IN the 1980s, my dad had a BMW 323i, which he was really passionate about because of its smooth straight-six engine and sporty handling. I finally understood why, when I drove the new 125i Convertible in Valencia last weekend.

The BMW 1 Series was first launched as a hatchback in 2004, with the Coupe and the Convertible following last year.

While there's a mixed verdict on the latter's looks, there's no denying that it is unmistakeably a BMW. It may look 'compressed' but it sits squat and purposeful with lots of convex surface treatments on the flanks, as with the Z4.

With extra stiffening for rigidity, plus the electro-hydraulic roof mechanism, the 125i Convertible weighs in at a hefty 1,585kg. Luckily, its engine is up to the task.

While badged 125i, the engine is actually a three-litre straight six with 218 hp. Its power delivery is linear, pulling strongly from 2,500rpm up to the 7,200rpm rev limit, all the while emitting the sonorous exhaust note of a sporty cabriolet aimed at the younger crowd.

The 125i isn't blindingly quick, unlike the 135i with twin turbos and over 300 hp. But it is all right because it is a really fun car to drive.

Size wise, it is more 'chuckable' than the 3 Series. The electric power steering offers surprisingly good feedback, and while turn-in is not decisively sharp, it handles well for a cabriolet weighing over 1.5 tonnes. But the weight penalty is worth it as the car is pretty rigid - more so than the 3 Series Convertible - with little scuttle shake.

While most Singapore buyers are unlikely to drive the car hard, they will be pleased to know that at speeds up to twice the national speed limit with the top down and windows up, a conversation can still be had without raising one's voice.

The optional wind deflector helps a lot but the downside is there can be no rear passenger with it in place. Other nice features include special cooling pigments used in the leather to reduce the heat build-up of surface temperatures by up to 20????C, even when the car is parked in the sun for a long time with the roof open. In reality, this means that the leather will become warm after being exposed to the sun for a long period, but not hot.

The rest of the interior helps back up the 125i's premium compact car image with high quality fit and finish, and automatic climate control that senses if the roof is down and adjusts air flow.

Front-seat passengers have lots of space in all directions but rear seat occupants have little shoulder room although legroom is bearable. The ride quality, despite the impressive cornering prowess, is commendable with a good balance between comfort and control.

Under the hood, there are a host of other high-tech features that operate 'invisibly' - Brake Energy Regeneration, active air flaps and electric water pump. These are just some of BMW's EfficientDynamics strategy to make the 1 Series Convertible a true blue BMW and not some entry-level wannabe.

For those who believe that good things come in small packages, the 1 Series provides a sublime blend of looks, handling, comfort and of course pose-factor.

All in a bite-sized package that can be enjoyed by both the yuppie banker who knows the racing lines around Sepang, as well as his trophy girlfriend who's more concerned about not getting her hair tousled by the wind.

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BMW 125i Convertible

Engine: 2,996cc inline-6
Power: 218 hp @ 6,100 rpm
Torque: 270 Nm @ 2,500-4,250 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual or automatic
0-100 kmh: 6.8 sec
Top speed: 238 kmh
Distributor: Performance Motors Tel: 6319-0100