Space
Switchto front-drive
has boostedboot and
passenger space, with
theexception ofrear
headroom, which is
still abugbear
BMWhas launchedanew1Seriesand thebig-selling
modelis front-wheel drivefor the first time, which
increasesinteriorspacewhile reducingits weight.
While enthusiasts argue that itrobsthecarof
individuality andunique drivingcharacteristics, BMW
is keento point out the abovebenefits of sendingthe
powertothe front wheels. It also bringsthe1Series
closer to itsmain rivalsinthisclass,whichinclude
theMercedesA-Class,VolkswagenGolfand Audi A3.Styling and practicality
Thelatestmodelis all-new,and thatstartswith the
styling. It’smarkedly differentto the outgoing1Series,
with moreaggressivedetailing. The low,slopingfront
endfeaturesmuchlarger‘kidney’ grilles,steeply
angled headlights andawide lowerair intake. The
range-toppingM135i modeladdsasportierbumper,
silver mirrorcapsandbi-colour 19-inchalloywheels.
Thewindowline risesovertherear wheelsandjoins
thetopofthewindowswith aso-called‘Hofmeister
kink’,aBMWstylingcharacteristic.Atthebackof the
car, everyparthasbeenredesigned, includingthe
optional LEDtail-lights,rear bumper andspoiler.
Despitethe distancebetween the front andrear
wheels(knownasthe wheelbase) actually being
slightly shorterthanthelastcar,there’s morespace
insideforpassengers.Rear-seat occupantswillnotice
theextraknee and elbowroom, although headroom
is stillsomewhatlackingfor taller occupants.
The bootspaceis bigger,too and,with 380 litres
available, itexactlymatchestheVolkswagen Golf
and beats what’s on offer in theFord Focus.Interior
The interior offersplenty of high-qualitymaterials,
backlit trimstripsandadriver-focusedlayout.Entry-
levelcarsget traditional dialseitherside ofa5.1-inch
display,while cars with the BMWLiveCockpit
Professionalpackageenjoy10.25-inchdigital
instruments andasame-sizedcentraltouchscreen.
Thelattercanbefittedwith gesturecontrol asan
option, although the interior should bevery easyto
useanyway. Arangeof upholsteriesare available,
dependingonthespecification, while sports seats
andblack leather seatscanbeselected atextracost.Specsand technology
The1Seriesrange kicksoff with anew Advantagetrim
level, with SportLine the next trim up.Thisaddsgloss-
blackexterior accents, includingthe mirrorcaps,air
intakesand grillebars, andis asimilarlysporty-looking
trimleveltoAudi’sSline and VW’sR-Line. Abovethat
areLuxuryLine andMSporttrims,with the M135i
beingthefastestand most expensivemodel.
Asapremiumhatchback, there’sasuitablyextensive
technologylist. Oncars with satnav andadaptive
cruisecontrol,thecarcan “avoidunnecessary gear
changes” and decide whento shut the engine down.
Eitherversion of the1Series’cruisecontrol can
cometo astopandrestartwithout the driver’s input,
andcanmatchpostedspeed limitsbyreadingsigns.
Ahead-up display(that showsyour speed and
navigation information on thewindscreen),parking
sensorsand automaticparkingare optionalextras.
Alsooptional arewirelessphonecharging, the ability