New BMW 1 Series

What is it?

THE second generation of BMW’s entry-level hatchback. New BMW 1-Series is bigger but lighter and is packed with more gadgetry than ever, including new, super efficient petrol and diesel engines and lots of equipment you would expect to see on larger luxury cars. There’s greater scope for personalisation (a bit like the MINI) too. On sale in September, priced from £19,375 for the basic 116i ES.

What’s hot?

• Super economical 116d Efficient Dynamics model does 74mpg, 99g/km
• New 1.6-litre turbo petrol really fast and efficient though…
• …118i has 170bhp, does 0-62mph in 7.4 secs yet returns 48mpg
• Steering a little lighter than old car but still full of feedback
• Handling even better with little roll and rear-drive fun
• Clever driving mode system standard on all; gives Sport mode and…
• …ECO PRO driving mode which dulls throttle response, boosting economy
• Cabin is a step-up in quality over old 1-Series with luxurious materials
• Decent standard kit; all get aircon; SE gets Bluetooth and 6.5-inch screen
• New Urban and Sport lines add an extra dose of personalisation…
• …there’s different wheel and colour choices, for example
• Loads of big car options, such as adaptive cruise, lane departure warning…
• …low-speed collision avoidance and mobile internet
• Residuals should be excellent

What’s not?

• Looks still might not be to everyone’s taste – still
• Despite being longer there’s not much more space in the back…
• …a VW Golf is much more roomy for rear passengers
• Add some options and you’ll easily inflate the price to £25k
• You’ll have to wait until next year for the low company car tax 116d ED

What you need to Know?

P11D Value:	19,375 starting point
Monthly Rental*:	n/a
Tax Band when posted:	From 13%
Monthly BiK:	Click link for BIK
Engine:	Petrol and diesel engine range
CO2 Emissions:	From 99g/km
Power/torque:	n/a
Economy:	Up to 74.3mpg

Monthly contract hire (CH) and personal contract hire (PCH) rentals generated by Concept Vehicle Leasing. Based on a 36 month lease at 10,000 miles a year, 3+35 payments.

Business Car Manager Road Test Rating

Right now the new BMW 1-Series is the class leader when it comes to premium-badged small hatchbacks – but only because the new Audi A3 and new Mercedes A-Class are still at least six months from launch. It doesn’t re-write the rule book, but it’s extremely efficient, great fun to drive and has a ‘big car’ feel in a compact package. However, it’s still quite cramped in the back and it’s very expensive if you add a few options.