Hoping to succeed in practically every automotive classification, BMW could be said to have had a mountain to climb with its evolutionary new 1-Series. The Bavarian carmaker is not new to front-wheel drive, transverse engine technology, after all, it has almost two decades’ worth of Mini to fall back on and the 2-Series MPV has been on the go for the past few years.
Yet, when its entire philosophy has been built and based upon rear-wheel drive and the copious benefits it extolls to the press-on type of driver, allied to years of front-driven denial, a major bridge-building exercise has proved essential. Naturally, BMW will use every tool in its kit to ensure that it avoids product development by consumer demand, which it has been able to rely on with every model line from 1-Series up, in the past.
The 1-Series is a car vital to BMW’s strengths, not least because it is dropped into the most important segment of the high-volume new car scene. The new model is fractionally shorter but marginally wider than its predecessor and it retains the BMW-customary short frontal overhang. However, within that overhang is the latest, largest and most cascading style of ‘Double Kidney’ radiator grilles…it is a whopper.
Most important, not just to BMW but also to its customers, is new-found cabin packaging. This is the roomiest 1-Series ever and among the roomiest of all BMWs, a clear benefit of more compact drivetrain packaging. Even the available boot space is enhanced significantly, which is a clear requirement in the class. However, peer inside the hatchback and it is every millimetre BMW to its core, with the driver-focused instrument panel and centre console that have long hallmarked BMW products. Much like its key rival Audi, the 1-Series now incorporates backlit mood illumination on some trim panels.
Front-wheel drive is often a compromising set-up. BMW has always promoted a perfect ’50:50’ front-to-rear weight balance, which removes the negative aspects of front-wheel drive dynamics. Yet, despite greater nose-heaviness, the new 1-Series feels disarmingly neutral in its handling envelope, even though some driver inputs receive a slightly numb degree of feedback. Inevitably, ‘electrickery’ plays a vital role in maintaining the car’s stability and, using vectoring technology employed in the tall and narrow i3S model, the 1-Series relies on mild brake applications (without driver intervention) that reduce both understeer and oversteer cornering tendencies. Yet, using the dynamic traction control system also fitted to the car, a greater amount of slip can be experienced to provide it with more engaging handling traits.
With three trim levels (SE, Sport and M Sport) and a choice of three diesel and two petrol power units, with either front, or all-wheel drive, manual, or automated manual transmissions, performance expectations are strong, while frugality is exceptional, Prices (pre-discount) start at a reasonable £24,430…but beware of the extra-cost options list!
