BMW 1 Series - TopCarNews

BMW 1 Series (2019 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]

Summary

The BMW 1 Series is a medium-sized five-door hatchback. This model is the third-generation 1 Series, which was launched in the second half of 2019.

Unlike previous models, the latest version is front-wheel drive rather than rear-wheel drive. This has been controversial among BMW enthusiasts, but less so among actual 1 Series customers. Additionally, this generation is only available as a five-door hatchback, with the three-door version being dropped.

The BMW 1 Series has received generally good to very good reviews from the UK motoring media. The more performance-oriented titles have lamented the switch to front-wheel drive, claiming that it has made the car less enjoyable to drive. However, more consumer-oriented titles have been more praiseworthy, highlighting the increased practicality and efficiency of a conventional front-wheel drive layout (which is why every other mid-size hatchback is built that way).

Reliability seems to be good news for BMW 1 Series owners. In its first appearance in the annual What Car? reliability survey in 2021, it placed third out of 24 cars in the family car segment (by comparison, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class was dead last). Top of the chart for the last two years has been the previous-generation 1 Series, so it looks like very little tends to go wrong with the 1 Series.

Key specifications

Body style: Five-door hatchbatckEngines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £29,915 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2019Last updated: Autumn 2021
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 9 / 10“The BMW 1 Series is one of the best premium hatchbacks on sale, offering a combination of performance, efficiency and driver thrills.”
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Model reviewed: M135i xDriveScore: 8 / 10“The boot is 20 litres bigger than before and there’s more leg and elbow room in all four seats, especially those in the rear.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 118d SportScore: 8 / 10“The new BMW 1 Series offers strong performance, decent fuel economy  and low emissions. The switch to front-wheel drive has, if anything, enhanced the way it drives, the car behaving much like the larger (rear-wheel-drive) 3 Series  in day-to-day running.”
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Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“BMW’s fresh take on the 1 Series formula adopts the more conventional front-wheel drive layout of its rivals, with the goal of improved interior space and practicality. Technology has also been expanded, with increased connectivity and expanded infotainment functionality.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: 128ti 2021Score: 8 / 10“BMW’s first attempt at an authentic ‘sweet-spot’ hot hatch is mostly impressive and will deservedly steal sales from the Golf GTI, especially on the strength of its interior.”
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Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8 / 10“The move to a transverse engine and front drive makes for radically different proportions, which are taller, shorter of bonnet and much more cabin forwards.”
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Model reviewed: 118i M SportScore: 8 / 10“Big improvements in practicality and refinement serve BMW’s bottom-rung model well on UK roads, and the loss of a driven rear axle is nothing to mourn.”
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Model reviewed: M135iScore: 8 / 10 “As a fast and capable four-wheel-drive hot hatch, the M135i is rather good.”
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Car

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“It may be a big departure over what’s come before, but the new 2020 BMW 1 Series has come through its rebirth relatively unscathed. It may not be rear-wheel drive, but most customers will barely know. Practicality has also improved, as has the level of tech on offer.”
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Car Keys

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic 128tiScore: 9 / 10“For BMWs first true attempt at a front-wheel-drive hot hatch, the 128ti is a sterling effort. It’s not just exciting on paper but also when you get it out on the road.
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic M135iScore: 9 / 10“BMW might have radically changed the formula of its hot hatch on this latest M135i, but we reckon it’s one that has paid off. The slight lack of driver enjoyment will be easily offset by many drivers thanks to its impressive straight-line performance, superb interior and comfort.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 9 / 10“There was a lot of concern when BMW announced that the new 1 Series will no longer be rear-wheel-drive, but the move makes perfect sense as it increases the car’s interior space and boot room which is crucial with a small family hatchback.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8.2 / 10“The front-wheel drive BMW 1 Series is great to drive and now has more space, making it a great all-rounder”
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Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The new BMW 1 Series is more practical than before and gets more tech, but the fact that it’s no longer rear-wheel-drive might upset those who loved the way the old car drove.”
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Company Car Today

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre diesel manual 116d SportScore: 8 / 10“The new BMW 1 Series addresses the weaknesses of the previous car, particularly the packaging, and maintains the driving enjoyment despite changing to front drive.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual 118i M Sport“The switch to front-drive hasn’t significantly numbed the BMW 1 Series’ position as the driver’s car in the sector, although the ride quality is an issue. The better practicality and tech are welcome.”
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Daily Mirror

Model reviewed: 118i M SportScore: 8 / 10“You can’t tell that this new small BMW is front-wheel drive. The engineers have done an excellent job of removing any vices such as torque steer and the 1-Series corners accurately. In other words, the enthusiasts will be happy.”
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Evo

