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

Jaguar GT ride review – we’ve seen the new Jaguar and been for a drive
Jaguar GT prototype
Reviews

Jaguar GT ride review – we’ve seen the new Jaguar and been for a drive

It’s the car the world loves to hate, but what’s Jaguar’s new electric car like? We’ve seen it and been for a ride with the team who have developed it
17 Dec 2025
The 'sorry little vehicle' that became the subject of a literary classic
MG Metro
Opinion

The 'sorry little vehicle' that became the subject of a literary classic

Forget Catcher in the Rye, says Porter, Secret Fords is the real must-read
11 Dec 2025
Cars that ended production in 2025
Cars that ended production in 2025
Best cars

Cars that ended production in 2025

From Porsche’s Cayman to the Nissan GT-R to Ford’s Focus ST, these are the iconic performance cars that bow out in 2025
15 Dec 2025