BMW.SG | BMW Singapore Owners Community The Ultimate BMW Community – Established Since 2001
The latest BMW 1 Series is still one of the sharper tools in the premium hatchback shed. BMW’s switch to front-wheel drive hasn’t dulled the car’s instincts; it turns in keenly, grips hard on a B-road and feels neatly tied down at speed. It’s also been thoroughly freshened up, with a cleaner nose, tighter detailing and a cabin that now looks properly up to date.
Most buyers will land on the 120, which pairs a turbocharged three-cylinder petrol with mild-hybrid assistance. It suits the 1 Series’ character: quick enough off the line, smooth in traffic and responsive when you lean on the throttle. Step up to the 123 xDrive, and you get more shove and extra traction, while the M135 brings proper hot-hatch pace with all-wheel drive and a more focused chassis set-up.
Around town, the 1 Series is easy to thread through tight streets thanks to good forward visibility and light-footed responses, even if the turning circle isn’t class-leading. The seven-speed automatic is generally slick once you’re rolling, but it can hesitate when you demand an instant getaway at a junction. On the motorway, it settles nicely, with decent refinement and supportive front seats that make longer journeys painless.
Inside, it’s a strong showing. Materials feel solid, the driving position is easy to dial in, and the twin-screen layout delivers crisp graphics and useful shortcuts. The move to screen-based climate controls won’t suit everyone, and the absence of the old rotary controller means you’ll use the touchscreen more often, but the system is still quick to learn and feature-rich day to day.
The main compromise is packaging. Rear-seat space is merely average for the class, and mild-hybrid versions lose boot capacity because of the battery hardware, so it’s not the last word in family-friendly practicality. If you prioritise a compact hatch that feels well engineered, runs efficiently and remains rewarding on a winding road, the 1 Series still earns its place—just don’t expect it to beat the roomiest rivals.
