As we all know that German cars are synonymous with high levels of safety, build quality, ergonomics and sometimes even outright power.The BMW 1 Series is a real goer through corners, the combination of light front suspension and pushed back engine position give the front end incredible dexterity.

The dashboard is simple, elegant, and it works a treat.It's not an in-your-face design, but it's not a wilting violet either, making use of a subtle bodykit and working a few of the trendy Z4's stylings into the car, while the high door line imparts a sense of prestige.

The thoughtfully sculpted flanks also took the fancy, with just a hint of the Chris Bangle-influenced flame surfacing, which in plain English means there's a subtle-but-stylish curve that stretches between the front and rear wheels that catches light and shadow.

These powerful four-cylinder engines deliver impressive dynamics. Take the BMW 120i: its 115 kW (156 hp) enables a top speed of 215 km/h and a maximum torque of 200 Nm at 3,600 rpm. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 8.6 seconds.