BMW 1 Series: A calculated risk

It's all change for the 2020 BMW 1 Series, as rear-wheel drive makes way for front-wheel drive in a bid to free up more interior space. Rebecca Jackson tests the 118i M Sport with its three-cylinder turbo petrol engine to see if BMW's gamble has paid off.
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[@stephenoneill3120]

Got mine 2 days ago, Automatic transmission and it's a pleasure to drive, well built car with lots of great tech. Highly recommend.

[@alaaino]

Congratulations

[@lp497]

Looking at buying an automatic transmission, has it held up well over the years since you posted this?

[@bradjones5132]

I think I'm one of the rare few that like the new design. However, the lack of RWD makes test driving a must. Also, who the hell are they surveying to say most customers didn't know their car was RWD, 99% buy it for that reason?

[@Josh-nr6pl]

Back end though looks like the new Ford focus. Other than that it's really nice

[@flexible436]

The inconvenient truth for all car journalist. The average joe has no idea about it whatsoever, same for understeer or whatever.

[@davegelink]

@@flexible436 Kopy. Put the engine in front of the front axle why dont you, better for space in the cabin! It's sad what we've come to. It's a box on wheels. Built for convenience.

[@BenM388]

To be honest I own a 1 series F20, while I knew it was RWD, it certainly is not the reason I brought it, after placing my order last week on this new one, same thing again, FWD does not put me off at all, it's only going to piss the people that drive like utter wankers off

[@techyd8411]

It became a fleet car and an appealing entry level car to the BMW range for the aspirational youth, at the time it needed a USP to help it enter that space, especially over the BMW mini. The top end M models aren’t where the money / volume is, though they made excellent halo models for the range that the lower ones traded off. That it’s fine driving dynamics were because of RWD will have been lost to most, hence this new models effort to still drive well. It is a shame because nothing matches the sensation of RWD

[@david1731048]

2018: The Ultimate Driving Machine 2019: More boot space. Yay.

[@bannedgbg]

Well, actually the main reason for the FWD move is cost cutting. Yey.

[@david1731048]

@@bannedgbg yeah I know - that wasn't as funny though.

[@Marciaus007]

3 zylinder 1.5 power plant... Yay

[@drn13355]

@@bannedgbg It is actually to increase space because they are a business and that is what customers are wanting. If they made more money with RWD they would keep it. You can blame BMW all day long, but bottom line it is what people are buying.

[@repairitdontreplaceit]

@@Marciaus007 and your point is ?

[@Chriswales]

3:36 "All these buttons and controls feel really good quality" While the whole plastic panel of buttons flexes as it's pushed.

[@orkzin]

You saw it too

[@repairitdontreplaceit]

its been hammered buy test drivers

[@Chriswales]

@@repairitdontreplaceit Really? It's only a few months old or are the interiors only supposed to last as long as the rod bearings now?

[@davegelink]

The whole row of buttons is made of 1 piece cause its cheaper. :)

[@repairitdontreplaceit]

@@Chriswales "its been hammered buy test drivers"

[@repairitdontreplaceit]

had my f40 116d for a week , engine is smooth dct box smooth cant fault if for an entry level bmw . i own an e38 750 and an e31 840 and the 1 series is a winner

[@blademanx]

when you find out the new version of your car is a crossover 🤦‍♂️

[@GLH8]

“Buttons feel good quality” - whole panel flexes.

[@darkpixel_1]

grant11091980 ahahahaha

[@darkpixel_1]

Bravo232 exactly. BMW will never achieve something like Mercedes has already done. BMW will never be elegant and classy like a Mercedes.

[@MrLyo0]

@@darkpixel_1 bmw is more sporty looking merc is classy

[@51StPi]

@@darkpixel_1 The row of buttons in the A class also flex.

[@avishkarsingh744]

@@darkpixel_1 I've seen so many reviews rating a BMW with better quality than Mercedes. For example search in KZbin 1 series vs a class whatcar review.

[@JJ-ze7ji]

Got mine delivered on Monday and it was surprisingly a lot better than what I was expecting; especially when I used to have a 2011 1 Series Coupe.

[@ChrisMisMYhandle]

The base models may see improved sales but the hot ones will probably be less popular. The whole appeal of the previous gen 135 and 140 was the rwd straight 6 combo

[@misterpepe8]

Chris M yeah but BMW said that only 5% of all previous 1 series had a 6 cilinder engine so they probably won’t miss that much sales at the top of the range

[@ChrisMisMYhandle]

Maybe, but I only ever buy the hot versions of cars. I considered a m140i I wont consider this.

