When the second-generation BMW 1 Series came on the scene in 2009, the world breathed a sigh of relief - well it couldn’t be as ugly as the original. BMW has learnt from its mistakes, yes it was a cracking car but by jove, the looks split opinions.

Well, those looks have been toned down, the driving dynamics remain best in class and the interior has a bit more of a wow factor about it – the new 1 Series is back with a bang. Still, competition from German rivals like the Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3 cannot be overlooked. 

Performance

BMW has a knack of making efficient yet powerful engines and the units available on the 1 Series is no different. Our favourite engine in the range is the 2.0-litre diesel found in the 120d. It produces 184bhp it will complete the benchmark sprint to 62mph in 7.2 seconds, however, it will still average a claimed average of 62.8mpg. 

If you fancy a petrol engine, there are plenty of exciting options available - the twin-turbo petrol engines are capable of averaging 49mpg. Take for instance the 116i four-cylinder twin turbo. It has a power output of 134bhp and it will sprint from zero to 62mph in 8.5 seconds and it has a top speed of 130mph. While the 118i produces 170bhp completing the benchmark sprint in 7.4 seconds and has a top speed of 140mph.

The 1-Series is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or a new eight-speed automatic transmission. The latter is available in Sport configuration and features shift paddles on the steering wheel.

Ride and Handling

The 1 Series is incredibly well-balanced and body roll when cornering is minimal.

The only rear-wheel drive car in the class is still one of the most enjoyable to drive. Thanks to the layout, the weight distribution on the 1 Series is pretty much 50:50 making it the perfect driver’s car. This second generation has improved too, the boffins at BMW have widened the car, 51mm at the front and 71mm at the rear while the suspension has been enhanced. The 1 Series is incredibly well-balanced, body roll when cornering is minimal while the steering has tons of feedback and the steering is perfectly weighted. All class rivals should note that this is the king of driving dynamics and is ‘the’ car to beat.

Interior and Equipment

The BMW 1 Series is the only rear-wheel drive car in its class making it a popular choice with driving enthusiasts who love its excellent handling balance.

Standard kit is a little stingy on the 1 Series. The entry-level car comes with stop/start, 16-inch alloys, four airbags, a drive performance system with ECO or PRO mode, a radio and CD player, air-con, 60:40 folding rear seats, cloth upholstery and a leather steering wheel. Move up to SE and you add 6.5-inch flat screen monitor and iDrive controller, Bluetooth handsfree facility with USB audio interface and a multi-function leather steering wheel with speed limiting function. BMW Sport means you get 17-inch alloys, a chrome exhaust, central and side air intake surrounds, upgraded rear bumper trim, sport seats, a leather sports steering wheel and gloss black interior trim.  Practicality is still not a strong point, however, boot capacity has increased by 30 litres to 360 litres. You can expand the boot space to 1,200 litres by folding the rear seats down.

Cost

The cleanest engine in the range is the 116d, which emits just 117g/km of CO2.

BMW has an efiicient engine range and this is helped by its efficient dynamics system. The cleanest engine in the range is the 116d emitting 117g/km of CO2 while the 120d is pretty green too as it emits 119g/km of CO2. When it comes to price, you will end up paying for the prestige of the BMW badge, as it is priced a a little higher than the Volkswagen Golf. It is however cheaper than the Audi A3.

Our Verdict

The rear-wheel drive chassis underpinning the 1-Series makes it easily the most engaging car in its class to drive. It also has a desirable badge and boasts some of the best infotainment technology in its class. However, its strength is also a weakness. Sending power to the rear wheels means the rear seats are more cramped than you'll find in an Audi A3 or Volkswagen Golf. Its looks are most certainly an acquired taste, but if you are a fan of BMW's unmistakable nostril grille front-end, then the 1 Series is a whole lot of fun in a neat hatchback package.