Model reviewed: 128ti 2021Score: 9 / 10“BMW’s first front-wheel drive hot hatch, the 128ti, isn’t only good, we think it will have a Golf GTI beat.”
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Model reviewed: M135i xDriveScore: 7 / 10“BMW’s latest hot hatch is a good car, but no longer a unique one, and misses the mark for pure fun.”
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Fleetworld

Model reviewed: 118i M Sport“There’s virtually nothing to dislike about the new 1 Series. It’s spacious, practical, comfortable, good to drive, and filled with sensible technology that just works. M Sport isn’t my personal cup of tea, but it certainly looks the business, while the 118i engine option is a sound choice.”
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Heycar

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“It might be the smallest and most affordable BMW you can buy, but the latest 1 Series still has bags of appeal.”
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Honest John

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 10 / 10“The 2020 BMW 1 Series shares a platform with the X1, X2 and Mini Countryman – meaning, for the first time ever, standard models are now front-wheel drive. This brings it in line with rivals, and offers more space inside – especially in the rear seats and boot.”
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Motoring Research

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The new BMW 1 Series is more practical than before, with a larger cabin and increased luggage capacity. Interior quality has also gone up a notch.”
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Motors.co.uk

Score: 9 / 10“The BMW 1 Series has excellent build quality and good practicality and is fun to drive.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8.6 / 10“BMW’s smallest model is a great hatch pick”
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The Sun

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic 118i M Sport“BMW’s all-new 1 Series adds style and pace but loses its rear-wheel-drive USP.”
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic 128tiScore: 8 / 10“What the BMW 128ti manages to do is take the Golf’s all-things-to-all-people recipe, retain much of what makes the GTI such a day-to-day favourite, and mix in a chunk more excitement. That makes it a particularly compelling hot hatch and, at this price, one that feels like a bit of a steal.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic 118i M SportScore: 8 / 10“Moving to front-wheel drive has made the BMW 1 Series feel more conventional, which has both benefits and downsides. It still isn’t practical enough, but there is at least more room than you got before, and combined with its blend of upmarket tech, unshakeable handling and peppy, frugal engines, that makes it a solid effort – if not a class-leading one.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 118dScore: 8 / 10“BMW’s experience with the Mini and the Active Tourer has paid dividends in the development of the new front-wheel-drive 1 Series. It isn’t the greatest looking thing and the huge grille is awful, but the driving experience of the middle-ranking diesel is first rate; it also rides well and is economical.”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“BMW’s switch from RWD to FWD for the new hatch is no bad thing. This new BMW 1 Series is a good car from the bottom up.”
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Model reviewed: M135i xDrive“It’s a ceaselessly competent all-rounder, which sounds like a brush-off. It’s also fun when you really shake its tree. Which matters. It goes toe-to-toe with its rivals.”
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What Car?

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“In the ultra-competitive arena of the premium family car, the BMW 1 Series is right up there, but it’s not the best (that’s the Audi A3). It delivers a good blend of driver appeal with decent ride comfort and fine practicality, but its main strengths are a top-notch interior and a brilliant infotainment system.”
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Which?

Model reviewed: Range overview“The BMW 1 Series may be less distinctive to look at and drive than it once was, but it’s been improved in almost every respect, and is now a more serious family car proposition than ever before. Keen drivers may resent that the new model is front-wheel-drive, but it remains great fun from behind the wheel.”
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Safety rating

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: October 2019

83%

ADULT OCCUPANT

87%

CHILD OCCUPANT

76%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

72%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

Eco rating

The BMW 118i 1.5-litre petrol manual received a 2.5 star rating from Green NCAP in February 2021. We are currently updating our Euro NCAP database, as the organisation changed its rating system and we need to change our database accordingly to be able to display the new scores.

Green NCAP said: “The BMW 118i has a three-cylinder turbocharged 1.5 litre engine, with direct fuel injection. Such an arrangement might in the past have resulted in high particulate emissions but the gasoline particulate filter takes care of such matters in the BMW.

“The car scores well in the Clean Air Index but is let down by emissions of ammonia, NH₃. This pollutant is not regulated by legislation but in Green NCAP’s tests it limits the car’s scores. Energy efficiency is where the BMW scores best, with a index value of 5.6. Control of greenhouse gases is also good and the index of 4.7 gives an average just below what is needed for three stars.

“As it is, the BMW 118i emerges from Green NCAP’s tests with a very creditable 2½ star rating.”

This rating only applies to the 118i 1.5-litre petrol manual version of the Audi A3 Sportback, and does not imply similar ratings for other engine and gearbox combinations in the range.

Security rating

Rating: Superior | Good | Basic | Poor | Unacceptable
Relay Attack: Pass

Date: 2019

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the BMW 1 Series has received

2022

What Car? Awards – Best Family Car Interior

2021

Business Car Awards – Drivers’ Choice (128ti)
What Car? Awards – Best Family Car Interior

2020

Fleet World Awards – Best Lower Medium Fleet Car
Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best Premium Lower Medium Car

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