I am currently deciding on what to get to replace my 208GTi. Having test a 136bhp 1-series a few weeks back and found it a nicely balanced car with RWD goodness, it is currently top of the list.

So, wanting to investigate further, I arranged a test drive in a 120i in "Sport" trim (184bhp) this weekend. It does not have M-Sport suspension, so rides extremely well and handling (so far as I could explore it on a short test drive route) was perfectly adequate. However, I am after an auto, and the dealer only had the auto in a soot chucker equipped with M-Sport suspension. The ride was ****ing awful - I have no idea why anyone would specify this on what is, let's face it, not in any way, shape or form, a "sporty" car.

Whilst it probably makes sense on the M135/M140 versions it's completely ridiculous for what is really a rep-mobile.

So lit looks like an older 118i with the 170 bhp engine (not the newer one with 136bhp - why do BMW make this so ****ing complicated?) or a newer 120i...

 

It probably ain't the suspension, it's probably the runflat tyres.

 

Both cars were fitted with run-flats.

 

It's sort of the rep-mobile equivalent of 'stancing' or 'hellofaflush' or whatever the latest version of the fad is called.

Possibly is of some use on German-spec road surfaces/Nuerburgringen, but not on ours.

You may be spoiled, though: I had a ride in an Aygo and could definitely detect Peugeot-genes in is chassis behaviour. Very composed over road tits, for something so tiny. And tinny...

 

I have an Aygo and it's a sloppy bucket of bolts compared to the S200 - it's now relegated to Winter car.

If you are not going to keep it outside of the lease, then i'd get whichever you hate the least / costs you less over the lease term.

 

I think the point of the Aygo is that it's slightly dryer and marginally less effort than LG's Trek. The three pot is rather rougher than the GV160 on my lawnmower.

Isn't a 1er cheaper to lease than an Aygo, or something equally as daft?

All those options/variables on the 'premium' cars drive me on the piss too, and I navigate away pretty quickly.

 

I've been in PaulF 1 Series and it's a pleasant thing but as ever, it's relative. If all you want is a metal lid over your head, the Aygo is fine. A smog monster 1 series isn't that much more per month if a tenner a week extra doesn't break the bank.

I think that's my view anyway

 

I have a 118D M sport auto on run flats and M suspension. The ride is completely acceptable for a small car and any shortcomings are as much due to the short wheelbase than anything else. Amongstother things I also have a 330i touring on non rfts whichh rides much better but is nothing like as easy to punt about as the one-er. The whole rft terrible ride thing is completely subjective but don't expect to waft in any dinky little car.

 

Simon, if you're gonna get a slushbox, ensure it has flappy-paddles.

They're a bit daft without them, changing gear half-way through a bend and stuff. Heel n toe changes are very much smoother, too!

 

This is mostly for wafting about on motorways and driving in and out of London at night-time. the slushbox and radar cruise control will make both of those tasks a little less wearisome. Hence the preference of comfort in the suspension part of the equation.

I'll leave heel and toeing and enthusiastic cornering to the S2000...