Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW 1-series review - more engaging than the competition - Design

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

Design

The BMW 1 Series came in for its mid-life update in March 2015, bringing with it a much less divisive appearance - notably so at the front, where the 'pointy' headlights were replaced by far more attractive items, complemented by shapelier bumpers and a more pronounced 'kidney grille' up front. The rear lights were also overhauled, using LED bar technology to considerably widen the appearance of the rear of the 1 Series. It's more distinctive from that angle now, yet overall less opinion-dividing.

On the inside, while the cabin is short on space, it's one of the highest quality interiors in the segment, marrying elements of the most luxurious BMW models with more youthful detailing and plenty of technology. The high definition screen and clear instruments set the tone and every switch, button and knob is perfectly damped and a joy to use.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Why this 300,000-mile Ford Mondeo felt more revolutionary than a Lamborghini
Ford Mondeo
Opinion

Why this 300,000-mile Ford Mondeo felt more revolutionary than a Lamborghini

With one of the development parameters being the ‘perfection feeling’, the Mondeo was always going to be something special
22 Oct 2026
Lamborghini Revuelto SV review – the world's best supercar made even better?
Lamborghini Revuelto SV
Reviews

Lamborghini Revuelto SV review – the world's best supercar made even better?

The 'regular' Revuelto is already a world-beater. Now it gets the SV treatment
23 Oct 2026
£50k off a Corvette Z06 – Ferrari 458-inspired supercar available with 30% discount
Corvette Z06
News

£50k off a Corvette Z06 – Ferrari 458-inspired supercar available with 30% discount

The biggest problem with the Corvette Z06 was arguably its steep price in the UK. The market is correcting that…
22 Oct 2026