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

The £75k Genesis GV60 Magma performance EV has fake Porsche 911 sounds
Genesis GV60 Magma
News

The £75k Genesis GV60 Magma performance EV has fake Porsche 911 sounds

The GV60 Magma is up for order in July from £75k, as the first proper performance car from Genesis, with 641bhp and a simulated 9000rpm six-cylinder e…
28 May 2026
New Morgan Supersport 400 review – a real Porsche 911 rival with added power and focus
Morgan Supersport 400 front
Reviews

New Morgan Supersport 400 review – a real Porsche 911 rival with added power and focus

A 67bhp power hike makes this the most powerful Morgan road car ever, and one of the most exciting
27 May 2026
Rocketeer Mazda MX-5 review - the 340bhp V6 sports car you never knew you needed
Rocketeer Mazda MX-5 corner rear
Reviews

Rocketeer Mazda MX-5 review - the 340bhp V6 sports car you never knew you needed

By putting a 340bhp Jaguar V6 in Mazda's MX-5 specialist Rocketeer has created one of 2026's unexpected driving hits.
22 May 2026