The 1 Series convertible (E88) officially debuted on September 29, 2007. The new 1-Series Cabriolet offers four petrol models ranging from the 118i’s 143 hp 2.0-litre unit to the 306 hp 3.0-litre six-cylinder 135i, while a 177 hp (132 kW) four-cylinder turbodiesel will also be available.

The convertible will be available with a fabric top, to differentiate it further from the now steel-roofed 3-series convertible E93. It is now in size and spirit very close to the original 3-series convertible.

The fourth variant of the 1-Series, and the fourth open-top car from BMW, the 1-Series Convertible arrives in the nick of time. Compact exec convertibles with the right badge are thin on the ground, but as soon as the 1-Series Convertible debuts, Audi will roll out its A3 convertible.

Like the Audi, the 1-Series has a fabric roof rather than the folding hard-tops we’ve been used to of late. The decision has been made on the grounds of packaging, weight and preserving the good looks. Based heavily on the recent 1-Series Coupe , there’s an average weight gain of 120kg that is substantial, but which could have been almost double if a folding hard-top was employed.

Not all of the Coupe’s engine range is carried over. There’s just one diesel – the 120d, powered by a 174bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel – and four petrol engines: the 118i, a 140bhp 2.0-litre four cylinder; the 120i, which also uses the 2.0-litre but generates 170bhp; the 215bhp 3.0-litre six-cylinder that powers the 125i; and 135i, with the 302bhp twin-turbo 3.0-litre six-cylinder that muscles its way to 62mph in just 5.6 seconds.

The 1-Series Convertible also features BMW’s trademark 50:50 front-rear weight distribution that provides, along with rear-wheel drive, balanced and entertaining handling.

On sale from April with initially three engines, the range kicks off at £24,055 for the 120i ES stretching to £26,195 for the 125i SE. The 118i, 120d and 135i follow later in the year.