The fourth generation 1 Series looks to establish itself as the premium hatch of choice in a hotly-contested sector. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

BMW has evolved its F40 1 Series small hatch into this fourth generation F70-series model. Changes include smarter looks, a redesigned interior and upgraded media connectivity. Plus, the company reckons, it's still the most rewarding steer in the premium compact hatch sector. Big claims for an important car.

Background

With cars, generations come and go - and some of them aren't really generations at all. Take the model we look at here, an F70-era design which BMW refers to as the 'fourth generation 1 Series'. Actually, it's merely a heavy facelift of the MK3 design that arrived in 2019, an F40 contender significant because it switched the range into line with its two most immediate rivals in the segment for compact premium-badged hatches - Audi's A3 Sportback and the Mercedes A-Class. The current versions of both of those cars have been very lightly updated in recent times; BMW hopes this more far-reaching package of changes will make the 1 Series stand out. There's smarter looks, big cabin updates and a considerable slimming down of a model range that can only now be had in petrol-powered automatic form, with a choice of just three engines. The result is the simplest 1 Series line-up we've had since this car first arrived back in 2004. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

Back in 2019, this 1 Series switched to front-wheel drive, but did so in a very BMW kind of way. Well it only comes in one front-driven guise now - in the form of the base 120 model. This uses a 1.5-litre mild hybrid three cylinder petrol engine developing 170hp and 280Nm of torque and can only be had with 7-speed Steptronic dual clutch auto transmission. It's an eager enough little unit, dispatching 62mph in 7.8s en route to 140mph. The alternative 123 xDrive derivative offers 4WD and uses a four cylinder unit featuring 48V mild hybrid technology resulting in a system output of 218hp, meaning 62mph from rest in 6.3s. There's now no diesel option in the range. With this improved 1 Series, BMW says increased body structure agility, optimised kinematics, highly preloaded anti roll bar mounts and new shock absorber technology have improved drivability. And the caster of the front wheels has been increased by 20%, ensuring particularly stable directional stability and optimised steering feedback. Overall though, don't expect the drive experience to be much different, with its grippy confident sense of purpose that rivals can't quite match and precise, accurate steering. That's helped by an engineering balance that gets within a fraction of achieving perfect 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution. The ultimate 1 Series remains the top M135 xDrive hot hatch flagship model. As with the previous generation M135i xDrive, this top variant has all-wheel drive, but now offers fractionally less power than its predecessor, though the 300hp output isn't much different, so the 4.9s 0-62mph sprint time is only a tenth slower than the old model. Top speed remains electronically limited to 155mph. The car has a more focused character than it had before, courtesy of quite a few subtle engineering tweaks. At the front, the subframe features an extra couple of bracing bars for extra steering accuracy and the electrically assisted rack features a quick ratio of 14:1 (the standard 120 model is set at 15:1). Finally, the brake master cylinder is bigger than that of a more ordinary 1 Series for better response and more consistent pedal pressure.

Design and Build

You'd clearly recognise this as an revolution of the F40 front-driven 1 Series, but the changes are undoubtedly significant. There's a sleeker nose, which sees swept-back headlights frame kidney grilles that now lose the previous colour-coded central strake, merging instead to form a single, large vertical panel. In profile, a previous owner will notice the embossed number '1' on the C-pillar incorporated within the use brand 'Hofmeister kink' over the rear wheel. And at the back, there are revised LED light clusters and a restyled bumper. The dimensions have changed a surprising amount, this 'MK4' car 42mm longer and 25mm taller than its predecessor. Even bigger changes feature inside, where the cabin gains a single piece curved infotainment display made up of a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch centre screen, the latter running the brand's latest OS9 software. This features 'Quick Select' on-screen short-cut functions, which further reduce the dashboard button count. Other changes include redesigned seats, a new Sport steering wheel and a leather-free interior; customers can specify 'Econeer' upholstery made up of recycled PET. As usual in this class, rear seat space is at a bit of a premium, but a couple of adults should fit okay on most journeys and it's far better than the pre-2019 era rear-driven versions of this car. Boot capacity is still rated at 380-litres (or 1,200-litres with the rear seat bench folded down).

