- For: Roomier than before, interior quality, good to drive
- Against: Tight rear space, divisive styling, expensive options
- Verdict: The shift to front-wheel drive has done little to dent its appeal
The third-generation BMW 1 Series represents a radical departure from models of old.
Gone are the famed rear-wheel-drive dynamics – ditched in favour of front- and four-wheel-drive.
As a result, the new 1 Series is more practical than before, with a larger cabin and increased luggage capacity. Interior quality has also gone up a notch, with the 1 Series aping the 3 Series in this department.
The styling is likely to be divisive, though – see a 1 Series on the road and you might think it’s a 2 Series Active Tourer.
Prices start from just over £25,000, and for now at least, there are four trim levels: SE, Sport, M Sport and M135i.
There are two petrol and three diesel engines to choose from, with a six-speed manual gearbox fitted as standard.
The cabin is a tad sombre, but there’s an impressive array of equipment, especially on the higher trim levels. It’s just a shame that space is so limited in the rear.
KEY INFO
- Launched: 2019
- Facelifted: TBC
- Due for replacement: TBC