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

Used Volkswagen Golf R (Mk7, 2014 - 2020) review: the original hyper hatch for under £10k
Volkswagen Golf R (Mk7) front
Reviews

Used Volkswagen Golf R (Mk7, 2014 - 2020) review: the original hyper hatch for under £10k

We were always huge fans of the Mk7 VW Golf R. That its successor has never quite lived up to its high standards has only underlined how good it was
11 Nov 2025
ZeroNine Ford Focus ST review – Ferrari 599 pulling power in a hatchback
ZeroNine Ford Focus ST – front
Reviews

ZeroNine Ford Focus ST review – Ferrari 599 pulling power in a hatchback

Leicestershire tuning firm ZeroNine has given the last-of-the-line Focus ST a new lease of life with a series of performance upgrades – and Ferrari 59…
14 Nov 2025
The Audi RS6 saloon is making a return to fight BMW's M5
C9 Audi RS6 saloon
Spy shots

The Audi RS6 saloon is making a return to fight BMW's M5

It’s been 15 whole years since Audi’s RS6 saloon met its end, but we might be about to see it return to challenge BMW head-on
17 Nov 2025