[@ryadhasanahmed5443]

There's so many m140i's in my area lmao

[@MrScootmcg]

Own a 6 cylinder, have driven the new m135i. Trust me the new one may not be quite as engaging, fun or even as quick in straight line but as an all round package it is a superior car. If BMW offer decent levels of financial support they will have little problem shifting them.

[@hughmanateecrisis]

This is what happens when the finance department wins an argument.

[@WolfgangVonKempelen838]

And you are working there aren't you ?

[@WolfgangVonKempelen838]

@ekim andersom Is that answering your own question ? Yes

[@viktorianas]

@ekim andersom glorified VW Golf comes out of it...

[@andrewlipiainen4133]

Old one is better

[@seth1455]

They always do, not just at BMW

[@JimBob_1975]

The first ever Focus way back in the 90s had multi link rear suspension as does my mk5 golf 1.9. And spending ages telling it to turn up the temperature? I just spend a second turning the heating control. Might well be a good car but what manufacturers have to do these days to sell a car amazes me. It's time to put the fun back into driving instead.

[@Beyonder1987]

1 series defo lost its soul. However, if the A Class with FWD sell really well with a bloody Renault engine then a BMW 1 series will do fine but for those of us who are enthusiasts, new BMW 1 series will not intrest us.

[@alexgrazie93]

Why "bloody" Renault engine. You have no ideea how reliable is that engine.

[@Beyonder1987]

@@alexgrazie93 ahahah yes i do. I used to own a Renault Megan. Engine died.

[@alexgrazie93]

@@Beyonder1987 maybe that was bad luck, or manufacture fail. I have a Renault Megane with 325.000 on board and works as brand new.

[@Fiwek23452]

@@alexgrazie93 engines are decent reliable.. but electronics in French cars.. dont make me start

[@blaz9841]

Well imho the problem of this 1 series is the looks. A class sold well since it actually looks pretty good, especially with the AMG option, but this new 1 series idk..

[@alexisamtosta]

A mix of ford focus and A class

[@bencebekefi7032]

Tosta Details more like a B class

[@Firemarioflower]

And Audi A3 to be honest

[@alexisamtosta]

@@Firemarioflower People are not liking this car too much.

[@tpndgo2061]

Focus ? Smfh . . .

[@louisbeerreviews8964]

Alexis Tosta no

[@poosnip]

First time watching Rebecca for ages. And her delivery and style is much improved. She is Much more settled compared to the earlier stuff of 3 to 5 years ago. I guesss motherhood gives you that extra summat. Always liked her. Competent race driver to boot . Carry on !

[@JMNTN]

It looks so high, almost a crossover

[@nmfl100]

That's what the market wants, look at the SUV trend.

[@CorleoneFam07]

I really hate that "grin" on the front bumper, and with the enlarged grill it just looks hideous 🤮

[@WolfgangVonKempelen838]

Priti Patel ?

[@neiloconnor8231]

That grill is horrible. New BMWs look like there has been a terrible reaction to lip fillers. Just horrible.

[@WolfgangVonKempelen838]

@@neiloconnor8231 I have to get rid of mine then ;)

[@tpndgo2061]

Smfh . . . But if you get one free , i bet you all won't hesitate

[@SM-ft2jv]

I never understand when journalists say people didn't realise their cars were RWD, i use to have a measly 118d which would go sideways for bants. Are they fickle? well guess this new ones perfect for them

[@bigmikey1344]

S M this was actually from BMW’s market research.

[@SM-ft2jv]

Big Mike Whats your point? Im saying the owners that can’t tell the difference are either dumb or high af

[@nearlyretired7005]

@@SM-ft2jv Your are right! BMW drivers who are ignorant and stupid may put snow chains on the wrong wheels,and make themselves look really stupid It does matter!

[@SM-ft2jv]

nearlyretired - And go round a corner with no knowledge of what oversteer is and crash. Theres a reason bmw’s get written off a lot, they drive beautiful, the drivers don’t

[@nearlyretired7005]

@@SM-ft2jv Your right,but that's true of all cars that are RWD. Not that there are many!

[@Billywoo12]

If BMW would have got a hurry on with EV, this could have been rear wheel drive.

[@Yb807-g]

Many people didn't know the last gen was rwd

[@thembelanizondi1611]

I could listen to you talk about cars all day everyday.

