s pursuit of greater driver appeal is clear, but the delivery of it lacks coherence&nbsp;and true efficacy,\u201d concluded my road tester colleagues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/sites\/autocar.co.uk\/files\/styles\/body-image\/public\/bmw-120d-lt-2025-jh-38.jpg?itok=ukuXCoGT\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Back to top<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Suffice to say the car left&nbsp;a more positive impression on me over the past few months. While I share those reservations about the interior (more on which later), I greatly enjoyed the strong performance \u2013 this from only three cylinders, remember \u2013 and the inherent dynamism of the chassis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 1 Series can\u2019t match the handling talents of pricier BMW models, but for a front-driven family hatchback at a fairly affordable price, it\u2019s right up there. If I had to choose between it and a comparable Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Audi A3 Sportback, Volkswagen Golf or Cupra Leon, I would stick rather than twist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Performance really was remarkable for what might sound&nbsp;like a powerplant unbefitting of an M-badged BMW; I never found it wanting when trying to fly&nbsp;away from the lights or jump into a rare gap in M25 traffic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Around town, the chassis\u2019 inherent agility combined with the car\u2019s compact dimensions to make it feel right at home. And out on country roads, I trusted it such that I could really relish attacking inviting corners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/sites\/autocar.co.uk\/files\/styles\/body-image\/public\/bmw-120d-lt-2025-jh-41.jpg?itok=NxlAv4ue\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And all this while averaging an impressive 45.2mpg, thanks not least to its new mild-hybrid system. Such a high figure really makes an enormous difference when you have a long motorway commute \u2013 especially given there are no longer any diesel versions of the 1 Series offered in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Back to top<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My main criticism of the 120 is not the driver appeal but the ride quality. On its large wheels and low-profile rubber, my sportily specced car was always firm and frequently restless, even at a 70mph cruise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To my dismay, Felix Page\u2019s&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/cupra\/leon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cupra Leon<\/a>&nbsp;had even thinner 19in tyres and was consequently even more uncomfortable, but two wrongs don\u2019t make a right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As I\u2019ve previously written, you might be wise to add a load of sporty-looking options to BMW\u2019s cheaper Sport trim and protect your posterior with 10cm more sidewall. On the subject of options, my car was fitted with a staggering \u00a310,000 worth of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/sites\/autocar.co.uk\/files\/styles\/body-image\/public\/bmw-120d-lt-2025-jh-32.jpg?itok=eWv_0Dcj\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I certainly wouldn\u2019t recommend anyone following suit, because this takes the 120 M Sport over the \u2018luxury car tax\u2019 threshold, but of them I would have missed the enhanced brakes (which possibly saved me from committing felicide), 40\/20\/40-split folding rear seats, sun protection glass, Harman Kardon stereo (excellent sound quality) and sunroof \u2013 and I did miss adjustable lower-back support (\u00a3415).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Like my colleagues, I feel obliged to criticise BMW\u2019s decision to bin the rows of physical buttons on the dashboard, as a touchscreen&nbsp;is never a worthy substitute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But I must temper this by saying that, thanks to the configurability of the digital instrument display (you can have your sat-nav and media displayed between the tacho and speedo), changing the climate is less fraught here than I have found it to be in other modern cars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Back to top<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/sites\/autocar.co.uk\/files\/styles\/body-image\/public\/bmw-120d-lt-2025-jh-21.jpg?itok=oeLYPHEb\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Everything else about the interior I liked a lot. Ergonomics aside, the dashboard design was very pleasing on the eye, with its dual-screen frame and ambient lighting