In a way, it is quite striking that the new drive concept of the 1-series has so much impact, because we have known front-wheel drive BMWs for years. After the 2-series Tourer, X1 and X2 you would think that traditional BMW enthusiasts have recovered from the shock, but that crazy 1 still cuts it.
It is presumably because the 1-series was such a unique offering in the compact class thanks to its rear-wheel drive. After all, all other competitors send the engine power to the front wheels, so the small BMW was the choice for those who like a lot of solid steering. That target group, which was chosen by BMW, caused some loss of space, that target group liked to take for granted. However, the 1-series also has another, much larger clientele, that of people who buy it because they simply drive a beautiful, representative and high-quality car. This group proved to be much less convinced of the benefits of rear-wheel drive. There are even studies showing that 80 percent of 1 Series drivers don’t even know the rear axle is powered. In that light, it is not surprising that BMW chooses eggs for its money and uses the UKL platform not only for Mini, but also for its own compact models.
Nose
That the new 1-series is also on this basis is clearly visible on the outside. The long, flat nose and short front overhang of previous generations gives way to a shorter, more ascending nose thanks to the transverse engine. This effect is enhanced by the further rear wheel arches and the larger, flat windscreen. The further forward pane indicates the greatest advantage of the new layout of BMW’s “Einser”: more interior space. The far back and longitudinally placed engines and indispensable cardan shafts ensured that the first two generations of the 1-series were without exception considered “tight”. In the rear seats in particular, the space was below par, so it was not advisable to carry adult passengers (or child seats placed against the direction of travel) for a long time. The new 1-series knows how to overcome that problem. For the first time adults find a reasonable place in the back seat, although the headroom is still limited. With 380 liters, the trunk is also somewhat larger than before and the car is in line with the competition in this area.
Interior
In the front, the center tunnel is noticeably lower than in traditionally decorated BMWs, but fortunately the phenomenal seating position is maintained. Certainly in this M Sport version, sporty drivers will feel right at home, thanks to the comfortably seated, low-positioned sports seats and the thick steering wheel, which pierces very far into the interior if desired. The design is also completely BMW today, but with some frivolous elements. For example, the mood lighting has been playfully installed in the moldings, which unfortunately have a somewhat high plastic content. From the outside, there is little to complain about the finish and the use of materials. The typically arranged digital instruments and the centrally placed iDrive screen seem to come directly from the 3 and 5 series. BMW seems to consciously choose to keep the design of the digital world calm and to limit the number of options. For example, it is possible to display the navigation map behind the wheel, but the “clocks” on the left and right always remain on the screen. The optional head-up display is very extensive and is a nice addition. The iDrive system, like in other BMWs, can be operated via a central rotary knob or screen touch, which means that no one has any reason to complain about that. That this is still one of the most user-friendly systems on the market is not only due to the crystal clear and completely well thought-out layout, but also because the system remembers, for example, the last option selected in the settings menu. This way, the cursor is always where you last went and adjusting a just changed setting is child’s play.
1.5 liters
One of the few things that is not new about the BMW is found under the hood. Although the engine is placed transversely in the nose, we already know the 1.5-liter three-cylinder from the 3 Series and it was also in the previous 1 Series. In those other models we got to know the engine as a pleasant, civilized and economical power source. Most of it remains intact, but in the new 1-series the block seems to be more audible than we are used to from it. With 140 hp and 220Nm there is plenty of power, but with a recognizable three-cylinder roll, the engine indicates that hard work is done under heavy loads. The 118i has a manual six-speed gearbox as standard, but our test car is equipped with an automatic. ZF’s traditional automatic transmission has made way for a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The DCT does its job under normal circumstances, but sometimes does not know what to do with sudden acceleration.
Exhausting
The BMW is emphatically sporty. The red hatchback immediately changes course after a slight wrist movement, can be placed very precisely and always tells you exactly what is happening under the front wheels. That has a downside, of course. The sturdy M-chassis actually knows what to do with thresholds, but does express the consequences of poor road surfaces. Direct control is also not without its drawbacks. Especially the fact that irregularities and drive reactions can sometimes be clearly felt in the steering wheel is a bit tiring. In addition to full LED lighting, heated seats and a panoramic roof, the BMW is equipped with a head-up display, a Harman Kardon audio system and an electric tailgate.