Any car with a price tag north of two million pesos deserves extra scrutiny; much more if it’s got a propeller badge upfront.  Any car, especially a BMW, costing this much should have nailed the basic things right: an impeccably balanced chassis, solid build quality and everyday practicality.  Sadly with those criteria, the BMW 1 Series manages meager score of 1 out of 3; its single point due to its wonderful chassis.  That’s a score of 33 percent for those grade conscious folk out there.  However, don’t let the poor score turn you off: the BMW 1 Series is still one likeable car, especially if need to simply getaway from the hustle and bustle of city traffic.  Despite the flaws, this is one car that will continuously bring a smile to your face.

Just a few weeks apart, the motioncars.com garage played host to the 118i and 120i, both similarly equipped cars sitting P 200,000 apart in terms of pricing.  Eagle-eyed readers would have taken note by now that the 1 Series in these photos are of the pre-facelift variety.  But don’t worry as the changes are fairly minimal, just limited to a cleaner front bumper and a new selection of wheels and tires.  As such, the 1 Series’s design is best described as controversial and polarizing.  For some, the exaggerated features such as the bug-eyed headlamps, the long wheelbase and short overhangs create a sporty undertone.  Others see the ‘flame-surfacing’ design motif gone wrong.  But whatever you make of it, the 1 Series’s looks are made or broken by the package you choose.  And there are three available for the 1 Series: base, Executive and Sport.

Steer clear of the base model, whose P 1.850-million price tag nets you with hubcaps and an asthmatic 115 horsepower 1.6-liter engine.  The Executive represents the start of respectable 1 Series ownership.  However, it was purposely spruced up (especially the exterior) just enough as not to call it bare.  The Sport is the looker of the bunch with its fully-painted exterior, fatter 16-inch tires and rear spoiler.  But there’s a hefty price premium involved, so it’s a balance between how you want your 1 Series to look and what you can afford.  Bottom line: if you want your 1 Series to look right, you’ll have to shell out for the Sport, which is already priced in the 3 Series range.

Outside, the 1 Series is built like any typical BMW: with a flawless fit and finish.  However, sadly this isn’t replicated inside.  The cockpit feels like it’s built to cost.  Generally, the interior feels similar to touch as the 3 Series, and that’s down to the same BMW family buttons and controls.  Nonetheless, the 3 Series build quality is sorely lacking in here, where even at the test unit’s minimal mileage (less than 5,000 kilometers), it already produces pronounced squeaks and rattles.  Ergonomically though, the 1 Series is sound with a driving position that’s not out of place in a sports car.  There’s excellent seating adjustment, but you still sit a bit low.  Visibility, especially at the back, is hampered; but it results in a go-kart feel.  This makes the 1 Series feels faster from behind the wheel than it really is.  For everyday traffic situation, this is very welcome.

The BMW 1 Series is certainly not from everyone. It's equally flawed but fun at the same time.

There are nice details outside like the badge that doubles as the boot lid opener (top). Despite having a much longer wheelbase proportionate to its overall length (bottom), interior room's very small.