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

Speaks volumes that most 1 series drivers never knew they had rear wheel drive 😱 This should sell well and be better for those who never knew, making them driving God’s in the snow ❄️

[@Beyonder1987]

Audi A3 and A class resale are worth better

[@MePeterNicholls]

Press cars always have every gizmo option available and not all that realistic for average users I feel

[@hectorandem2944]

Ok, but -> 04:15

[@bigmikey1344]

How are you supposed to know how an option works if you can’t see what it does?

[@bingobongo1615]

For Fords, Japanese, Korean and French makers it kinda is. Most options are available in packs and high spec cars are affordable. Its really mostly the Germans and then premium makers where you will never get a car that had even half the options. There are more options of course but they are also outrageously pricey

[@JeeSingh21]

That voice command system is too slow!

[@eazy1437]

Yes absolutely

[@leewillavise7812]

It's lazy

[@stephenvincent4706]

JeeSingh21 Has to translate into German, find the answer, then translate back into English. This all takes time. 😆

[@decarp3nt3r]

This is an excellent, well thought out everyday hatchback individual commute that can also function as a weekend family of five car. It has a sufficiently sporty look and feel. Together with reasonable fuel economy and being packed with tech with the various configurations and packages. It’s a dream to own and drive. The only obstacle is after getting those options in, the price and subsequent maintenance of the premium batteries tyres and service.

[@tomaszmichewicz7867]

Hi, is there enough room in the boot for the buggy ?

[@khanomeir97]

Is it just or it actually looks like a Mercedes B class from the side lol 😂

[@arturwiebe7482]

Exactly my thoughts.

[@81giorikas]

@@arturwiebe7482 It's like they copied the giulietta c pillar with the focus butt and it had bad sex with the 2 series MPV and as a result...oh god. I can't believe that bmw 1 series becomes worse and worse every time. At least the first gen wore its disadvantages proudly and was very fun to drive to damn it (at least for me. You could even oversteer the lesser versions.). Yeah it was supermini class in the back but its mechanical underpinnings were wider than the old (yeah super old) 5-6 series for example, it did stand well and rode well enough with good tires. The second car was a piece of shit because to get more space they screwed up the driving position, I am 1,90 and it was fucking terrible. And the car was kind of not really good on the road. If you see it as an effort to improve on the problems of the second gen then what can I say but, now it stumbles on front while drive cars that actually reign on the class for decades and each for a different reason. Good luck. You don't buy a BMW for these attributes but hey, it only needs to beat the a-class. Which looks more upmarket and has a space age interior that bmw can't dream of, but hey boot space!

[@davidviner4932]

I was thinking new Ford Focus

[@truthseeker8483]

Looks like my Astra....but double the price...

[@louisbeerreviews8964]

Mo Khan no

[@davidjolly7386]

Had mine a week now and I love it 😄

[@007raybould]

I had one for a couple of months while my 3series was getting fixed I loved it

[@shiv135]

Do you really need those M brakes in a 1.5L??

[@davidviner4932]

Honestly, no

[@rotorblade9508]

Maybe they wanted the m package then for the m brakes only add 500£. M package comes with body kit, better interior, steering wheel, light package but it’s still too expensive for that, at least you can get the better brakes.

[@mmikee407]

Lewis Rowland The only problem with M brake is they have a scratchy noise when you step off the brake after you have stopped the car. I am saying that from personal experience as I own the last f20 they produced (125i). At least that is the reason given by service department for that noise since I took delivery of the car.

[@WolfgangVonKempelen838]

If you can afford it

[@Firemarioflower]

No, it's just for show..... BMW has really prolapsed.

[@avishkarsingh744]

It's good to see BMW take the build quality seriously even with their lower end models such as this one series as I have seen other review channels also commend them on too like carwow on the new 3 series

[@adamchase1517]

So you didn’t mention that the dash is an option extra and doesn’t come as standard even on M sport!

[@BenM388]

No he means in order to have the satnav where the Speedo is you need the ID7 system which is a optional extra

[@paulomoniz7326]

I should simply do a deal with Mercedes and re-badge the A Class Mercedes. It would save them a lot of money.

[@Stop-gt2kv]

Most BMW drivers don't even know they have indicators!

[@WolfgangVonKempelen838]

It is because they are special, or so they think.

[@xenomorph1317]

You are both correct, we Bmw drivers need to keep our standards high, also because every Bmw driver is the same..... Stick one's brain in a bird and it flies backwards...... Dumbasses.......

