BMW has spent most of its modern history extolling the virtues of rear-wheel drive, so when the company launched its third-generation 1 Series in 2019 with front-wheel drive, it raised a few eyebrows. For most customers though, which end of the car is being driven doesn’t matter as much as space and value, and the latest model definitely scores on those fronts - especially if you’re buying used.
The 1 Series still handles well too in all its forms, and a range of petrol and diesel options gives you a choice of just how much performance and economy you need. It makes for an appealing alternative to the likes of the Audi A3 and Mercedes A-Class.
The BMW 1 Series is a car that ticks all the sporty, high-quality premium hatchback boxes. It has the right image, it drives well, it’s well-built, and has a range of engines with good performance and economy. If you’ve got a little extra money to spend on your next family hatchback, it’s well worth a look.
One of the main benefits of the 2019-on 1 Series moving to front-wheel drive from BMW’s more traditional rear-wheel drive layout is extra cabin space. While it’s still not the largest hatch in this class, it’s less cramped than its predecessor, especially in the rear seats, and the boot is bigger too, albeit by only a small margin.
Quality is very good - this is definitely one of the better screwed-together hatches in the class, and BMW’s in-car tech is among the best too, not being too complex to understand or too distracting on the move. The driving position is great and the 1 Series is also comfortable and refined, though ride quality can be firm in the sportier models. All models are frugal though, even the hot 128ti and M135i, given their performance.
The 1 Series’ closest competitors are the Audi A3 and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, each of which offers a similar lineup of engines, power outputs, and economy to the BMW, but their own unique designs and interior layouts. The BMW’s probably still the best of the trio to drive, though when you get to the hot hatches, there are definitely even more entertaining options from elsewhere, such as the Golf GTI and Golf R from Volkswagen, or the Hyundai i30N and Honda Civic Type-R.
Your best option with a 1 Series is to follow in the footsteps of the customers who bought them new, and that means you’ll most likely be looking at the popular 118i, with its three-cylinder, 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine. It performs well and its claimed economy isn’t too far short of 50mpg, so it covers a lot of bases, and it’s among the cheapest to insure too. The diesels will really help you maximise economy, while the two hot hatchbacks are fun - the 128ti and the M135i - but not quite as entertaining as several of their rivals from other brands.
The pre-facelift 1 Series range comprises five models, with a walk up from SE to Sport and M Sport, plus two hot hatchbacks, the front-wheel drive 128ti and the all-wheel drive M135i.
The BMW 1 Series exterior dimensions are:
The BMW 1 Series boot size is:
All third-generation 1 Series are taxed under the flat rate that has been in place since April 2017, which currently means a bill of £190 per year for petrol and diesel engines, regardless of their CO2 output or performance. The exception is any model that costs more than £40,000 when new, which may mean some particularly well-specified M135i versions. These are subject to a surcharge, lifting tax to £600 per year in the second to sixth years of registration - so check carefully to ensure the car you’re buying won’t cost a large amount to tax.
A basic BMW 116d in SE trim starts in group 16, while the range-topping M135i goes up to group 36 out of 50. This is fairly consistent with rivals - a Volkswagen Golf spans groups 14-27 in the conventional range, while the M135i equivalent Golf R slots into insurance groups 31-35.
What is the most popular colour for BMW 1 Series ?
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What is the average mileage for BMW 1 Series ?
18311
How many BMW 1 Series cars are available for sale?
1085