The revised 1 Series continues to fly the flag for BMW in the premium hatch market

There aren’t many companies that are more fun for a motoring journalist to report on than BMW. Where most of the big car companies are deeply conservative, BMW isn’t afraid of leading the market with bold designs, intriguing innovations and some projects that have you wondering how they ever got the green light.

Even BMW usually follows a pattern insofar as its big-selling models – the 1, 3 and 5 series – are generally more soberly styled than its niche coupes and convertibles, but every now and then the Munich company pitches us something that keeps us on our toes. It did so with the previous generation 5 Series and the latest 1 Series hatchback is another vehicle that has whipped up a storm of controversy.

The 1 Series has always been distinguished by the quality of its driving dynamics and it’s good to see that BMW hasn’t been tempted to compromise on its principles. Although there has been rumour of four-wheel drive models for foreign markets, the UK selection is resolutely rear-wheel drive. The chassis balance remains as good as ever, but a wider track than its predecessor (51mm at the front and 71mm at the rear) makes this car even more planted through corners.

The engines have been given a refresh with a choice of two innovative four-cylinder petrol engines and three redesigned four-cylinder diesel units. The turbocharged BMW 118i produces a maximum output of 170hp at 4,800rpm, punching from zero to 62mph in just 7.4 seconds, going on to a maximum speed of 140mph. The 116i also features a twin-scroll turbo, making a more modest 136bhp, but will still zip through the sprint to 62 in a spry 8.5 seconds.

One consequence of running a transmission tunnel through a compact hatch has inevitably been rather compromised accommodation. While this fundamental issue hasn’t gone away, BMW has loosened the 1 Series’ belt a little. It’s 83mm longer, 14mm wider and 30mm longer in the wheelbase than the car it replaces. This means that rear-seat passengers benefit from a further 20mm of legroom. In addition, there’s a good deal more storage space, with large front door pockets, two cup holders on the centre console and a roomy glove compartment. And there’s 30 litres more luggage compared to its forerunner, taking the total to 360 litres.

If previously controversial BMWs are anything to go by, the rather divisive styling of the latest 1 Series will get easier on the eye over time, whereupon buyers will learn to love it for its engineering and driving dynamics. It’s certainly hard to argue with the changes BMW has wrought. Aesthetics aside, the faults with the old car were easy to identify. It was too cramped in the back, it didn’t ride smoothly enough and the interior finish didn’t match the class best. Consider that to do list ticked off.

Members Comments

There are no comments for this article.

Add a Comment

Please log in to post a comment.