[@WolfgangVonKempelen838]

@@xenomorph1317 All is well then, keep calm and drive a BMW ;)

[@BenM388]

Are you telling me there is something in my car that I'm not aware of??? What are indicators and where would I find them.... 😂

[@BenM388]

@@WolfgangVonKempelen838 mate... Who keeps a used condom, not me anyway, just don't use them in the first place

[@davecroden9793]

When you absolutely have to have a BMW badge but can’t afford a 3 series.

[@lisadavis-isaacs3367]

Definitely a very sweet ride!! For me I do prefer it to the rear wheel drive. I have the 2.0D Msport and its quite easy to forget you're driving a 1 series and not a 3 series. Love the styling, brings the 1 series firmly inline with the rest of the BMW family.

[@wall-e7179]

family lol

[@alaaino]

Thank you

[@usneod9329]

Wish they still offered the 1 series in the USA . I loved my 135 i convertible .

[@howell162]

Cars like the 1 2 3 4 series are made for Europe

[@kevthedynamo]

My Dad owned a BMW 316 which was rear wheel drive. Absolute crap in wet and icy conditions! He kept a bag of sand in the back just for ballast to stop the tail spinning!

[@bodrulm1]

I've had rear wheel drive BMWs for 8 years. Never spun out. Planted. 430d and iX3 for reference.

[@kevthedynamo]

@@bodrulm1 This was an 1983, boxey 316 model. It was his pride and joy though.

[@beysan_tasci]

'Calculated risk.' The most perfect detection made for this vehicle.👏🏻

[@Dr.shadi.C63]

2030 7series will be FWD 1.0L Quad-turbo 300 hp

[@visionist7]

And the grille will take up the entire front end encompassing the headlights too

[@kopanokhumalo4344]

I just found out the next c63 will be a 4cyl with hybridization

[@kopanokhumalo4344]

The world is becomming shitty

[@stevekeyboy]

i love my 2006 116i. Honestly, this one is no persuading me. At all.

[@noohall9213]

Mmmmm. We have a 2017 218d sport coupe & have had a lot of electronics problems! New cluster etc, it even malfunction on motorway,car just stopped, very scary when this happened! Personally I have moved away from bmw and bought a Kia sportatage kx3 awd, It’s fantastic I absolutely love it......... won’t return to bmw after owning them for many years, 7 year warranty on Kia.

[@dominicchetta1463]

Picking mine up Thursday 😬

[@theodorbean2604]

If I wanted a car based on a mini, I would buy a mini. I could deal with the questionable styling if it were a proper rwd bmw

[@zanthony1286]

looks better than Mercedes A class

[@Andy-zt7ng]

Not even close to my current M140i, sorry but won't be changing anytime soon

Good for you Andrew.

[@Astke]

TBH if you have an M140i this is not an upgrade (except for tech etc.). Hopefully they make a new MI40i with a few more upgrades over the M135i. Think of this as the Audi S3 and the M140i as the RS3.

[@robphelan474]

I will be keeping mine too, even if they release a new M140i. I love the refinement and hooligan experience of the current 6 cyl rwd BMW hot hatch, to me, I cannot understand why you would have chosen any other hot hatch!

[@shiv135]

Exactly, sadly bmw has lost its signature dish

[@SM-ft2jv]

@ why so bitter? work hard you might get one yourself.

[@iainhogg9830]

A lot of nicer cars out there

[@jorgnyoa3561]

3 cylinder petrol. Imma head out of this cancer

[@Fc-cb3tn]

It's so nice to see Rebecca again. This is so much better than that dreary tosh from Carbuyer.

[@cheetor18]

I have to say. Even if this is not a rear wheel drive it still is the best hot hatch on the market. Although now, not by much and not by a considerable margin

[@Fiwek23452]

The F20 m135i is the best 1 series.. the most beautiful beamer.. RWD 6inLine engine

[@gerardov.9716]

The Audi s3 sportback is lagging behind in design. The 1 series looks great.

[@eazy1437]

+ the 1 series is overall cheaper with all the extra options

[@louisbeerreviews8964]

Gerardo V. No

[@MrVoayer]

Detailed and honest review spiced up with some personal feelings. BMW in top shape, again ! As is Rebbeca !

