BMW 1 Series

BMW 1 Series

Recommended. Smoother, softer, and more spacious, the new 1 Series is a strong improvement over the original

The original BMW 1 Series garnered a heavy amount of criticism when it was released, but this didn't stop it enjoying a healthy amount of success in the showrooms.

The ride, rear passenger space and boot capacity all received bad press, and, unsurprisingly these are all areas that BMW has sought to improve with the new car. As a result it is longer, bigger inside and has had a great deal of attention paid to the suspension.

Thankfully the interior now looks like it belongs in a BMW, offering the premium element that was missing from the original car. Splashes of colour on the dashboard, steering wheel stitching and the door panels brighten up the cabin and lend it a high-class feel.

Another big criticism which was levelled at the 1 Series was the lack of passenger space in the back. An increase in overall length of 83mm means that there is now a decent capacity for legs and heads in the back, although the gap between front seat and floor means that foot room is still tight. The back of the front seats is clad in a rather firm plastic that means rear passengers won't have the smoothest of environments for their knees either.

The increase in overall length means that BMW has also been able to address the previously poky boot space, and the 1 Series now equals, and in some cases beats, the rest in the class.

On the road, the 1 Series is a significant improvement over what has gone before, with the ride now vastly smoother than the jolting predecessor. It has not gone too far in the opposite direction though, with it still retaining a tautness through corners that means it is an entertaining drive when pushed hard.

The engines on offer provide a decent mix of performance and frugality, with the diesels being the best compromise between the two. The popular 120d is the pick for those that want to combine speed with fuel consumption in excess of 60mpg.

The new car also comes with a new trim option - the Urban, which adds gawky looking white wing mirrors and details on the front bumper, grille and rear end. The only bit that really works is the front grille, and the Sport is the better looking option. Without the flashes of white paint, the 1 Series is a better looking in the metal than in pictures, with an element of baby 5 Series to its front end.

With the softening of the drive and the slight improvement to interior quality, it feels more like a baby BMW all round now.