BMW 1 Series

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The BMW 1 Series is one of the best premium hatchbacks on sale, offering a combination of performance, efficiency and driver thrills.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 118d Sport
Score: 8 / 10
“The new BMW 1 Series offers strong performance, decent fuel economy 
and low emissions. The switch to front-wheel drive has, if anything, enhanced the way it drives, the car behaving much like the larger (rear-wheel-drive) 3 Series 
in day-to-day running.”
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Model reviewed: M135i xDrive
Score: 8 / 10
“The boot is 20 litres bigger than before and there’s more leg and elbow room in all four seats, especially those in the rear.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“BMW’s fresh take on the 1 Series formula adopts the more conventional front-wheel drive layout of its rivals, with the goal of improved interior space and practicality. Technology has also been expanded, with increased connectivity and expanded infotainment functionality.”
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Model reviewed: 128ti 2021
Score: 8 / 10
“BMW’s first attempt at an authentic ‘sweet-spot’ hot hatch is mostly impressive and will deservedly steal sales from the Golf GTI, especially on the strength of its interior.”
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Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“The move to a transverse engine and front drive makes for radically different proportions, which are taller, shorter of bonnet and much more cabin forwards.”
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Model reviewed: 118i M Sport
Score: 8 / 10
“Big improvements in practicality and refinement serve BMW’s bottom-rung model well on UK roads, and the loss of a driven rear axle is nothing to mourn.”
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Model reviewed: M135i
Score: 8 / 10
“As a fast and capable four-wheel-drive hot hatch, the M135i is rather good.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“It may be a big departure over what’s come before, but the new 2020 BMW 1 Series has come through its rebirth relatively unscathed. It may not be rear-wheel drive, but most customers will barely know. Practicality has also improved, as has the level of tech on offer.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic 128ti
Score: 9 / 10
“For BMWs first true attempt at a front-wheel-drive hot hatch, the 128ti is a sterling effort. It’s not just exciting on paper but also when you get it out on the road.
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic M135i
Score: 9 / 10
“BMW might have radically changed the formula of its hot hatch on this latest M135i, but we reckon it’s one that has paid off. The slight lack of driver enjoyment will be easily offset by many drivers thanks to its impressive straight-line performance, superb interior and comfort.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“There was a lot of concern when BMW announced that the new 1 Series will no longer be rear-wheel-drive, but the move makes perfect sense as it increases the car’s interior space and boot room which is crucial with a small family hatchback.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.2 / 10
“The front-wheel drive BMW 1 Series is great to drive and now has more space, making it a great all-rounder”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The new BMW 1 Series is more practical than before and gets more tech, but the fact that it’s no longer rear-wheel-drive might upset those who loved the way the old car drove.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre diesel manual 116d Sport
Score: 8 / 10
“The new BMW 1 Series addresses the weaknesses of the previous car, particularly the packaging, and maintains the driving enjoyment despite changing to front drive.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual 118i M Sport
“The switch to front-drive hasn’t significantly numbed the BMW 1 Series’ position as the driver’s car in the sector, although the ride quality is an issue. The better practicality and tech are welcome.”
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Model reviewed: 118i M Sport
Score: 8 / 10
“You can’t tell that this new small BMW is front-wheel drive. The engineers have done an excellent job of removing any vices such as torque steer and the 1-Series corners accurately. In other words, the enthusiasts will be happy.”
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Model reviewed: 128ti 2021
Score: 9 / 10
“BMW’s first front-wheel drive hot hatch, the 128ti, isn’t only good, we think it will have a Golf GTI beat.”
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Model reviewed: M135i xDrive
Score: 7 / 10
“BMW’s latest hot hatch is a good car, but no longer a unique one, and misses the mark for pure fun.”
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Model reviewed: 118i M Sport
“There’s virtually nothing to dislike about the new 1 Series. It’s spacious, practical, comfortable, good to drive, and filled with sensible technology that just works. M Sport isn’t my personal cup of tea, but it certainly looks the business, while the 118i engine option is a sound choice.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“The 2020 BMW 1 Series shares a platform with the X1, X2 and Mini Countryman – meaning, for the first time ever, standard models are now front-wheel drive. This brings it in line with rivals, and offers more space inside – especially in the rear seats and boot.”
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Score: 9 / 10
“The BMW 1 Series has excellent build quality and good practicality and is fun to drive.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.6 / 10
“BMW’s smallest model is a great hatch pick”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic 118i M Sport
“BMW’s all-new 1 Series adds style and pace but loses its rear-wheel-drive USP.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic 118i M Sport
Score: 8 / 10
“Moving to front-wheel drive has made the BMW 1 Series feel more conventional, which has both benefits and downsides. It still isn’t practical enough, but there is at least more room than you got before, and combined with its blend of upmarket tech, unshakeable handling and peppy, frugal engines, that makes it a solid effort – if not a class-leading one.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 118d
Score: 8 / 10
“BMW’s experience with the Mini and the Active Tourer has paid dividends in the development of the new front-wheel-drive 1 Series. It isn’t the greatest looking thing and the huge grille is awful, but the driving experience of the middle-ranking diesel is first rate; it also rides well and is economical.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“BMW’s switch from RWD to FWD for the new hatch is no bad thing. This new BMW 1 Series is a good car from the bottom up.”
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Model reviewed: M135i xDrive
“It’s a ceaselessly competent all-rounder, which sounds like a brush-off. It’s also fun when you really shake its tree. Which matters. It goes toe-to-toe with its rivals.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“In the ultra-competitive arena of the premium family car, the BMW 1 Series is the best of the lot. It delivers a fantastic blend of driver appeal and ride comfort, along with decent practicality, a top-notch interior and a brilliant infotainment system.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6.6 / 10
“The BMW 1 Series may be less distinctive to look at and drive than it once was, but it’s been improved in almost every respect, and is now a more serious family car proposition than ever before. Keen drivers may resent that the new model is front-wheel-drive, but it remains great fun from behind the wheel.”
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