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

How to rediscover the love for cars? Get out there and buy an affordable classic
Subaru Impreza RB5
Opinion

How to rediscover the love for cars? Get out there and buy an affordable classic

It took our Eras tests to top up Richard Meaden’s love for cars. It also stoked the urge to buy an S1 Elise
5 Jun 2026
The McLaren supercar you’ve never heard of, born to save the company – car pictures of the week
McLaren MSO 688 HS front
Features

The McLaren supercar you’ve never heard of, born to save the company – car pictures of the week

One of McLaren’s rarest cars was also charged with keeping the lights on in Woking
6 Jun 2026
Morgan’s first coupe in over a decade is coming but it’s going to be very rare, and expensive
Morgan coupe coachbuild teaser
News

Morgan’s first coupe in over a decade is coming but it’s going to be very rare, and expensive

Morgan is teasing its next coachbuilds and they’re going to have fixed-roof coupes
4 Jun 2026