Overall rating:

The new five-door BMW 1 Series addresses many of the shortcomings of its popular predecessor. Even greater economy and lower emissions boost appeal for company car users in particular, while a slight increase in space adds some practicality. The awkward styling looks better in the metal than in the pictures, but avoid the garish Urban trim at all costs.

Key Facts

Model tested: BMW 120d automatic
Pricing: £23,480
Engine: 2.0-litre turbodiesel
Transmission: eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Body style: five-door hatchback
Rivals: Audi A3, Lexus CT 200h, Mercedes-Benz A-Class
CO₂ emissions: 119g/km
Combined economy: 64.2mpg
Top speed: 111mph
0-62mph: 11.3 seconds
Power: 181bhp at 4,000rpm
Torque: 280lb.ft at 1,750 - 2,750rpm

In the Metal:

The previous BMW 1 Series was divisive enough with its styling and the new car continues the theme. Longer, wider and bulkier, it's largely successful. The rear looks particularly smart - the wider aperture for the boot opening increasing access to the more generous space inside. A slight increase in the length of the wheelbase creates a tiny bit of more space in the back, so it's now possible to seat two adults in there - but not for too long.

The interior, with its driver-focused cockpit, quality materials and build quality represent a significant leap over those of the previous 1 Series, too. It's only the nose, which looks awkward in pictures - if less so in the metal - and a new trim option called Urban that let it down slightly. Urban specification brings white highlights to the mirror caps, grille, wheels and rear trim. It's finished with more finesse than the Tipp-EX modified Matchbox cars of many a schoolboy, but it's just as poorly judged. Mercifully, it's unlikely to be popular in the UK, Sport and SE being the big sellers.

Driving it:

BMW's cringe-worthy description of its new entry-model is 'Efficiencytainment', with the emphasis clearly on efficiency. Every model in the five-engine line-up gets a stop-start system and BMW's new Eco Pro mode as standard. Eco Pro manages the car's power usage to maximise economy, with prompts for the driver for gearshifts. It also softens the throttle response and alters the gearshift strategy if the car is fitted with the eight-speed automatic transmission. It works too, though if you're less economy inclined various other settings including Comfort, Sport and Sport+ subtly alter the 1 Series' character from its green saintliness.

Still fairly unique in its sector for being rear-wheel drive, the 1 Series is an enjoyable, if not outstanding, driving experience. It's refined to the point where the 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine is barely audible, though its performance is never less than impressive. The 181bhp 120d is the quickest of the new five-door range with a 7.2-second 0-62mph time. Drive a bit more sedately and it offers 64.2mpg and CO₂ emissions of just 116g/km.

Naturally, there are plenty of driver assist options available. Sport cars come with lower suspension than SE models, which, although tauter, still manage a commendable blend of comfort and poise. Variable M suspension is also available, which offers switchable damping, but for most UK drivers the standard set up will suffice. It's the same for the steering - the optional variable assistance systems only add a strange weighted sensation to otherwise accurate responses at the wheel.

What you get for your Money:

Along with all the green-leaning tech, the new BMW 1 Series comes with a decent standard specification. ES entry-level cars have air conditioning and alloy wheels, with the big-selling SE trim adding a 6.5-inch flat-screen monitor and iDrive controller with Bluetooth telephone and USB audio integration. Prices start at £19,375, and running costs across the entire range are class leading.

Worth Noting

The 120d might be the quickest model in the range, but it's currently the most economical, too. Its figure of 64.2mpg betters that of its lesser-powered diesel relatives, though the economy does drop marginally if you're not on the standard 16-inch alloy wheels. If maximum mpg is your goal, wait for the 116d EfficientDynamics to join the range, which will offer 99g/km emissions and a combined economy figure in excess of 74mpg.

Summary

Building on the huge sales success of its predecessor, the new BMW 1 Series is better in every measurable way. Only its styling divides opinion, but it looks better in reality than in the pictures. It's not perhaps a traditionally exciting BMW to drive, but its position in the marketplace is among buyers where BMW's economy advances will be key to buying choices. And on that score, it's difficult to fault.