We really do not know how BMW get away with it but time and again they do, if the BMW 1 Series Saloon wasn’t as over priced as it is utterly pointless (it isn’t a real BMW) we would have flown to America, entered illegally via Mexico and gotten deliberately shot by US border patrol, or as they really should be known, US neo-Nazi border patrol.

But enough about the US of A and the rise of neo-Nazi politics, the BMW 1 Series saloon (sedan) is due to enter the North American market, not illegally via Mexico to the USA but legally offered in Mexico. The BMW 1 Series Saloon was originally intended as a China only model, and it will retail from £16k or 489,900 MXN for entry level models. The engine range consists of 3-cylinder and 4-cylinder variants already shared across multiple small BMWs, so nothing new there. So, the entry level 118iA makes do with the 3-cylinder, TwinPower 1.5-litre turbo engine, 6-speed auto which sends 136bhp and 200Nm of torque to the front wheels. Ultimate driving machine this is not, the performance figures are too pathetic to reveal. And a Front wheel drive BMW is sacrilege. The 569,900 MXN (£22k) 120iA, 4-cylinder, 2.0-litre 192bhp turbo engine sounds more uplifting, the extra power allows for an 8-speed auto and can rake in a 0-62mph time of 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 146mph. Standard equipment is OK, entry-level cars get fake leather interior, re-branded as Sensatec upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 6.5-inch infotainment system, a real leather-wrapped steering wheel, LED-DR headlights, 17-inch alloys and front sports seats. BMW has no plans to introduce the BMW 1 Series saloon (sedan) to the European market, which is fine by us because it’s too small to be considered a proper BMW. If you want a properly small BMW that is offered at a cheaper price but looks way more stylish, with equally as good premium fit and finish, then why not go for the Mini?