Market and Model

Prices open at just under £30,000 for the 120: you'll need around £41,000 for the M135 xDrive. That's a bit of a price jump from before, but automatic transmission's now standard and you do get more equipment. This includes automatic air conditioning, an alarm system, electrically folding exterior mirrors, LED headlights, heated front seats and the 'BMW Live Cockpit Plus' package including the BMW Maps cloud-based navigation system across all models. The 120 'M Sport' and M135 xDrive models also benefit from Sport seats, Adaptive suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels alongside a wide range of other features. As for options, well your dealer is going to want you to add the 'Technology Pack' which gets you Adaptive LED headlights with a High-beam assistant, 'Comfort Access' keyless entry, an anti-dazzle rear view mirror and a wireless charging mat. The 'Technology Plus Pack' gives you all this, along with a Head-up display, the upgraded BMW Live Cockpit Professional cabin screen system and a 'Parking Assistant Plus' set-up that'll automatically park the car for you. Further optional equipment choices also include 2-zone automatic air conditioning, a panoramic glass roof and a Harman Kardon sound system. Standard drive assist features include the 'Driving Assistant' package with front collision warning, Lane Departure Warning, Exit Warning and Traffic Sign Recognition, as well as the brand's 'Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant' package. Extra cost assist features include Steering and Lane Control Assist, Automatic Speed Limit Assist and route guidance when using Active Cruise Control with its Stop & Go function. The 'Parking Assistant Professional' package is also available, allowing parking and manoeuvring to be controlled by smartphone.

Cost of Ownership

BMW isn't developing any more combustion engines but it's doing its best to improve efficiency on the fossil-fuelled units it already has. Even the top M135 xDrive manages up to 37.1mpg on the combined cycle and up to 174g/km of CO2; which is vastly better than what you'd get from a rival Audi S3 or Mercedes A 35. If you can't quite stretch to an M135, the 123 xDrive is worth a look, fast but notably more frugal, managing up to 47.9mpg and up to 135g/km. The big 1 Series business for BMW will be done with the base 120. Its three cylinder 48V mild hybrid petrol engine is from the latest generation of BMW Group modular engines and delivers up to 53.2mpg on the combined cycle and up to 121g/km of CO2 emissions. To give you some class perspective, that exactly matches the returns of a rival Audi A3 Sportback 35TFSI (which has 20hp less) and is about 10% better than you'd get from a rival Mercedes A 200. All these cars use mild hybrid tech for their petrol engines, it's all relatively ineffectual and it all works much the same way; there's a tiny battery that stores energy from regenerative braking, which is then used to aid acceleration and run the engine stop start system.

Summary

This enhanced 1 Series will be more difficult to ignore for those who might otherwise have chosen an Audi or Mercedes in this segment. The cabin's far smarter than it was. And this model is certainly far better prepared than its predecessor in terms of media connectivity and camera-driven safety provision. Now, you'd be able to down-size into it far more easily if it was necessary to do so from a larger BMW model. That would probably mean a switch from rear wheel drive to the front-driven format that seemed so different when the earlier F40 version of this car first arrived back in 2019 - but the market seems well used to that now. Whether the dramatically slimmed-down F70 1 Series model range will go down quite as well is another question. Overall though, 'der Einzer' has become a whole lot more competitive in this guise. About to choose a Mercedes A-Class, an Audi A3 or even a plusher VW Golf? You really ought to try one of these too. You might be surprised just how much you like it.

Body Glass

Rain sensor

Heated rear window

Rear window wiper

Green tinted heat protection glazing

Front and rear electric windows with open and close fingertip control, anti trap facility and comfort closing

Automatic windscreen wipers and automatic headlight

Integrated front windscreen with washer jets

Brakes

Cornering brake control

Dynamic Traction Control - DTC

Brake drying

Front and rear disc brakes

Anti lock braking system (ABS) with brake assist

Braking readiness

Dynamic stability control + (DSC+)

Electrically operated hand brake including automatic hold function

Comfort modes

Carpets/Rugs

Anthracite front and rear floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Anti roll bar front and rear

Drive Performance Control

Twin tube gas filled shock absorbers with degressive characteristic curve

M Adaptive suspension

Communication

Bluetooth / WiFi interface for wireless connection of mobile terminal devices and audio streaming

Personal e-SIM

Driver Aids

Speed limiter

Front and rear parking sensors

Attentiveness assist

Active guard plus

Electric power steering with Servotronic steering optimised at all speed ranges

Park assist including reversing assistant, lateral parking aid and reversing assist camera

