The 120i Convertible has three trump cards – one, it’s a BMW; two, it’s a breath of fresh air; and three, it’s rear-wheel-drive. Admittedly, only true enthusiasts will appreciate rear-drive dynamics, even in a heavy car with just over 150hp on tap, but anyone can see that the soft-top 120i is quite a lot of BMW for the money.
Back in 2008, $158k is hardly small change, yes, but this is far more affordable than the big-ticket 325i Convertible, which goes for $215k. Conveniently enough, the open-air 120i is priced very close to the Volkswagen Eos, which initially appears to beat the BMW, especially in power, performance and practicality, but a quick back-to-back comparison shows that the 120i wins on panache and its blend of abilities, which are even smoother than the Eos’.
The 1’s winning ways start with styling that is both pretty and sporty, whether the roof is up or down, whereas the Eos isn’t particularly pretty and needs to drop its top to really score with fashionistas. BMW’s controversial “flame surfacing” design theme works well with the 120’s “barchetta” (little Italian boat) shoulder-line and the whole car looks like a proper convertible, not some afterthought. The alfresco 120 is also the best-looking model in the belated 1 Series range, although the 125i Coupe cuts it close. Sealing the 120 Convertible’s catwalk credentials is a wide choice of 12 colours, which can be matched to either a black or beige cloth top.
Inside the cockpit, the straightforward 120 comes across as more intimate and even more driver-oriented than the Eos, with enough equipment to match the Volkswagen’s luxury outlook, such as quality leather trim, powered front sport seats, a multi-function steering wheel, digital climate control, iPod/USB hi-fi interface and automatic xenon headlights.
Space-wise, the 120 cabin is noticeably less accommodating than the Eos, for people and loose items alike, but the BM boot is roomier with the soft-top stowed (it takes up less space than the VW’s hard-top), with 260 litres versus 205. Raise the roof, however, and the Eos is back on top, with 380 litres of cargo room versus the 120’s 305.
It might be made of fabric, but the 120’s roof doesn’t lose out to the Eos’ steel top in daily driving, thanks to superb insulation against aerodynamic noise and traffic din. At 22 seconds, the opening/closing of the top is a bit quicker than the Eos, and you can operate it on the move at speeds of up to 40km/h, something the Volkswagen can’t do. You can also open the roof remotely using the key, again a feature unavailable on the VW, but strangely enough, you can’t close it via the same remote.
On the road, the 120 is significantly slower than the Eos, which is no surprise because the Beemer is just 22kg lighter than the 1557kg Eos but has 44hp less under the bonnet. Those horses are produced in a smooth, progressive manner though, all the way to the 6500rpm redline, and their performance is maximised by the responsive 6-speed automatic.
In terms of ride comfort, the 120 is sweeter and more refined than the Eos, due to its excellent suspension and surprisingly stiff body, which are also largely responsible for the car’s superior handling. It’s stable and perfectly controllable in corners, with weighty and precise steering that is far more faithful than the turbo-corrupted rack in the Eos. Put simply, the Volkswagen is a busy breakdance and the BMW is a classy slow dance.
The Volkswagen is faster and more spectacular, but its qualities don’t run as deep as the BMW’s. The 120i is slower but it steers, rides and handles with greater aplomb. Ultimately, the 120i is a little more compelling than the Eos as a premium convertible with practical attributes. 