strips, while the sports seats (comfortable, albeit lacking lumbar adjustability) looked fabulous wrapped in the cream faux leather \u2013 definitely the colour I would choose, as it gave the interior such a sense of lightness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even more so when I had the optional sunroof open \u2013 bearable up to about 40mph \u2013 on a sunny day. Many cars nowadays feel a bit like black and grey prison cells; this could hardly be more different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rear passengers agreed too, the switch to FWD having made the 1 Series much more practical in the back. I started this test by wondering whether this baby BMW might be one capable of pleasing everybody.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That suspicion has already been disproved. Perhaps things would be different among the wider public, but among Autocar staff at least, I\u2019m of the minority view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But that\u2019s okay: it\u2019s better to be loved by some than to spark passionate feelings in nobody at all \u2013 and there are many cars in that category these days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">BMW 120 M Sport&nbsp;specification<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Prices: List price new<\/strong>&nbsp;\u00a332,775&nbsp;<strong>List price now<\/strong>&nbsp;\u00a334,290&nbsp;<strong>Price as tested<\/strong>&nbsp;\u00a343,190&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Back to top<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Options:&nbsp;<\/strong>Technology Plus Pack \u00a32750, M Sport Package Pro \u00a32075, panoramic glass sunroof \u00a31050, electric front seats with driver memory \u00a3730, Skyscraper Grey metallic paint \u00a3650, Harman Kardon surround sound system \u00a3550, 19in \u2018976\u2019 M bi-colour alloy wheels \u00a3540, automatic air conditioning \u00a3480, electric bootlid \u00a3390, sun protection glass \u00a3320, black roof \u00a3315, Oysterperforated Veganza upholstery \u00a3215, heated steering wheel \u00a3175, split folding rear seats \u00a3175<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fuel consumption and range: Claimed economy<\/strong>&nbsp;41.3mpg&nbsp;<strong>Fuel tank<\/strong>&nbsp;49&nbsp;litres&nbsp;<strong>Test average<\/strong>&nbsp;45.2mpg&nbsp;<strong>Test best&nbsp;<\/strong>45.6mpg&nbsp;<strong>Test worst<\/strong>&nbsp;44.9mpg&nbsp;<strong>Real-world range<\/strong>&nbsp;487&nbsp;miles<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tech highlights: 0-62mph&nbsp;<\/strong>7.8sec&nbsp;<strong>Top speed<\/strong>&nbsp;140mph&nbsp;<strong>Engine<\/strong>&nbsp;3 cyls in line, 1499cc, turbo, petrol&nbsp;<strong>Max power<\/strong>&nbsp;154bhp at 47000-6500rpm&nbsp;<strong>Max torque<\/strong>&nbsp;177lb ft at 1500-4400rpm&nbsp;<strong>Transmission<\/strong>&nbsp;7-spd automatic, FWD&nbsp;<strong>Boot capacity<\/strong>380-1200 litres&nbsp;<strong>Wheels<\/strong>&nbsp;8.0Jx19in, alloy&nbsp;<strong>Tyres<\/strong>&nbsp;225\/40 R19, Goodyear Eagle F1&nbsp;<strong>Kerb weight<\/strong>&nbsp;1500kg<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Service and running costs: Contract hire rate<\/strong>&nbsp;\u00a3385pcm&nbsp;<strong>CO2<\/strong>&nbsp;128g\/km&nbsp;<strong>Service costs<\/strong>&nbsp;None&nbsp;<strong>Other costs&nbsp;<\/strong>None&nbsp;<strong>Fuel costs<\/strong>&nbsp;\u00a3470.06&nbsp;<strong>Running costs inc fuel<\/strong>&nbsp;\u00a3470.06&nbsp;<strong>Cost per mile<\/strong>&nbsp;13&nbsp;pence&nbsp;<strong>Faults<\/strong>&nbsp;None<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Life with a BMW 1 Series: 4000 miles in Munich&#8217;s Golf rival The entry-level version of the sporting hatch divided opinion while it was here Kris Culmer 20 September 2025 Share I was really&nbsp;taken aback by the discovery that my new&nbsp;BMW&nbsp;120 incurs the UK government\u2019s \u2018luxury car tax\u2019. BMW is undeniably a premium brand, of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3496,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3494","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3494","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3494"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3494\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3503,"href":"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3494\/revisions\/3503"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3496"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3494"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3494"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3494"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}