Front axle single joint with specific axle kinematics to minimise drive influences on steering + provide increased rigidity agile driving behaviour

Speed limit Info including no-overtaking indicator

My modes (Personal / Efficient / Sport)

Left turn warning with brake function

Flat airvents in instrument panel with adjustable slats

Driver Convenience

Eco pro mode

Pull away assistant

Evasion assistant

Driver Information

On board computer

Personal Profile

BMW Teleservices

Optimum shift indicator

Oil sensor for level and grade

Check Control warning system for monitoring of lights and door/luggage compartment open warning

Integrated owners handbook

BMW ConnectedDrive online services

Gearshift time display in manual mode

Rigidly mounted rear subframe - Multi link construction with separate spring / damper configuration and excellent driving characteristics

BMW Live cockpit plus

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Body colour mirror caps

Folding side mirrors with auto dimming/folding wing mirrors with auto dimming

Electrically adjustable exterior mirror with mirror adjustment switch on drivers armrest and aspheric on driver side, convex on passenger side

Embellishment Trims

Contrast stitching on instrument panel

Engine

Petrol Particulate Filter

High precision injection

Balancer shaft

VALVETRONIC engine management

Aluminium lightweight construction

Double VANOS twin scroll turbocharging system

49 litre fuel tank

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

Exterior Body Features

Body colour door handles

Shark fin antenna

Visible VIN plate

Front and rear bumper system with replaceable deformation elements

Lightweight engineering

Chrome 'M' logo side designation

Body colour roof trims

Fading support

Matt black air guide grilles

Chrome kidney grille frame with Satin Aluminium struts

Front door sill finishers in black plastic with M designation in metallic look

High gloss shadowline window frame, Recess cover mirror frames and B/C pillar embelisher trim

Chrome exhaust twin tailpipes round 90mm in left

Matt black wheel arch trim

Rear side wing doors

Side sill covers with M specific design in body colour

M identification on the sides

Exterior M sport design elements

High gloss black exterior mirrors

Model badge on tailgate right

Front bumper panel with M specific design in vehicle colour with inserts in black high gloss

Rear bumper panel with M-specific design in vehicle colour with inserts in black high gloss

Exterior Lights

High level third brake light

Follow me home headlights

Welcome lighting

LED daytime running lights

LED Headlights

LED front fog lights

Rear fog lights

Direction indicator side lights in exterior mirrors

Nearside reverse light in rear light cluster

LED eyebrow turn indicators

Preparation for high beam assistant

Interior Features

Anthracite headlining

Manual adjust steering wheel

Glove compartment

Gearshift paddles on steering wheel

Multi-function controls for steering wheel

Folding rear clothes hook

Storage compartment in luggage compartment

Storage compartment in centre console

Front and rear door pockets with bottle holders

Conditioned based service

Four grab handles integrated in roof lining

Front and rear side armrest integrated into door trim

Driver and front passenger backrest net on rear

Front armrest with storage compartment

Driver side folding compartment in instrument panel

12V power socket in front centre console with blanking plug

Type C two USB ports in rear centre console

Stowage of the parcel shelf in luggage compartment trim

3 spoke sports leather steering wheel with black leather and stitching, pearl chrome decorative finish, specific M Badge

Two front centre console cupholders

Footrest and pedals in black plastic

Luggage compartment for bag hooks on left and right, foldable luggage compartment liner and four lashing eyelets

Cargo function on 2nd seat row

Black boot net with lashing eyes

Packs

Interior lights pack - 1 Series

Connected pack professional - 1 Series

M Sport exterior styling aerodynamics pack - 1 Series

Safety

Side impact protection

Seatbelt warning

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Tyre pressure monitoring system

BMW emergency call

2 tone horn

Driver and front passenger seat belt security check

3 point seatbelts on all seats, front pyrotechnic belt tensioners, stopper and belt force limiters, rear coded belt buckles

Child proof locking system in rear door

Airbags - Front driver/passenger, front and rear curtain head protection, front side, manual deactivation of front passenger airbag

Crash sensor activating of airbags,Unlocking doors,hazard warning lights,fuel cut off,interior lighting+activation of safety battery terminal clamp

