BUY, LEASE OR FINANCE A BMW 1 SERIES FROM OSV: https://bit.ly/3dUqUUC

The third generation 1 Series looks to establish itself as the premium hatch of choice in a hotly-contested sector. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Market and Model

Prices open at just under £25,000 and this time, there's only a single five-door body style. For the 118d diesel variant most will want, think just under £27,000. The top M135i xDrive flagship is priced from just under £36,500 and gets its own specific trim package. For most other variants, you'll choose between the brand's familiar 'SE', 'Sport' and 'M Sport' designations.

As you'd hope given the premium pricing, even the base 'SE' comes with plenty - 16-inch light-alloy wheels for instance. But you'll probably want to upgrade yourself at least to a mid-range 'Sport' model, recognisable by its high-gloss black air inlets and chrome-framed front kidney grille. The 'M Sport' versions feature aerodynamic body styling as well as satin aluminium struts in the kidney grille whilst at this level in the range, the seat upholstery is in Dakota leather with contrast stitching. Across the range, infotainment technology has been boosted by the adoption of the brand's "Hey BMW' 'Intelligent Personal Assistant' which will allow you to operate many of the car's major functions by merely speaking a command. A Head-up display is now optional and extra camera safety kit includes 'Collision & Pedestrian Warning with City Braking' and 'Lane Departure warning' with steering impulse.

Cost of Ownership

The engine changes have been virtually all about improving efficiency. As a result, the volume 118d diesel can return up to 60.1mpg on the WLTP cycle and up to 108g/km of NEDC-rated CO2. For the three cylinder 116d diesel, the figures are up to 61.4mpg and 100g/km. And for the 120d xDrive, you're looking at up to 51.4mpg and up to 117g/km. As for petrol power, well the base three cylinder 118i manages up to 47.1mpg and up to 114g/km, while the top M135i xDrive hot hatch delivers up to 35.3mpg and up to 155g/km.

Specify auto transmission and this car can be particularly efficient thanks to intelligent connectivity that enables the two auto gearboxes to adapt their shift strategy according to the planned route and driving situation. If the BMW 1 Series is equipped with Active Cruise Control, both transmissions will factor in the data from this system and the standard Navigation, to avoid unnecessary gear changes in a quick succession of bends. Across the range, efficiency is also aided by coasting and Auto Start Stop functions that take their cue from the data supplied by the navigation system, the front-mounted camera and the sensors for the optional driving assistance systems. The coasting function de-couples the powertrain from the transmission at cruising speeds when the car is running in either its 'Comfort' or 'ECO PRO' driving modes.

Summary

We can't help feeling a little disappointed that BMW's MK3 1 Series has abandoned its unique rear-driven selling point. But at the same time, we can't help being impressed by the way that the Munich maker has managed to retain so much of this car's eager, dynamic character, despite the fundamental engineering changes visited upon it.

Sales will also be boosted by the fact that this is the first 1 Series with really sleek looks, proper rear passenger space and a decent boot. And it's far better prepared than its predecessor in terms of media connectivity and camera-driven safety provision. About to choose a Mercedes A-Class or an Audi A3? You really ought to try one of these too. You might be surprised just how much you like it.

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