BMW 1-Series Hatchback 118i M Sport Dual-clutch auto 5d Owner Review

Having previously owned a couple of 3 series touring models, I changed to Audi simply for a change (A3 saloon) and was very pleased. I decided to change again last August and loved the look of the new BMW 1 series and found exactly what I was looking for at my local Sytner dealer and secured the deal on a 10 month old 118i auto. The car looks great and I am particularly impressed with the interior in terms of quality and layout. There are a few negatives however in my view compared with the Audi as follows. Quality of exterior paintwork not as deep and easily chips. No spare wheel, just a compressor pump. Quality of boot carpet very cheap. Double clutch gearbox nowhere near as smooth as the DSG on the Audi. Very clunky start up. Brakes sound grating first thing, to the point I took the car back to be looked at. No problem apparently. You may think from this list I regret purchasing the car, not so. The ride is good and the looks striking but quite likely back to Audi next time for me.