Behold the new BMW 1 Series, arriving with a lowered stance and sharpened driving dynamics to make it the sportiest vehicle in its class, according to the German firm.
The 1 Series hatchback, launched way back in 2004, is your gateway into the world of BMW leasing, being a compact and affordable baby Beemer.
And this new model, which will hit UK roads in October this year, ups the ante considerably, coming with sportier styling and a honed chassis for better handling - including increased rigidity and new shock absorber tech.
There are a couple of other things to note right from the off.
The latest BMW 1 Series is being offered with two petrol engines - a ‘120’ unit with mild-hybrid tech that offers power of 170 hp, or a ‘M135’ petrol which gets 300 hp and all-wheel drive.
There’s no mention of a diesel powertrain and there’s also no option of a manual gearbox, with automatics being the order of the day instead. So, if you still want a BMW 1 Series with a diesel engine, you’d be wise to lease one now while you still can.
Design-wise, the fresh-faced 1 Series is slightly longer and taller than the outgoing model, while a ‘strikingly flat front end’ sits lower to the road than before for a more ‘sporty character’, says BMW. A forward-leaning BMW front grille also adds to its sense of purpose.
New LED headlights are standard fit while two-part rear lights extend well into the side sections.
The refreshed BMW 1 Series is offered in three trims - Sport, M Sport and the most potent M135 xDrive.
The entry-level Sport model (below) gets BMW’s obligatory ‘Curved Display’, which comprises a 10.25-inch Information Display and a 10.7-inch Control Display and includes sat nav.
You can also expect automatic air con, cruise control with brake function, and BMW’s self-steering ‘Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant’ to be fitted as standard.
The base 120 petrol engine will take you from 0 to 62 mph in 7.8 seconds, which is sprightly enough for most.
The M Sport 1 Series gets more performance-y styling, including large air intakes on the front apron, wider side skirts and a three-dimensional diffuser element in the rear apron.
Meanwhile the range-topping M135 xDrive stands out from the 1 Series pack even further, with an M radiator grille with horizontal bars, M exterior mirror caps and four exhaust tailpipes at the rear.
The M135 xDrive is also a proper, VW Golf R-rivalling hot hatch, and which will accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds. For comparison purposes, the Golf R does the same sprint in around 4.7 seconds.
The M135 also features BMW’s Adaptive M Chassis - lowered by 8mm compared with the other 1 Series cars - with sport steering, while an optional ‘M Technology’ pack is also available, adding uprated suspension components, 19-inch forged light-alloy wheels, and compound brakes.
The interior of the BMW 1 Series has been tweaked. Heated seats are standard across the board and the new seats have also been designed with long-distance comfort in mind.
The boot measures 380 litres, which is on a par with the VW Golf and SEAT Leon, so the BMW 1 Series should also prove practical.
Prices begin at £29,950 to purchase outright. The BMW 1 Series M135 will set you back at least £41,000.
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