Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW 1-series review - more engaging than the competition - MPG and running costs

A wonderfully rear-drive premium compact hatchback

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

MPG and running costs

Although BMW trades on its sporty image, it has also managed to carve out an enviable niche for itself by being early to the market with a range of economy-promoting measures it refers to as EfficientDynamics. Others have caught up since, but the 1 Series is still remarkably efficient in all guises. The star from a Green Party pleasing point of view is the 116d SE, as it returns a commendable 78.5mpg on the combined cycle and has an emissions rating of just 94g/km (96g/km with the auto').

Advertisement - Article continues below

That should make it a superstar among junior managers that might not have otherwise afforded a new BMW on the company scheme. However, all of the diesels are remarkably efficient. The thirstiest is the 125d, returning a still brilliant 61.4mpg with emissions as low as 121g/km.

Naturally, the petrol variants are less economical, but even the M140i comes with an official combined economy figure of 36.2mpg in manual form or 39.8mpg as an auto, while the entry-level petrol car, the unassuming 118i, returns over 50mpg. Buyers really should think long and hard about whether they truly need a diesel version.

When ordering a new 1 Series, it's possible to avail of BMW's good-value inclusive servicing packages, which start from £299 for three years or 36,000 miles.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The Nissan GT-R is finally dead after 18 years
Nissan GT-R finishes production
News

The Nissan GT-R is finally dead after 18 years

The Nissan GT-R has finally ended production, at over 48,000 units after 18 years on sale. It’ll be missed.
28 Aug 2025
Caterham Horse prototype 2025 review – new turbo engine keeps the Seven alive
HORSE powered Caterham
Reviews

Caterham Horse prototype 2025 review – new turbo engine keeps the Seven alive

Caterham needs a replacement for Ford’s out-of-production Sigma engine. Its solution is a 1.3 turbo from Horse. We drive it
28 Aug 2025
The new Audi RS3 GT will be a track-focused farewell to the five-cylinder engine
Audi RS3 GT – front
News

The new Audi RS3 GT will be a track-focused farewell to the five-cylinder engine

Audi’s five-cylinder engine isn’t long for this world, and a new hardcore RS3 is in the works to send it off in style
26 Aug 2025