BMW 125i SE Convertible

These are the entry-level convertibles for Audi and BMW, but they’re not actually that small. Take the 1-Series, for instance. At 4,360mm long, it’s bigger than the original 3-Series drop-top.

The 125i is also narrower and lower than its rival, and looks better proportioned overall. We’re not entirely convinced by the near vertical sculpted sides, which give it a vague resemblance to a bathtub. But overall we feel that BMW has done a better job than Audi at turning its compact model into a stylish drop-top.

The hood mechanism is more traditional than the A3’s, with the fabric folding into a covered compartment. It leaves a clean shape, but it takes 22.7 seconds to open – more than double the Audi’s 9.6-second time. However, the operation can be completed at up to 31mph.

At 260 litres, the BMW’s boot capacity is identical to the Audi’s. The rear seats don’t fold, but the compartment the roof stows into can be raised if you keep the hood up, which adds another 45 litres. Rear passengers aren’t as well catered for. Not only is there 30mm less legroom than in the A3, but the narrow rear seats result in an uncomfortably twisted body position.

The driver’s seat is comfortable, if a little narrow. It’s supportive, though, and you sit low, which makes the car feel sportier, as well as more secure. It’s a shame the layout isn’t as user-friendly as the Audi’s. The materials aren’t as tactile and less light enters the cabin with the roof up.

But all of that is forgotten on the road. At 1,585kg, the cabrio is 100kg heavier than the coupé, yet the stiffening has had the desired effect. There’s barely a trace of shake or shudder, and when you do hit a pothole, the vibrations are absorbed quickly.

As a result, it feels much more together on the road, so although the suspension is firmer, the BMW is just as comfortable as the Audi – and it’s quieter, too. The 1-Series doesn’t have the A3’s tall roll hoops which poke up into the airflow, so consequently there’s less wind roar with the top down. A measurement of 73dB is only a decibel quieter than the Audi, though.

And the 1-Series isn’t only good for cruising. Keen drivers are more likely to opt for the coupé, but the soft-top is nearly as much fun. Its rear-wheel-drive layout gives a 50:50 weight distribution and means the BMW feels much more balanced on the road. Turn into a corner, and the nose doesn’t plough straight on like the Audi’s. Instead it grips hard, allowing the car to slice through corners. Sharp steering and strong brakes also inspire confidence.

The engine is a central part of this appeal, too. It’s not as smooth and torquey as the A3’s unit, but the 3.0-litre motor sounds great and has immediate throttle response. Yet despite the straight-six’s capacity, it doesn’t have a very meaty mid-range, with acceleration not really picking up until the needle swings past 5,000rpm.

Nevertheless, considering they’re intended to be stylish rather than sporty, these are both rapid cars. And although the 1-Series has no answer to the A3’s superb S tronic gearbox, the six-speed manual’s shift is robust. The long-travel clutch takes some getting used to, though.

Cost-wise, the BMW has the edge, although you’d save £1,400 if you chose the manual A3. However, unlike the Audi, the 125i SE has parking and rain sensors as standard – but you have to pay £220 for a removable wind deflector.

Details

Price: £26,205
Model tested: 125i SE Convertible
Chart position: 1
WHY: It’s a full four-seater, with a good boot and neat top which folds under a hard cover.

Economy

NOT even BMW’s Efficient Dynamics upgrades could quench the big 3.0-litre engine’s thirst. It returned 27.2mpg, and the 1’s range is 40 miles shorter, at 417 miles.

Residuals

In three years, the BMW will retain 57.7 per cent of its value – around seven to 10 per cent better than the coupé and hatch. The 3-Series Convertible fares even better.

Servicing

BMW pioneered inclusive servicing, but its deal is pricey at £495. Still, the network came 12th out of 30 in our Driver Power 2008 dealer survey – that’s four places ahead of Audi.

Tax

The 1-Series’ 195g/km CO2 output means lower-band fleet drivers will pay £136 more in tax a year, at £1,557. Road tax and insurance cost more, too.