Somehow, after two decades of effort, Munich has still to fulfil its true potential when it comes to its smallest model, the BMW 1 Series.
For two model generations and 15 years, it tried – and, notably, failed – to make a rear-drive layout work as an outstanding dynamic selling point. And since then, it has been trying – and, arguably, failing – to execute a more conventional, natively front-driven family hatchback with a BMW-typical sporting edge.
It’s with a rather hollow self-aggrandising air, then, that the firm hails the 1 Series as “the pioneer of driving pleasure in the premium compact segment” - and, similarly questionably, that it announces this road test subject as a fully fledged fourth generation of the five-door hatchback, when it would seem to amount to little more than a heavy facelift.
Nevertheless, here we are. The 1 Series has a new 48V mild-hybrid petrol powertrain to set it apart, as well as a stiffened chassis, retuned suspension, updated interior and freshened exterior styling.
It returns to a family hatchback segment where competiton remains fierce, however, taking on everything from old premium rivals such as the Audi A3 Sportback and Mercedes-Benz A-Class to more mainstream fare such as the Volkswagen Golf, Mazda 3 and Peugeot 308. And that's to say nothing about the increasing number of EV rivals, given that the entry level is one of the few areas in which BMW is yet to offer an electric car.
