The focus of development for this fourth-generation BMW 1 Series was found in the data. According to anonymised data collected from consenting customers, 1 Series drivers are more given to ‘spirited’ driving than the owners of any other model in the firm’s line-up. Which is why plenty of effort has gone into rewarding drivers, even on this entry-level model. So while this new 1 Series might not look like a dramatic departure from its third-generation predecessor – the kidney grille has been lowered slightly and there’s a stripped-back aesthetic that you could view as pleasantly clean or a touch bland – lots of detail work has taken place under the skin. Enough for BMW to label this as an entirely new model generation.
With the Mk3 having made the seismic shift from rearto frontwheel drive, this version focuses on refinement. Extra struts and cross braces help to increase chassis rigidity, there are new shock absorbers, the anti-roll bar mounts feature higher pre-loading and the front-wheel castor angle has been increased to aid steering feedback. Wheel sizes now start at 17in, although our 120 test car ran on 18s. Our car also featured adaptive Msuspension, which can lower the ride by up to 8mm, has frequencyselective dampers and features stiffer rear-axle bushings and (even more) extra cross braces.
While pure petrol and diesel engines will be offered in some markets, UK buyers get a choice of just two: this 120, with a 168bhp three-cylinder mild hybrid, in Sport and MSport trims; and the top-spec M135, which offers 296bhp from a 2.0-litre turbo. Both are automaticonly and now use the same sevenspeed dual-clutch gearbox.