BMW 1 Series

Step inside the cabin and the BMW 1 Series has a very familiar layout, which has been more or less shared with the rest of the new generation BMW’s offerings. The wide dashboard layout makes the BMW 1 Series feel large from the inside.

The three-spoke multi-functional steering wheel, which has been inspired from that of the M-range of BMWs, along with the new generation full TFT instrument console, looks very cool and modern enough. What adds a dash of modernity, even more, is the wide trapezoidal-shaped touchscreen infotainment system and wide centre console below it housing the slim AC vents and minimalist looking buttons of automatic climate control below it. The entire centre console, in a typical BMW fashion, is tilted towards the driver for an enhanced driving experience.

While there is no dearth of the technology and feature inside the cabin, it is the lack of space, which is a bit of concern, especially at the rear. The limited legroom and headroom tarnishes the rear seat experience and makes the 1 Series a car to be in mostly at the front.

The BMW 1 Series might not be as extravagant or flashy-looking as many modern-day hatchbacks. However, there is a certain subtlety in the 1 Series, which still makes it qualify as a premium offering.
The air of sophistication in the BMW 1 Series is evident when you look the hatchback from the front, with the traditional double kidney grille sitting right in the middle, along with dual ring-like daytime running LEDs surrounding the projector headlamps. The large fog lamp housings along with big air dam make the front bumper look aggressive.

The BMW 1 Series looks quite elegant from the sides, and it is down due to the long bonnet, big alloy wheels, and low ride height, thus giving it a low slung stance, which is reminiscent of all hot hatches. The sharp character line flowing from the front fender to the edge of the tail lamp adds a little drama to it.

The rear profile, however, looks a bit plain with a clean design for the boot lid. However, the large L-shaped LED taillights ensure that the rear doesn’t look bland.

This new generation BMW 1 Series is a revelation in the history of this hatchback, as it ditches the rear-wheel-drive configuration for a simpler front-wheel drive train. However, it still feels as engaging to drive as before and continues to be a great driver’s car with an impeccable balance of taut steering and supple suspension setup.

For the Malaysian market, the BMW 1 Series has been made available with only one engine and gearbox combination. Coupled to a standard 8-speed automatic gearbox, the 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine of the 1 Series is good enough to make 136 PS of maximum power output and 220 Nm of peak torque output.

Despite being an entry-level car, the premium BMW badge does infer a lot of safety features in the BMW 1 Series. The list consists of front, side, and curtain airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, lane departure warning with blind-spot monitoring system, proactive driving assistance, rear collision warning, cross-traffic warning, and adaptive cruise control.

The BMW 1 Series might be the smallest and most affordable car coming from the German manufacturer’s portfolio. However, it is every bit a BMW product when it comes to design language, build quality, premium feel inside, and great driving dynamics. It is one car that feels best when you are seated at the front, as the driving appeal of the 1 Series is right at the top among the bests in hatchbacks.