The compact class is considered one of the most competitive automobile segments of the German market. Every revamped model, every next generation issue raises the question of who is leading the pack? The newcomer in our contest is the 5-door BMW 1 Series. It represents the second generation compact from the Bavarian carmaker. But will the 1 Series take first place? Four other candidates with diesel engines with around 103 kW power have their eye on the prize. We compare the BMW 118d to the Ford Focus, Alfa Romeo's Giulietta, the Audi A3 Sportback and the VW Golf.
