The BMW 120d M

So, as promised, here it is (albeit very belatedly). My review of the BMW 1-series. As I have previously mentioned, I won a motoring journalism competition and driving this car was my prize. Consequently, I went to Brands Hatch in March to try out the 120d M.

The first thing that hit me when I entered Brands Hatch was the sound. The roar of the Formula Ford engines came from the track, and the commentator’s voices boomed out around the complex.

Excited, but a little nervous, I entered the YoungDrive briefing room. An instructor told us about the track, and a little about what we would experience in the next few hours. We were divided into groups of three, and each assigned to an instructor; then we found our cars- BMW 120d M’s.

My two group members and I got into the car, and our instructor drove us down to the track. I could see pick-up trucks racing by on the other circuit. When we arrived he showed us the basics, like steering and changing gear. The first person got into the driver’s seat and tried it for himself. As he pulled off, I sat nervously in the back, knowing that in a few minutes it would be my turn to drive.

That drive finished without incident, but now it was my turn. Petrified, I got in. I had driven before, but never in a manual car. After putting the car into neutral, I cautiously pushed down on the clutch pedal. I pressed the start button, and as the engine roared I was horribly aware of the power I was now in control of. Slowly, I released the clutch and applied some throttle. The instruction was good, and I felt certain that I was in safe hands.

 I pulled away, and was confident enough to put some power down on the first straight. The car was fairly responsive, but seemed a little unstable. The instructions continued through the first corner, which I was thankful for as I wasn’t entirely sure what to do. As I accelerated out of the corner, I changed up, which went quite well, although it was a little jerky. However, I got better as I went round the track, and by the time I got to the cone slalom at the end, my shift times had decreased. I manoeuvred around the cones fairly well, although I was over-steering a little. I noticed the car had a tendency to do this, which was frustrating as a driver. After executing a three-point turn, I went back round the track and completed the second set of cones a lot more successfully than the first.

I enjoyed the whole experience of YoungDrive at Brands Hatch, and I certainly feel more prepared for when I can really take to the road.