BMW has unveiled its all-new third-generation 1 Series hatchback, which now offers more tech than before, as well as a new look.
The firm’s best-selling 1 Series is shorter but wider than the car it replaces, with a longer wheelbase offering more passenger space than before – which will mostly be noticed by rear seat passengers. The boot area has also increased by 20 litres to a capacity of 380 litres, while BMW has also dropped the three-door body style.
The 1 Series also uses the latest version of BMW’s infotainment system, while an optional ‘Live Cockpit System’ is available, which can be operated using hand gestures.
It’s the first time the 1 Series has been front-wheel-drive, while the hot M135i version uses a new 2.0-litre petrol engine and all-wheel-drive – replacing the rear-wheel-drive and 3.0-litre six-cylinder model from the previous iteration.
The styling has changed significantly from the car it replaces – adopting a look similar to the X2 crossover and new 3 Series. This means it comes with a new kidney grille, sharp LED lights and a more muscular profile.
More driver assistance features are available – such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot motoring and rear collision warning, with autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning included as standard.
There is also far more tech on the new model, including an innovative feature known as ‘reversing assistant’, which can store the steering inputs from the driver into a parking space and then do the reverse semi-autonomously in order to guide drivers out of tight parking spaces. The model can also be unlocked with a smartphone with the Digital Key function.
Three trim levels are available – SE, Sport and M Sport – with each offering a slightly different styling, along with the option of two petrol engines and three diesel offerings from launch.
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The petrol options are the 118i and M135i xDrive – the former using a 138bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine (which is significantly cleaner than before), and the latter a 302bhp 2.0-litre petrol unit.
The diesels offered include the 114bhp 1.5-litre 116d, and the 2.0-litre 118d and 120d xDrive, which produce 148bhp and 187bhp respectively.
Prices for the updated model start from £24,430 for a 118i in SE trim and rise to £36,430 for the M135i xDrive. Order books are now open, with first deliveries expected in September.
