BMW 1 Series

The 1 series is wider by 34 mm, shorter by 5 mm and higher by 13 mm than the old model. The standard model comes with an M Sport steering and sport seats draped in classic BMW Sensatec upholstery (with options for Leather 'Dakota' or Cloth 'Trigon') with a Anthracite lining. It guarantees a more comfortable interior experience owing to its 42 mm increase in elbow space at the front and added 33 mm, 19 mm and 13 mm in rear leg space, headroom and elbowroom respectively. The older cargo space of 360 litres has been improved to 380. The infotainment, navigation and climate control is taken care of by two screens of 10.25 inches which come under BMW’s 7.0 infotainment system. Other standard features include wireless phone charging, a free subscription to Apple CarPlay services for the first year (a yearly fee is charged thereafter), a six-speaker sound system and ambient interior lighting. Optional packages provide keyless entry, 16-speaker harman/kardon sound system, electrically adjustable M Sport seats, active cruise control (even with stop and go technology), lumbar support, steering wheel heating and seat warmers.

The car gets a muscular touch from its newly designed front-end with a modification of the kidney grille, large frontal air intakes and Hofmeister kinks. Alongside come options for M Sport brakes, an M rear spoiler, 19-inch alloy wheels, electric tailgate, adaptive headlights, a panoramic sunroof and metallic paint.

Every 1 series model is equipped with a standard independent multi-link suspension system; an inclusion that allows BMW to outperform competitors. Other than communicative electric steering, the 1 series should also be noted for its balanced retention of both control and comfort till a required limit in its two distinct drive modes - Sport and Comfort. Also, the front wheels are powered by an efficient AWD system and a limited-slip Torsen differential which guarantees an overall smooth and composed ride.

The 1 series has a 2.0 litre 4-cylinder Turbo M TwinPower petrol engine that produces a power of about 225 KW and achieves a torque of 450 Nm. The BMW M135i xDrive is also wedded to a Steptronic Sport 8-speed automatic transmission system that promises 100 kmph from rest within 4.8 seconds. The slightly cheaper 118i model runs on a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol variant that generates 103 KW of power at 4600 to 6500 rpm and a torque of 220 Nm at 1480 to 4200 rpm surpassing both Audi S3 and Mercedes-AMG A35 specs. The standard transmission system takes the 118i to 100 kmph in 8.5 seconds. The fuel efficiency value stands at a good 5.0 litre per 100 km for both city and highway.

The safety attributes of the BMW include lane change warning, autonomous emergency braking, approach control warning and lane departure alert system, rear cross traffic warning, head-up display (details regarding navigation, speed limit, active speed, entertainment and telephone logs in full-color large display), reversing assistant, parking assistant (parks automatically in either a parallel or perpendicular direction to the street) and  rear collision prevention system.

The BMW 1 series earns credit for its comfortable drive, clever handling, attractive cabin particulars, advanced tech features, spacious boot and rear seats and an impressive 4-cylinder turbo heart. When it comes to drawbacks, the car doesn’t have much that will stop buyers from choosing it over rivals. The hatchback gets an eight plus average score from most reviewers.