Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW 1-series review - more engaging than the competition - Interior and Tech

A wonderfully rear-drive premium compact hatchback

Evo rating
Price
from £21,840
  • Adjustable rear-drive chassis, massive range of efficient and powerful engines
  • Rear space not great and most desirable models are costly

Interior and Tech

Along with the 2-series coupe and cabriolet, the 2018 model year 1-series has undergone an interior upgrade consisting of new trim options, blackout dials and the latest i-drive infotainment system. The dashboard itself has also been subtly reshaped.

One of the major bugbears of the rear-drive layout is that fact that it has resulted in a high transmission tunnel and a rear-set cabin, both of which conspire to make the life of the passenger in the back of the 1 Series a little bit uncomfortable. It's fine for short journeys, but knee room in particular is at a premium and please don't ask anyone to sit in the middle of the rear seat. The seat back can optionally be ordered as a split-fold design, increasing the barely average 360-litre boot up to 1200 litres of volume when there are no rear passengers.

All versions of the 1 Series are fitted with a classy high-resolution 6.5-inch screen atop the dashboard and the latest generation of BMW's iDrive rotary controller close to hand on the centre console. The BMW Radio Professional system is standard, with CD player, DAB digital radio, an aux-in socket and Bluetooth.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Tech geeks should check out the £900 'Media package - BMW Professional' as it has a more enhanced navigation system and much more besides, including online services. There's also a high-end Harmon Kardon hi-fi system to tempt audiophiles.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Aston Martin Vantage 2024 review – the best Aston in years
Aston Martin Vantage 2024 track
Reviews

Aston Martin Vantage 2024 review – the best Aston in years

The junior Aston Martin has been thoroughly reengineered. It’s not so junior any more 
12 May 2024
Mandatory speed limiters to be fitted to all new UK cars in 2024
80mph motorway speed limit
News

Mandatory speed limiters to be fitted to all new UK cars in 2024

The use of mandatory speed limiters on all new cars was approved by the European Parliament in 2019, and they're set to come into force later this yea…
8 May 2024
The new Porsche 911 (992.2) hybrid will arrive this month
Porsche 911 992.2 hybrid – front
News

The new Porsche 911 (992.2) hybrid will arrive this month

Development of the hybrid-powered Porsche 911 (992.2) is now complete, and it'll be unveiled on 28 May
13 May 2024