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

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There are 46 BMW 1 Series versions available

BMW 1 Series Hatchback 116i 3dr £16,785
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 116i 5dr £17,320
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 116i ES 3dr £17,610
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 116i Sport 3dr £17,610
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 116d 3dr £18,000
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 116i ES 5dr £18,145
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 116i Sport 5dr £18,145
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 116d 5dr £18,545
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 116d ES 3dr £18,825
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 116d Sport 3dr £18,825
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 116i SE 3dr £18,850
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 116d ES 5dr £19,370
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 116d Sport 5dr £19,370
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 116i SE 5dr £19,385
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 118i ES 3dr £19,550
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 118d ES 3dr £19,975
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 118d Sport 3dr £19,975
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 116d SE 3dr £20,065
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 118i ES 5dr £20,095
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 116i M Sport 3dr £20,405
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 118d ES 5dr £20,520
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 118d Sport 5dr £20,520
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 116d SE 5dr £20,610
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 118i SE 3dr £20,790
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 116i M Sport 5dr £20,940
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 118d SE 3dr £21,215
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 118i SE 5dr £21,335
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 116d M Sport 3dr £21,620
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 118d SE 5dr £21,760
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 120i SE 3dr £21,835
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 116d M Sport 5dr £22,165
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 118i M Sport 3dr £22,345
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 120i SE 5dr £22,390
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 118d M Sport 3dr £22,770
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 120d SE 3dr £22,790
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 118i M Sport 5dr £22,890
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 118d M Sport 5dr £23,315
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 120i M Sport 3dr £23,325
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 120d SE 5dr £23,335
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 120i M Sport 5dr £23,880
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 120d M Sport 3dr £24,280
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 123d SE 3dr £24,565
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 120d M Sport 5dr £24,825
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 123d SE 5dr £25,115
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 123d M Sport 3dr £25,995
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 123d M Sport 5dr £26,545
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 120d 5dr

June 2005 registered - Similar to some of the…

DAVID MORLEY

1 out of 5 stars

BMW 1 Series Hatchback 120d 5dr

I own a 118d 3 door BMW 1 Series. Pros: (1) Good…

Shaukat Ali

3 out of 5 stars

BMW 1 Series Hatchback 116i (Dynamic) 5dr

WELL well, where do i start. Drive firm, bit too…

K Sivanesan

4 out of 5 stars

BMW 1 Series Hatchback 118d Sport 5dr

Since March have owned my second 1 series, now a 3…

michael juffs

1 out of 5 stars
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