If you are after a small BMW then it’s likely for one of two reasons: you’re after a car
that’s fun to drive or you want an affordable model with a premium badge.
The point is, this isn’t like your average hatchback.
It belongs to an elite, rather highbrow group along with the likes of the Audi A3 and Mercedes
A-Class.
So can it live up to expectation?
Well, in 2015 the 1 Series went through some minor design tweaks – in true German car
fashion – and it also had its efficiency boosted by 12 per cent.
But before we start crunching the figures, let’s take a look at that all-important
interior.
So, does this feel like a luxury BMW?
Well, yes it definitely does, I mean even as standard it has a host of tech like sat-nav,
Bluetooth and DAB – you also get air-con and cruise control.
Now, we do have the slightly plusher M Sport model which brings some meatier body work,
M badging and leather upholstery – which is wrapped around these lovely, figure-hugging
seats, but you do feel that the general build of the car is very upmarket, regardless of
trim.
As this is a BMW you also get this iDrive system as standard which is absolutely brilliant,
especailly for convenince when you are using it on the move.
Speaking of conveniance, practicality up front is good as well, with deceavingly useful door
bins, two cup holders and even a decent-sized glovebox.
All style and no substance I hear you say…
well, it’s not that simple with the 1 Series, a good thing of course for those after practicality
as headroom back here is great.
You also get an arm rest with two cup holders.
The downside however is the slight lack of leg room and these pretty useless door bins
– or slits.
Apart from a rather high loading lip, the 1 Series’ boot is great, with 360 litres
with the seats up and 1,200 with the seats down – par for the hatchback course really.
The seats however, fold completely flat and, because they are 40/20/40, give you option
to fold the middle seat down for added convenience.
As well as having the M Sport trim, we’ve also got the xDrive four-wheel-drive model
with paddle shifters, an eight-speed automatic gearbox, chunkier M Sport brakes and an adaptive
M Sport suspension – so BMW have spared no expense with this one.
And under the bonnet is the 2.0-litre 120d diesel producing 187bhp and 400Nm of torque
– now for those swatting up on spec sheets, that’s 20Nm more torque than the Golf GTD
and, thanks to four wheel drive it gets off the line quicker, with a zero-62mph time of
just 6.8 seconds – which is hot hatch territory.
This gearbox works in perfect harmony this diesel as well, I mean it just rifles through
the gears in Sport mode.
Efficiency isn’t too shabby either, emitting 114g/km of CO2 and returning around 55mpg
– although if you drive exclusively on the motorway then its claimed 66mpg average is
very possible.
But the 1 Series has got composure to match as well.
The suspension shape shifts its way over bumps and into corners, meaning you can have fun
but it’s also incredibly comfortable.
And that brings me onto its steering, which in true BMW is sharp and responsive, really
engaging you and spiking your senses.
There are multiple driving modes to choose from as well, including Sport – which weights
up steering – and comfort which lightens it.
Fortunately, these modes don’t affect its adept feel.
Gloating rights for BMW ownership comes in at £21,000 – but if you want to capitalise
on the 1 Series’ luxury and fun-factor then you’ll want to go for an M Sport trim like
this – but then you’re looking at closer to £30,000.
Yes £30,000 is a lot of money for a hatchback, but for that price you get a lot of car.
And if specced right, the 1 Series can be much more than ‘just a hatchback’ with
hot hatch-like performance and an upmarket saloon interior that will make its driver
feel like they are driving something worthy of brandishing a BMW badge.
But would you buy a small car with a premium badge?
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