On its launch many reviewers were keen to point out that the BMW 1 Series has switched from rear to front-wheel drive, but is that really going to be an issue for most Motability customers? Well, BMW said that in a survey of 1 Series drivers 85% of the people that responded didn't know if their car was front or rear-wheel drive, so although the car’s unique selling point has gone, will drivers really care? Factors like a bigger boot, improved fuel economy, better infotainment systems and more safety features will surely be much more important to Motability drivers. With an impressive interior and great handling, the new BMW 1 Series is worth your consideration if you're looking for a premium 5 door hatchback.
This month, these BMW 1 Series Sports Hatch models can be ordered through the Motability Scheme:
Search all the BMW 1 Series Motability Advance Payment prices and trim levels for April, May and June 2024, or read our guide to the latest Motability price changes and updates here.
BMW 1 Series Motability Advance Payment Offers
Front wheel drive and BMW. Once, it was a phrase you'd never hear. But then the Munich maker introduced a front-driven platform into its 2 Series Active Tourer MPV. And now this layout's gone mainstream with the third generation version of the brand's smallest model, the 1 Series hatch.
It's not so small these days, especially inside where the switch of drive layouts has freed up more room, particularly in the boot. But will the dynamic change of heart neutralise what has previously been this model line's greatest draw - uniquely rewarding handling? BMW says not - and provides a completely fresh range of engines to further sweeten the pill. On top of that there's a smarter cabin and upgraded safety. Sounds promising.
Back at the launch of the very first 1 Series model in 2003, rear wheel drive was a non-negotiable part of BMW's engineering fabric. Yet this layout practically compromised both that MK1 model and its 2011 successor. And for what? Whoever complained about the handling of a front-driven BMW-engineered MINI? If you opt for the brand's xDrive 4WD system of course, none of this will matter, but availability of that depends upon the engine you select, so let's take a look at the various powerplant options, all of them re-developed for this car.
BMW expects the 150hp 118d diesel to be the big seller; for black pump variants, there's also a lesser 116hp 116d three cylinder 1.5-litre derivative and a more powerful 190hp 120d 2.0-litre model, the latter only offered with the xDrive system. That 4WD set-up is also a non-negotiable part of the top petrol M135i xDrive hot hatch variant (which offers 306hp), but most customers wanting to fuel from the green pump with this car will choose the 1.5-litre three cylinder 140hp unit powering the base 118i front-driven version. Three different transmissions are on offer, depending on variant. The 116d, the 118d and the 118i get an upgraded 6-speed manual gearbox and the two base three cylinder variants (116d and 118i) can also be ordered with an optional 7-speed Stepronic auto. At the top of the range, the brand's smooth 8-speed Steptronic Sport auto transmission is optional on the 118d and has to be had on the two top xDrive models. If you like the idea of potent 2.0-litre petrol power but find yourself happy with front wheel drive, BMW will offer you the M135i's engine in de-tuned 265hp form in the front-driven 128ti sports variant.
The rather dumpy styling that characterised earlier 1 Series models is all forgotten now; this third generation model is much sleeker, with a more wedged shaped silhouette and a pronounced 'shark nose'. At the front, the BMW kidney grille is larger and, for the first time in this model range, the kidneys merge in the middle. The car features a shorter bonnet and significantly more space than before within a footprint almost identical to that of its predecessor. At 4,319 millimetres, the MK3 1 Series is 5mm shorter, 34mm wider and 13mm higher.
The 2,670mm wheelbase meanwhile, is 20 millimetres shorter but despite that, thanks to the switch of drive layouts, there's significantly more cabin space than before. Passenger access is easier, particularly in the rear where there's an extra 33mm of knee room, 13mm more elbow room and 19mm more head room. The luggage compartment capacity rises by 20-litres to 380-litres (or 1,200-litres with the rear seat bench folded down). The minimum width of the luggage compartment has also increased by 67mm. Up-front, BMW's latest 'Live Cockpit Plus' infotainment package is standard giving you an 8.8-inch centre-dash screen and a 5.7-inch instrument cluster display. This set-up includes features such as a Touch Controller, a navigation system, two USB ports for data transfer and a WiFi interface.
This time, there's only a five-door body style as BMW have dropped the three-door version of the 1 Series. At launch, there was the brand's familiar 'SE', 'Sport' and 'M Sport' designations.
As you'd hope given the premium pricing, even the base 'SE' comes with plenty - 16-inch light-alloy wheels for instance. But you'll probably want to upgrade yourself at least to a mid-range 'Sport' model, recognisable by its high-gloss black air inlets and chrome-framed front kidney grille. The 'M Sport' versions feature aerodynamic body styling as well as satin aluminium struts in the kidney grille whilst at this level in the range, the seat upholstery is in Dakota leather with contrast stitching. 'M-Sport' models also get 18-inch light-alloy wheels, upgraded suspension, heated front seats and electrically folding mirrors.
Across the range, infotainment technology has been boosted by the adoption of the brand's "Hey BMW' 'Intelligent Personal Assistant' which will allow you to operate many of the car's major functions by merely speaking a command. A Head-up display is now optional and extra camera safety kit includes 'Collision & Pedestrian Warning with City Braking' and 'Lane Departure warning' with steering impulse.
The engine changes have been virtually all about improving efficiency. As a result, in the ‘M-Sport’ the 116d diesel can return up to 58.9mpg on the WLTP cycle and up to 124g/km of WLTP-rated CO2. As for petrol power, well the base three cylinder 118i manages up to 47.9mpg and up to 134g/km.
Specify auto transmission and this car can be particularly efficient thanks to intelligent connectivity that enables the two auto gearboxes to adapt their shift strategy according to the planned route and driving situation. If the BMW 1 Series is equipped with Active Cruise Control, both transmissions will factor in the data from this system and the standard Navigation, to avoid unnecessary gear changes in a quick succession of bends. Across the range, efficiency is also aided by coasting and Auto Start Stop functions that take their cue from the data supplied by the navigation system, the front-mounted camera and the sensors for the optional driving assistance systems. The coasting function de-couples the powertrain from the transmission at cruising speeds when the car is running in either its 'Comfort' or 'ECO PRO' driving modes.
We can't help feeling a little disappointed that BMW's MK3 1 Series has abandoned its unique rear-driven selling point. But at the same time, we can't help being impressed by the way that the Munich maker has managed to retain so much of this car's eager, dynamic character, despite the fundamental engineering changes visited upon it.
Motability sales will also be boosted by the fact that this is the first 1 Series with really sleek looks, proper rear passenger space and a decent boot. And it's far better prepared than its predecessor in terms of media connectivity and camera-driven safety provision. About to choose a Mercedes A-Class or an Audi A3? You really ought to try one of these too. You might be surprised just how much you like it.
People with a disability and carers who choose a new BMW 1 Series through Motability will receive a brand new car, delivered by a Motability Specialist at a local BMW dealership, complete with insurance, servicing and maintenance, full breakdown assistance, replacement tyre cover, windscreen repair or replacement cover plus a mileage allowance of 60,000 miles over three years.
