WHEN BMW FINALLY launched the 1-Series in Hong Kong, recently, I wondered whether it would be dumbed down for shopping runs, or marketed as a pocket rocket.
The 'Oner' looks awkward. Its scalloped sides are the remnants of designer Chris Bangle's flame-surfacing and seem ornate to some, but too fussy for me. The cabin is well to the rear, and accentuates the BMW's rear-wheel drive.
The wheels are pushed to the car's four corners for greater accuracy and ease of recovery in bends. The tailgate seems truncated, and the vertical kidney grilles stop abruptly, but the design gives a hint of power without goading boy racers.
The 130i's electronic gadgetry and digital displays seem modern after my classic 323i, but BMW's dashboard and console layout is as logical as ever.
The climate and audio controls are handy, and the crucial functions are duplicated on the superb, thick-leathered steering wheel. There are cubby holes everywhere you look. Our car didn't have the latest, simplest form of I-Drive, but there's a useful cupholder in its place, and a great holder for sunglasses behind the handbrake.
All Oners have an auxiliary input socket for MP3-players, but this South Africa-made car skimps on the plastics. Minor switchgear can be cheap and brittle to the touch, but I like the way the centre console tilts towards the driver's seat. It's easily adjusted and is a fine fit for quick gearshifts. The pedals are well-spaced with just the right travel for some spirited driving.