Seats

Height adjustable front head restraints

3 rear seat head restraints

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Driver and front passenger seat heating

Child seat ISOFIX attachment for two outer rear seats and front passenger seat with anchorage points

Rear seat backrest with manual 60:40 split folding with 3 top tether clips integrated on rear of seat panels

Single front passenger seat

Upper retaining strap integrated into backrest rear panels

Security

Locking wheel bolts

Central locking switch for all doors, fuel filler cap and luggage compartment

Thatcham Cat.1 alarm and immobiliser

Deadlocking function system to all doors

Remote control with integrated key with High-gloss Black inlay and M designation and 1 button for open/ close lock, window, open luggage compartment

Drive away locking system on all doors and luggage compartment with de-activated in iDrive settings

Wheel slip limitation close to the actuator (ARB)

Start/stop button illuminated in centre console with keyless engine start and auto start stop deactivation button

Towing

Trailer stabilisation logic

Transmission

Electronic differential lock

Steptronic transmission with double clutch

Electronic selector lever

Vanity Mirrors

Sun visors with vanity mirrors and insert tab

Wheels

Reduced rolling resistance tyres

Electrically powered 12V compressor

Wheels - Spare

BMW mobility system

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 154

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 191

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 130

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 115

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 133

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 135

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 144

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 135

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 82

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 94.6

CC: 1998

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TWIN TURBO

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Compression Ratio: 11.0:1

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 7 SPEED

Engine Code: B48A20M2

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - MPG - Low: 33.6

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 49.6

WLTP - MPG - High: 55.4

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 47.9

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 47.9

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 47.9

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 44.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 8.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 5.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 5.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 5.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 5.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 5.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 6.3

General

Coin Series: M Sport

Coin Description: xDrive

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 6

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 26E

Service Interval Mileage: 18000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 83

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 87

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 76

NCAP Safety Assist %: 72

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 204

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 3

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 6.3

Top Speed: 153

Engine Power - BHP: 204

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 150

Engine Power - RPM: 5000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 266

Engine Torque - NM: 360

Engine Torque - RPM: 1500

Engine Torque - MKG: 36.7

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 225/45 R18

Tyre Size Rear: 225/45 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Wheel Style: Y-SPOKE STYLE 975

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4361

Width: 1800

Wheelbase: 2670

Width (including mirrors): 2072

Height: 1459

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1530

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2085

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 49

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1300

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 555

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 300

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 75

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1135

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.7

Body Glass

Sun protection glass

Brakes

M Sport brakes with blue calipers M designation in front

Driver Convenience

Automatic tailgate operation

Driver Information

Speedometer in kilometers

Embellishment Trims

Illuminated Aluminium graphite interior trim

Entertainment

Harman/Kardon surround sound audio system with 12 speakers

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

BMW Individual Frozen paint

Black contrast roof

Individual metallic paint

Trim designation deletion on side

Model designation deletion

Electric panoramic glass sunroof

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Dual zone automatic air conditioning with extended contents

Interior Features

Luggage compartment separating nets

Heated steering wheel

Perforated Veganza upholstery

Through-load system

Packs

Driving assistant plus pack - 1 Series

Technology pack with mirror package - 1 Series

Interior and exterior mirror package - 1 Series

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Thundernight

Metallic - Brooklyn grey

Metallic - Skyscraper grey

Metallic - Fire red

Metallic - Portimao blue

Metallic - Black sapphire

Paint - Solid

Solid - Alpine white

Paint - Special

Individual metallic paint - Tanzanite Blue

BMW Individual frozen paint - Pure grey

BMW Individual frozen paint - Portimao Blue

BMW Individual paint special - Custom

Individual metallic paint - Storm Bay

BMW Individual paint - Special request

Seats

Front M sports seats

Active driver and front passenger seats with electric lumbar support and massage function

Electric front seat adjustment - drivers with memory

Towing

Towbar with detachable ball

Trim - Leather

Perforated veganza - Red/black

Perforated veganza - Mokka

Perforated veganza - Oyster

Perforated veganza - Black

Trim - Part Leather

M Alcantara/ Veganza - Black/blue contrast stitching

Wheels - Alloy

19" M light Y spoke Bi-colour diamond-polished alloy wheels in solid jet black - style 976

19" M forged Y spoke orbit grey matt metallic alloy wheels - style 1085