This is the all-new BMW 1 Series, a thoroughly re-engineered version of the German manufacturer’s entry-level model. It’s on sale now priced from £24,430, with first customer deliveries due in September. For its third generation, the 1 Series has undergone its most dramatic transformation since the car was launched in 2004. Based on customer feedback, BMW has focused on increasing practicality, so the hatch is now larger than before, while the brand’s compact car line-up will see the three-door 2 Series Coupe morph into a five-door Gran Coupé. • New BMW 1 series review To achieve those gains in practicality, the 1 Series has switched to BMW’s front-wheel-drive architecture, which also underpins the MINI range. But to suit the 1 Series’ focus on driving dynamics, bosses say that the platform has been revamped so that it can deliver greater driver enjoyment. 62 “If we could have rear-wheel drive for this generation we wouldn’t, because what we have is a better system,” Jochen Schmalholz, BMW’s 1 Series product manager, told Auto Express. “The two main purchase reasons were a sporty design and strong driving dynamics; this car will be the benchmark in its class in this respect.” Dimensions and practicality The switch to the new architecture can be seen in the stubby bonnet, raked windscreen and curvier C-pillar. It gives the car a more compact look, despite being larger than before, at 4,319mm long (-5mm), 1,799mm wide (+34mm) and 1,434mm tall (+13mm). The wheelbase is 20mm longer, at 2,670mm.

As a result, BMW says, rear passenger space has greatly improved. An extra 33mm of kneeroom and 19mm of headroom may not sound much, but along with longer (by 80mm) rear doors, the increase in size is noticeable. The boot is 20 litres bigger as well, at 380 litres, putting it on par with the VW Golf’s, while the width of the load bay’s opening has grown by 67mm. The cabin has also been overhauled, with the 1 Series borrowing most of its new tech and design from the larger 3 Series. All but entry-level cars get a new 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, while a 9.2-inch head-up display and upgraded 10.25-inch infotainment screen can be specced, too. Engines, gearbox and economy In the UK, the 1 Series range will consist of five models: two petrols and three diesels. The big seller – set to make up 40 per cent of sales – will be the £24,430 petrol 118i, which has a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine shared with the MINI Cooper, giving 138bhp and 220Nm of torque. BMW says it should sprint from 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds and return up to 56.5mpg, with CO2 emissions as low as 114g/km depending on wheel size.