BMW 1 Series (2020-2023) review | An upmarket hatch that’s great to drive

What is the BMW 1 Series?

It was all change when the third-generation BMW 1 Series, codenamed F40, arrived in 2019. Where this family hatchback had always been resolutely rear-wheel drive, the new model switched to front-wheel drive. Why should you care? Well, rear-wheel drive is traditionally the preserve of more exciting cars to drive, whereas front-wheel drive allows for better space and practicality.

In other words, this was a tacit admission from BMW that the 1 Series really needed to be more practical in order to take the fight to more conventional family hatchbacks like the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus, not to mention its premium rivals, the Mercedes A-Class and Audi A3. But given an involving driving experience was always what set the 1 Series apart from those rivals, BMW had to make sure it didn't throw the baby out with the bath water. Spoiler alert: it didn't.

This third-generation version of the 1 Series - codenamed as the F40 in BMW's internal lingo - has since been replaced by the fourth-generation F70 1 Series, which is actually based on an updated version of the same platform. However, if you can't stretch to the mk4 there's still plenty to recommend this mk3 version as a used buy. Read on to find out why.

How practical is it?

Inside, the 1 Series is built from high-quality materials. If you go for the entry-level SE, however, it looks a little plain, with lots of drab, dark finishes, which is why we'd upgrade to the Sport. The design of the dashboard itself lacks the classy minimalism of the Golf's, but while it's busy, it does at least look interesting, and you don't have to upgrade it with expensive options to get it to look good, like you do in the Mercedes A-Class.

Has the switch to front-wheel drive paid off in terms of space? Yes, by and large: there's now a lot more room in the back, although not quite as much as in many of the 1 Series' more mainstream rivals. The rear seats aren't the most comfortable in the world, either, with big side bolsters at each end that push you into the centre of the car.

Storage space is at a premium, too, with naught but a few miserly cubbies up front for your odds and ends. And, while the 380-litre boot is certainly bigger than it was, it's still outgunned by many rivals, like the Honda Civic.

What’s it like to drive?

The F40 generation of BMW 1 Series is engaging to drive, with a composed, planted feel even when you're pressing on a bit. There's a slickness to the steering you simply won't find elsewhere, and it's weighted ideally. What's more, the rock-solid grip you get from the nose means the front end responds faithfully every time you turn into a corner.

There's a trade-off for this fine handling, though, and as is so often the case, it's to do with the way the 1 Series rides bumps. It's firmer than most family hatchbacks, and allows each lump or pothole to be felt just a little more, especially if you choose the stiffly-sprung M Sport models. That said, it doesn't cross the line into outright discomfort, so if you value that sporty driving experience, you probably won't mind.

We reckon the best engine in the range is the 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol unit, badged 118i. It's responsive around town and gutsy on the motorway, while also offering very respectable fuel economy figures.

If you need an even more frugal 1 Series, however, there are three diesel engine options to choose from, while for real petrolheads, the exhilarating petrol-powered M135i xDrive hot hatch sits at the top of the range. Also worth a look is the 128ti, a Golf GTI rival that’s often forgotten, but great to drive.

Technology, equipment & infotainment

The F40 1 Series comes with an 8.8-inch central touchscreen infotainment system and analogue dials; you also get Apple CarPlay, and while Android Auto wasn't available at the outset, it was added later. You can upgrade this setup to a much sleeker one, with a big 10.25-inch screen; this package also gets you an upgraded hi-fi system from Harman Kardon, and a TFT display in place of the dials. The latter isn't as slick as rivals' versions, though, and because it's quite small, it ends up looking rather crowded.

Whatever infotainment system you go for, it’ll be based on BMW’s iDrive setup. This is good news, because as well as being packed with features, iDrive is one of the easier infotainment systems to navigate.

SE is the entry-level version, but it doesn’t feel too sparsely equipped. You still get alloy wheels, air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and automatic headlights and wipers.

Sport, however, is worth upgrading to – the alloys go from 16 to 17 inches tall, and the air conditioning becomes dual-zone climate control. You also get some sleek styling touches outside and in, and comfier sports seats.

Go one step further, to M Sport, and you get 18-inch wheels, stiffer suspension, heated front seats, leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and a sportier bodykit.

In addition, BMW would let you choose from a glut of optional extras packages that brought fancy upgrades such as adaptive LED headlamps, a Harman Kardon sound system, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display, and a reversing camera. Just keep in mind that if you want a 1 Series with any of this kit, you’ll need to scour the classifieds for one with the right options boxes ticked.

BMW 1 Series running costs

The 116d is the most frugal 1 Series of all; it should see around 55-60mpg on average. And given prices for diesels tend to be more affordable on the second-hand market, it should also be cheaper to buy than any of the petrol models.

The 118i should see about 40-45mpg on average, which is in fact bettered by all the diesel models, but we still like the petrol version as it’s a solid all-rounder – and it’s better-suited to shorter journeys. If it's an M135i you're after, bank on around 30-35mpg, which is still a pretty respectable figure for such a potent machine.

Whichever 1 Series you choose, you'll have to be prepared for the fact its upmarket badge means it'll cost you more to buy than most of its rivals.

BMW's servicing costs are generally cheaper than those of Mercedes, and on a par with - if not slightly pricier than - Audi's. BMW also offers you the chance to pay for your servicing using a monthly service plan, which should help you to spread the cost.

All 1 Series engines feature a timing chain, which shouldn't need changing for the duration of the life of the car, so you don't need to worry about costly timing belt changes every few years.

BMW 1 Series reliability

In recent years, the Big Three German prestige brands - BMW included - have been rather disappointing in this area. Take a look at pretty much any of the various reliability and customer satisfaction surveys doing the rounds, and you'll have found Audi, BMW and Mercedes featuring towards the bottom of the standings.

The latest edition of the What Car? Reliability Survey paints a slightly different picture, though. Sure enough, Mercedes and Audi are still down there, both finishing in equal 22nd place out of the 30 carmakers considered overall. However, BMW has has elevated its performance all the way up to 6th in the table, and that's a massive improvement on its performance of the previous few years.

The news is even better for 1 Series owners. This third-generation version came a very impressive 4th out of the many models considered in the Family Car category of the same study, which is a splendid result.

Like most manufacturers, BMW only offers a three-year warranty, so it's questionable whether any used example you buy will have any cover left. You certainly will on cars less than three years old, though, because there’s no mileage cap on BMW’s cover, like there is with many other brands.