The BMW 1 Series 5-door doesn’t just look shapely on the outside. Inside you’re met by the purposeful curves of the dashboard that places primary functions immediately to hand. Add the optional sports seats, which provide maximum support when cornering and you are in the perfect position to enjoy the car’s spontaneous power.

The inside story continues with a 60:40 split-fold backrest which provides an almost level luggage compartment floor. What’s more you can customise the cabin with a smart range of colours and trims to reflect your individual taste. Impressive levels of standard safety features match the improved level of comfort and luxury. Six airbags ensure optimum safety for occupants, while ISOFIX fixing point ensure plenty of options for children. Furthermore, the Dynamic Stability, Traction and Brake Controls combine to keep the car safely on the road. Even those behind you can keep a safe distance thanks to Brake Force Display, which increases the area of the brake light when emergency braking.

Like the 1 Series 3-Door the 5-Door also benefits from BMWs "Efficient Dynamics Programme" technology, which includes Auto Start/Stop and "Optimum Gearshift Indicator". You also have the option of BMWs innovative Adaptive headlights, which automatically adjust the direction of the light beam to the twists of the road. Plus, run-flat tires mean you can travel up to 150 miles at 50 mph with a puncture- so don’t let anything stop you.

The BMW 1 Series 5 Door 2007 is available now at Stephen James BMW with a range of flexible finance options to suit you. Stephen James is an Authorised BMW dealer with BMW dealerships in Enfield, Blackheath, Bromley and Ruxley. Contact us now to find out more about the BMW 1 Series or to arrange a test drive.

BMW 1 Series 5 Door: Improved Fuel Efficiency  

Technologies such as Brake Energy Regeneration, Automatic Start-Stop function and Electric Power Steering are combined with lower rolling resistant tyres and a gearshift change indicator to encourage economical motoring. These innovations are in addition to the use of variable valve technologies and High-Precision Direct Injection engines on some 1 Series models that boost power output but cut fuel consumption and emissions.

Brake Energy Regeneration (iGR) makes its debut on the 1 Series. The system uses an Intelligent Alternator Control (IAC) and an Absorbent Glass Mat battery to recycle previously lost energy, in turn saving fuel. This is achieved as the IAC reduces drag on the engine by only engaging when required to charge the battery, whereas a traditional alternator is always pulling power from the engine. Additionally, the energy generated by the engine on over-run (under braking or descending a hill) was previously wasted. Now this lost energy is utilised by the IAC to charge the battery. iGR alone is responsible for a three per cent improvement in fuel economy.

The new 1 Series comes with Automatic Start-Stop function to cut fuel consumption. Standard on all manual transmission models (except 130i), the system automatically switches the engine off when the vehicle is stationary and the driver puts the car into neutral. To restart the driver only need engage the clutch again before pulling away in the normal manner. Should he not want to use the Automatic Start-Stop function it can be manually switched off.

The use of Electric Power Steering results in a 90 per cent energy saving compared to a conventional mechanical hydraulic steering system. Power assistance is now provided by an electric motor that works only when required, such as turning a corner. Other fuel saving enhancements have been made courtesy of various ancillary devices, such as the air-conditioning power supply being disconnected from the drive train when not in use. Even flaps behind the kidney grille improve economy, closing up for improved aerodynamic efficiency should the engine require less airflow. The feature also improves cold starting times.

BMW 1 Series 5 Door: Safety

All BMW 1 Series models come with Dynamic Stability Control with Dynamic Traction Control for the best combination driving pleasure and safety. DSC allows drivers to make the most of the 1 Series’ 50:50 weight distribution and rear-wheel drive configuration for the best on-road performance. The BMW 130i comes with five additional functions with its DSC+ system for enhanced convenience and driver safety: Hill Start Assistant, Brake Pre-tensioning, Brake Drying, Brake Fade Compensation and Soft Stop.

All BMW 1 Series have six airbags as standard, the Brake Force Display function on the rear lights to highlight sharp braking and Run-flat tyres with Tyre Puncture Warning System.

BMW 1 Series 5 Door: Style

To herald the introduction of the latest generation of engines, BMW’s designers have refreshed the interior and exterior styling of the five-door model. The 1 Series now features a larger kidney grille for improved airflow to the engine. The lower front spoiler has also been re-profiled to create a larger air intake, while the spoiler protrudes further for a more pronounced, sporting look. The headlamp cluster remains the same size but a darker cover gives a subtle, more distinguished front end.