Even a BMW will admit that when it comes to the purchase of an entry-level 1 Series, the quoted manufacturer's list prices can be a bit misleading. For a start, bog-standard models without the 'essential' extras that most customers want are very rarely kept in stock. And even if you could buy one, you'd be very well advised not to if your car's all-important future residual value is not to be permanently tarnished. What was needed was an affordably priced way of buying into an affordably priced 1 Series with all the essential items already included. With the 1 Series Edition ES variants we look at here, BMW has duly met this customer need.

So what's the deal across the various Edition ES models now available? Well, they come in either 116i and 118d guises and, for a nominal price increase of £250 over the current ES models, offer substantial added value. That means you get 17-inch star-spoke alloy wheels, sport seats covered in upgraded cloth upholstery, a three-spoke multi-function leather steering wheel and front fog lights. 

This package of additional equipment would normally add up to £1,340 to the cost of a standard ES model. The £250 upgrade benefits residual values too. CAP and Glass's have indicated that Edition ES models are set to boost the BMW 1 Series' already strong residual values.  Prices start at £17,195 for the 116i Edition ES 3-door and £19,365 for the 118d Edition ES 3-door. Add £530 to those figures if you want the 5-door bodystyle.

If you haven't looked at the latest 1 Series line-up recently, then you probably won't even be aware that there is a 3-door model. Along with a Coupe version too new to get the Edition ES treatment, it's only recently been introduced to sell alongside the more familiar 5-door model.

"Choosing a 1 Series might be difficult. Choosing the right 1 Series isn't."

All 1 Series models now benefit from a whole series of extra high technology features. Clever ideas like Brake Energy Regeneration, an Automatic Start-Stop function and Electric Power Steering are now combined with lower rolling resistance tyres and a gearshift change indicator to encourage economical motoring. These innovations are in addition to the use of variable valve technologies and High-Precision Direct Injection engines on some 1 Series models that boost power output but cut fuel consumption and emissions.

The 118d variant, BMW's most economical car, manages its record 60.1mpg figure courtesy of these features in conjunction with the use of further lightweight engineering. It also puts out just 123g/km of CO2. Other engines in the 1 Series range record economy improvements of up to 24 per cent compared to the previous model, while emissions have also been cut by up to 21 per cent. These improvements have not been to the detriment of performance. This 1 Series is powered by a range of engines whose outputs have increased by up to 20bhp with a consequential improvement in performance figures.

Designed to compete in the compact executive sector, the 1 Series might be truncated in length but spend any time behind the wheel and you'll soon realise you're not being shortchanged any of BMW's look and feel. Rear wheel drive has traditionally been something of an anomaly in this market sector and key rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf and the Audi A3 are built around front wheel drive platforms. Asking the front wheels to perform the tasks of steering and deploying the power is distinctly sub optimum in terms of outright handling. How many Formula One cars are front wheel drive? Exactly.

Open one of the narrow back doors on the five-door model and you'll spot the payoff right away. There's less room in the back of the 1 Series than you'll find in a supermini like a Honda Jazz. With a six-footer behind the wheel, legroom is shockingly bad and the transmission tunnel means that you won't ever want to travel piggy in the middle on the rear bench. That's not what the 1 Series is all about. If you want a practical car, go and buy a mini-MPV. If you want the latest urban bauble that will turn heads and get tongues wagging, the 1 Series will be more your thing. At a stroke it manages to make the Audi A3 in particular look ridiculously staid.

To herald the introduction of the latest generation of engines, BMW's designers have refreshed the interior and exterior styling of the five-door model. The 1 Series now features a larger kidney grille for improved airflow to the engine. The lower front spoiler has also been reprofiled to create a larger air intake, while the spoiler protrudes further for a more pronounced, sporting look. The headlamp cluster remains the same size but a darker cover gives a subtle, more distinguished front end. At the rear a restyled bumper gives the impression of a wider, lower car. The rear lamp cluster now features a new arrangement of lights, but retains its original shape.

The three-door 1 Series features the same styling cues but its side view is naturally different. The passenger doors are longer than those on the five-door model and are also frameless in the style of a coupé. Inside, customers can choose between either a four-seat or a five-seat configuration. In the four-seat arrangement rear passengers are separated by a central storage compartment and sit in more sculptured seats. As a no-cost option the five-seat layout offers the traditional bench seat standard on the five-door 1 Series. The introduction of higher quality materials and minor changes to the layout of the interior aim to enhance customer comfort and practicality.

Overall, it's hard to see anyone looking for a 116i or 118d BMW 1 Series not opting for the Edition ES versions. They include everything you need to make your driveway statement just that little bit better - and to safeguard those all-important residuals. Choosing a 1 Series might be difficult in the light of all the competition in this sector of the market. Choosing the right 1 Series isn't.