If there is one motor journalist I trust, it's Tiff Needell in Fifth Gear.
I've tested both the 170hp 118i as well as the 184hp 120d, and would give the car a 9/10 myself, due to the best handling and best engine qualities of it's class.
I deducted 1/10 though for the cheap handle of the glove box
I've come to like the front design, especially the M-sport. Since it is controversial it means it's got caracter. Unlike Audi, who continously spits out boring pieces of the same design language they introduced with the A6 in the mid 90's.