First Drive - BMW 1 Series

Consequently, Bluetooth, USB, multi-function leather steering wheel and air-con are among the items that are standard on the SE trim, which is also priced below the outgoing model.

On the surface, it’s working. Residual values are expected to be 47-48%, a full 10 percentage points above the current car. However, it’s worth noting that residuals on the original 1 Series were also up around those figures when it was launched.

Wholelife costs will also fall thanks to more efficient engines, lower SMR bills (the car has been designed to be repaired more quickly; for example the bonnet line is further back so is less likely to need replacing in lower speed accidents) and lower insurance ratings (116d drops three groups to 17; all other models drop one group).

Running costs on the 116d SE is 45.11ppm according to KeeResources, a saving of xxppm on the current model.

Three-quarters of 116d models will go to fleet, while the more powerful and biggest selling 118d unit will also be a fleet favourite – eight out of 10 sales will be corporate. The 99g/km Efficient Dynamics 116ED will account for 15% of the annual 20,000 sales.

Interestingly, BMW expects 40% of the petrol engine 116i to go to company car drivers thanks to a near 8% drop in CO2 emissions (now 132g/km). Running costs are just 3ppm higher than the diesel equivalent.

“It’s cheaper to buy than the diesel so if the RV is strong and you are in the right tax bands, the car will sell,” explains Morrison.

The original 1 Series sold in big numbers to corporate buyers eager to get their hands on an entry level BMW for the first time. The new model gives them every reason to remain loyal.