BILLED originally as BMW's baby hatch, surely the 1-Series should be re-named the Baby Beamer or even Baby Boomer!
With an awesome 3.0-litre engine this five-door hatchback possesses incredible power and performance capabilities.
And the M Sport specification adds even more oomph. Acceleration is excellent, along with the road-holding and cornering at speed. And even the sporty ride due to its sports suspension adds a little bone-rattling fun to the all-round package.
It's true this car is not for the faint-hearted or the boy-racers - insurance will see to that - and I doubt you'll spot many on a school run, but it certainly has a place in the market.
Basically, anyone who enjoys driving and wants a car to offer all-round performance should book a test drive - I think they will soon be hooked.
But apart from the great drive, the 1-Series boasts a whole host of top-notch features as one might expect from the luxury car maker.
For example, there are rain sensors and automatic headlight controls, automatic climate control, an interior auto-dimming window and on-board computer.
And the safety package is impressive too with side impact protection, six airbags, run-flat tyres and a Tyre Puncture Warning System, plus dynamic stability control and brake force display.
The streamlined features of the 1-Series are guaranteed to turn heads and the visible twin exhaust pipes always attract attention.
Despite its size, the 1-Series is deceptively roomy inside and there is also plenty of luggage space along with numerous storage compartments throughout.
And for the transportation of longer or bulkier objects, the rear seats can be split and folded forward.
All in all, quite a compact little motor - admittedly, not cheap, but the longer you spend behind the wheel, the more it grows on you.
FAST FACTS
BMW 1-Series 130i M Sport 5dr
Price: £26,915
Mechanical: 265bhp, 2,996cc, 6cyl petrol engine driving rear wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 155mph
0-62mph: 6.1 secs
Combined mpg: 34
Insurance group: 17
CO2 emissions: 197g/km
BiK rating: 26%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust