BMW launched the 1 Series back in 2004 to mixed reactions. But the doubters soon had their thoughts or comments dashed as this all-new range of hatches, coupes and cabriolets soon became fast selling cars and highly sought after in the used car trade.Slotting in nicely beneath the 3 Series, the car offers a comprehensive range of trim levels and, as expected with a BMW of this era, a number of fuel injected four and six cylinder petrol power units, including some powerful turbocharged models. Diesel options came in three sizes, and all original 1 Series were rear wheel drive. One initial concern with the 1 Series was the worry that it was going to be cut-price BMW. Customers had nothing to worry about in this area as the car was extremely well put together. Such an exacting level of interior and exterior build quality from new makes spotting a rogue one easy.Panel fit, paint applications and interior finish were all streets ahead of lesser competition and the car was also blessed with very keen road manners. Small it may have been but as with most other BMW's the 1 Series was big on fun, too, thanks to it being all the more compact. Despite earliest examples now being nearly two decades old, in the right ownership these cars wear it well and still look fresh and modern. But beware of overpriced nails, trashed and abused M-Sport or ham-fistedly customised examples there's plenty out there to catch you out.The small BMW received a top five-star crash test rating from Euro NCAP and systems used on larger BMWs were included in the 1-Series. These include ABS brakes, Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Traction Control, Dynamic Brake Control and Cornering Brake Control. All cars got six airbags and run flat tyres, so there was no need to stop to change the wheel if you got a puncture.