For Engaging to drive, thanks to sharp handling and communicative steering. The diesel engines are refined and frugal, and residual values are solid.

Against High pricetag for little equipment on the entry-level models. Rear space is tight and the ride is firm.

BMW 1 Series Hatchback

What Car? says

3 out of 5 stars

Enjoyable to drive thanks to communicative steering. Diesel versions are frugal and the larger engines have plenty of power. Solid residual values and the driving position is spot-on

advertisement

The BMW 1 Series Hatchback full review Read in full

Watch video See all

Or view…

There are 17 BMW 1 Series versions available

BMW 1 Series Hatchback 116i ES 3dr £18,030
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 116i Sport 3dr £18,030
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 116d ES 3dr £19,240
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 116d Sport 3dr £19,240
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 116i SE 3dr £19,295
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 118d ES 3dr £20,415
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 118d Sport 3dr £20,415
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 116d SE 3dr £20,505
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 116d Performance Edition 3dr £20,740
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 116i M Sport 3dr £20,885
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 118i SE 3dr £21,285
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 118d SE 3dr £21,680
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 116d M Sport 3dr £22,095
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 118i M Sport 3dr £22,875
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 118d M Sport 3dr £23,270
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 120d M Sport 3dr £24,725
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 123d M Sport 3dr £26,610
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
1 Series Our pick

BMW 1 Series Hatchback 118d Sport 5dr

This is our favourite version of the 1 Series because it’s got as much power and kit as you’re likely to need, yet running costs are low and it’s not outrageously expensive to buy.

What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Read review

Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

BMW's entry-level model – so long as you don't include the Mini – is in a bit of a quandary.

Yes, it provides a reasonably affordable starting point for BMW ownership, but if you compare it with other premium-badge small hatchbacks such as the VW Golf it looks anything but cheap.

Entry-level models are also rather short on kit, rear seat space and access is pretty poor, while some of the interior trim looks a bit basic. On the plus side, though, it's great to drive and there are some incredibly efficient engines to choose from.

For us, the smaller-engined petrol and diesel versions make most sense. Fuel economy and CO2 emissions are among the best in class, yet the car's not short on pace. There are high-performance petrol and diesel models with over 200bhp, but these are unnecessarily expensive.

BMW offers the choice of two five-year fixed price servicing packages that may make sense for private buyers.

Reader test team says:

BMW 1 Series Hatchback 123d M Sport 5dr

Had the 123D M Sport for a couple of months now. I…

John Holland

5 out of 5 stars

BMW 1 Series Hatchback 116d Sport 5dr

I have owned my 1 series BMW for just over 2 years…

Keith Bowran

4 out of 5 stars

BMW 1 Series Hatchback 118d M Sport 3dr

I have been running this car for the past 3 months…

Richard Hall

5 out of 5 stars

BMW 1 Series Hatchback 116d SE Dynamic 3dr

2010 model , with about 3000 miles currently on…

mark darke

4 out of 5 stars
Post a reader review for your car View all reader reviews

1 Series rivals

1 Series used car reviews