Written by Keith Adams Updated: 11 November 2024

Overview

If you’re looking for a small family hatchback but want something a bit more premium, there are three main choices: the BMW 1 Series, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Audi A3. The rivalry between them has always been competitive and each is regularly in the list of the UK’s most popular new cars. 

If a sporty driving experience is at the top of your priority list, the best choice of those three has always been the BMW 1 Series, which is now returning for a fourth generation. Though it’s really more of a heavy facelift of the previous model, the styling changes and interior refresh give it a new-car feel. And considering this model range is by far BMW’s most popular car in the UK, we can’t blame it for not wanting to make too many changes. 

The overall shape of the new 1 Series is similar to the old car but with significant alterations to the front and rear, with a lower and wider grille. There are new lights too, and it’s slightly bigger than before owing to its new bumpers.

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But it’s the interior that signals the biggest change for the 1 Series, as it adopts BMW’s new Curved Display interior, being one of the last cars from the German firm to get this new setup that merges a large infotainment screen with a digital driver display under one piece of glass. Much of the interior is also redesigned as a result, with far fewer physical buttons used than before. 

There are some significant differences under the surface, too, with various chassis changes to add greater comfort, while mild-hybrid engines are available in the 1 Series for the first time. BMW’s also markedly cutting back on the engine choice in its cars, and this one is no different, with just two petrol models available – the 120 and M135, note the removal of the old ‘i’ at the end – and no more diesels.

While the 1 Series’ key rivals remain the Audi A3 and Mercedes A-Class, the latest Volkswagen Golf continues to be an excellent choice if you can live without such a premium badge. The DS 4 could be worth considering if you’re looking for a upmarket hatchback that will stand out from the crowd.

But is the new BMW 1 Series’ focus on sportiness and quality enough to give it the hatchback crown? We’ve now had the chance to try it in both Germany and the UK ahead of initial deliveries landing in the UK, covering considerable miles. You can also read about how we test cars at Parkers if you’re interested in seeing how we perform our assessments. 

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What’s it like inside?

The interior of the previous BMW 1 Series was already one of its strongest assets and things have only improved with this new car. The new Curved Display has modernised the appearance of this hatchback’s cabin and brought it in line with the rest of the BMW range. There are some compromises, with all climate control and many of the lighting functions now being exclusively driven from the touchscreen – a retrograde step in our view.

Though the displays aren’t as large as in other BMWs, they nicely fill this compact car’s interior, with the infotainment system running on BMW’s latest operating system. That means quick shortcut buttons and climate control are always easily visible on the screen. It’s a compromise that will work for some. 

Most impressive about the 1 Series’ interior is the quality. You can try as hard as you like but you won’t find any cheaper materials here, and there’s the feeling that no corners have been cut, even if this is BMW’s most affordable model. We’d argue it has a better interior than some of the firm’s more expensive cars, not least the closely related X1 SUV. New LED lighting within interior trim pieces on the side of the dashboard not only looks great, it also flashes to warn of danger – if you try and open a car door into a passing vehicle or cyclist, for example. 

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However, where the 1 Series falls short is when it comes to interior space. The rear seats are cramped compared with those of an Audi A3, with a fairly small door opening and limited headroom making it flawed for those wanting to carry taller rear occupants. Granted, this might not be common in such a small car, but rivals are more useful.

While individually folding rear seats are a welcome touch on a car of this size, the 1 Series’ boot is also quite compact. That’s especially true of the 120 version fitted with the mild-hybrid system as its battery is stored in the area that is usually useful underfloor storage, reducing overall capacity from 380 to 300 litres. It means cars from the class below, such as the Renault Clio and Skoda Fabia have larger boots. 

Engines

Engine choice was plentiful on the previous 1 Series with two diesels and four petrol available, and while other European countries will still get a wide range of options, in the UK there is now just two engines available: the 120 and M135. Each comes with a seven-speed automatic gearbox too. As for the the lack of ‘i’ at the end – it used to be the M135i, for example – BMW is taking the letter off its petrol cars starting with the 1 Series. 

The 120 is a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine that features a 48-volt mild hybrid system using a motor integrated into the gearbox to maximise both performance and efficiency. Outputs are 170hp and 280Nm of torque (pulling power), allowing a 0-62mph sprint time of 7.8 seconds and 140mph top speed. It’s pretty efficient, too, with BMW claiming more than 50mpg, and CO2 emissions as low as 121g/km. 

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The only other engine you can choose is the M135 hot hatch, which uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol unit. It’s slightly down on power and torque compared to its predecessor, though is not short of pace. With 300hp and 400Nm of torque, it can still do 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds and 155mph flat out. Despite this performance, BMW still claims 37mpg.

The new 1 Series is now at a disadvantage compared with rivals from Audi, Mercedes and Volkswagen, however, since all of these are available as popular plug-in hybrids. 

What’s it like to drive?

Driving enthusiasts were alarmed when BMW changed the 1 Series from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel-drive with the 2019 model, but it soon became obvious that this was still one of the best-driving hatchbacks around. This continues with the new version, which offers a level of engagement and agility that the Mercedes A-Class and Audi A3 can’t quite match. 

The weather conditions on our test drive around Munich were especially poor, with heavy rain and lots of standing water. Despite this, the 1 Series handled them with ease, especially so with the M135, which comes equipped with all-wheel-drive and enables impressive traction whatever the weather. Though the M135 offers no shortage of pace, to us it feels lacking in the fun department, which is a shame.

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We’d choose the 120 overall, as in normal driving conditions it’s more than quick enough, and it’s a particularly refined engine considering its cylinder count. The transmission, particularly when put into ‘sport’ mode is more responsive than those used in many family hatchbacks. 

But the downside of the 1 Series’ sportiness is its comfort, something that really came to light driving the car in the UK. The ride is particularly firm and jiggly, and in combination with the sports seats that the M Sport and M135 models use, equates to a car that isn’t great when driving around town or on A-roads. The good news is that it does settle down a little on the motorway, but it’s never what you’d call comfortable.

There is some good news, though. Although the suspension is too firm for normal driving, when you’re faced with a challenging B-road, it comes together well, with excellent body control, fast steering and low-roll cornering. All of our test cars have so far been fitted with the adaptive M suspension (standard on everything but the Sport), so we are keen to try the regular suspension to see if it’s any more comfortable. 

What models and trims are available?

BMW has discontinued the entry-level SE trim previously available on the 1 Series, with three grades now available: Sport, M Sport and the M135. Standard equipment is quite impressive, though, with 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, a reversing camera and the Curved Display included on all variants.

The M Sport trim brings a sportier bodykit, larger 18-inch alloy wheels and sports seats trimmed in Alcantara and vegan leather. With the top-spec M135 you’re predominantly paying for its bigger engine and greater performance, with additional features include a quad exhaust system and privacy glass.

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Prices for a 1 Series start from £31,065 for the Sport, £33,065 for the M Sport and £43,000 for the M135. 

The old 1 Series was generally the best premium hatchback for your money, so has this one cemeted that position for years to come? Our verdict can be found on the next page, where you can see whether we recommend one over its rivals.