With the Audi A3 in its sights, BMW's 1-series represents a new challenge for the prestigious German manufacturer; one that it has attacked without relinquishing its engineering mantras of 50:50 weight distribution and rear-wheel drive.
Another less welcome trait of modern BMWs is their distinctive but graceless exterior lines. This new baby Beemer is no different, with scooped-out sides and an unconvincing hatch that both seem contrived. There's better design on show inside, where the setup apes the class and practicality of the 3-Series, although some plastic finishes feel cheaper than you'd expect. Driver and front passenger both enjoy decent amounts of room, but the back seats are appallingly cosy, and boot space is miserly (blame that bulky rear drive that steals space from the cabin). Amusingly, BMW recently discovered that 70% of 1 Series buyers thought it was front drive, so the next generation 1 Series will lose its unique rear-drive layout.
However, the current rear-drive configuration does have its advantages. It provides excellent dynamics, with superb grip and controlled cornering to simply outclass the entirely front-wheel drive opposition. Though generally refined, the ride does feel bumpy at times.
Where the hatchback looks ungainly and loses out to the A3 and VW Golf for proper hatchback usability, the coupé and drop-top versions of the 1-series are considerably more handsome, and don't need to offer practicality in spades. Still, neither one is especially easy on the eye.
A choice of five petrol engines consists of the underwhelming 116i and 118i, the more entertaining 120i and 125i, and the 135i for true performance thrills. However, it's the four diesel engines that offer the most impressive combination of power and efficiency, including the 120d that yields 177bhp, and the extremely frugal 116d that emits just 118g/km of CO2 and returns 64.2mpg while making the 0-62mph dash in just 10.2sec.
If you yearn to own a new BMW, the 1-series provides the cheapest way of doing so, and ongoing costs are reasonable with fixed-priced servicing and steady residuals. However, despite sharp handling, it suffers on looks and practicality against established rivals in this ultra-competitive class.