The small BMW received a top five-star crash test rating from Euro NCAP and systems used on larger BMWs were included in the 1-Series. These include ABS brakes, Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Traction Control, Dynamic Brake Control and Cornering Brake Control. All cars got six airbags and run flat tyres, so there was no need to stop to change the wheel if you got a puncture.
A keyless entry system recognises the key in driver’s pocket and automatically opens the door.
Customers could choose from three-door (from 2007) or five-door body styles. The rear-wheel-drive layout eats into boot space and the suspension intrudes quite a lot, however, there’s a 60/40 split to the folding rear seats. People do not typically choose the 1 Series for its practicality though.
Euro NCAP Rating
The BMW 1-Series Hatchback (04-11) was tested by Euro NCAP in and received the following safety ratings:
Euro NCAP provides motoring consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe. The safety ratings are determined from a series of vehicle tests, designed and carried out by Euro NCAP. These tests represent, in a simplified way, important real life accident scenarios that could result in injured or killed car occupants or other road users.