[@Oli_Hudson]

Not sure about that door closing sound - 6:44

[@Silver-st2zq]

Sounded like a Toyota AYGO door shutting 🙊

[@Astke]

It sounds weird in this. Don't remember it sounding this awful when I test drove it.

[@jirikrajnak9047]

It sounds like shit because the window is pulled down

[@oOJakkeOo]

My E90 3-series door sounds like a Toyota too when the window is down. I'm sure it sounds better when the window is up.

[@selahattintaskran4031]

:D

[@farai08]

Currently drive 118d and it snowed on the day i got it imagine the smile on my face going side ways.... i am absolutely gutted about the risk BMW have taken but it makes sense when i try and fit my friends into my car by cutting legs first

[@Anashere_Narrnda]

I driving a 93 E36 M3 and i can't belive how ugly bmw went with these new models compared to the old models I wouldn't even think to buy one of these ever

[@-DC-]

A 3cyl fwd hatchback lololol will sell loads no doubt but wtf 😱 BMW where once something special these day's just another mass market manufacturer.

[@ryadhasanahmed5443]

Normies Don't care they'll still see a BMW badge and assume it's still a good car 🤦‍♂️

[@blademanx]

theyve always been a mass manufacturer

[@martinwatts5411]

3 cyl fwd, ah a BMW mini with different clothing !

[@WolfgangVonKempelen838]

Once they only built motorcycles and aircraft engines. Times seem to move on; unless your name is Jacob Rees - Mogg of course.

[@PureSpirit347]

Owned BMW 125i M Sport coupe with straight 6 3 litre engine. Sadly discontinued now ! No more one series for me....fancy the series 4 now with this new generation...reminds me of the sporty styling on the coupe.

[@javali6545]

No RWD?? Well that's the end of that. Picked up a new ford focus st line, way better looking and interior. I was pleasantly surprised

[@jean-jacquesspeed6545]

got mine 2 months ago ,model 118 I. automatic gearbox I really appreciate my bmw except the high consumption of petrol

[@Srdj0ne]

6:45 what a quality door :(

[@kenco777]

"Hello BMW, switch the heating on". "You need a paid subscription for that" 🙄😂🤣

[@markh4751]

When I see the rear I think Focus and that's not a bad thing. This is what the Focus wants to be when it grows up and especially the interior.

[@shroomyesc]

I'm so happy they've at least kept the manual

[@205500830]

You can say that again

[@Beyonder1987]

yes but BMW do awesome Automatic and Auto are the future

[@visionist7]

They'll probably phase it out in the facelift in a couple years

[@bfcfan2739]

Exactly the type of driver this is aimed at

[@WolfgangVonKempelen838]

BMW driver ? Is that the right answer ?

[@northernmonkeyplaystgames3121]

i met rebbecca on holiday in lanzaroti, shes an amazing woman and an amaing mother . my girls played with her kids all a week.. nice vid rebecca, well presented

[@rotorblade9508]

It’a cheaper to build, it costs more and it will sell like cake so it’s going to be a win for BMW. Old fans will have to look somewhere else.

[@stevejan100]

Had the pleasure of driving the M135i last week for 4 hours thanks to my local BMW dealer. It is a very nice car inside is better than the old model & the outside has grown on me, but its 2 litre turbo to me is very slow and gutless the exhaust note is no better than a fly fart why it has 2 large bore pipes at the back has got me. Road holding is better but only just I felt plenty of under steer when pushing it a little. Not sure of the new lay out of the switches inside they seem a little awkward around the gear lever but the window controls are perfect. The auto which I drove is poor compared to the ZF gear box very lumpy and slow to change. Some cheap plastics on the dash and top of door cards & the flappy paddles I am sorry to say are about as good as the gear box. Would I have one? Not a chance I could not wait to get back into my M140i a far better car & would leave this new BMW for dead with ease. Think I would go with the Golf Merc or Audi before I would buy this new new BMW its just not got it for me sorry to say and I am a massive BMW fan. You have really messed up with this one BMW & will be interesting to see the sales figures, its been out around 3 weeks now and I have not seen one yet.

[@davidviner4932]

The sheep will buy them

[@joebloggs4191]

Forget the Audi and Merc just stick with your old M140i it's going to become a sort after classic in years to come, the last of a kind!

[@suprac19]

The golf merc and Audi are not driver focused cars and as the review said this bmw is probably the best dynamically a front wheel drive car can be so why would you buy any of the others you mentioned. I’ve got an M5 and got one of these for the day when mine was in for a recall, a 118i and thought it was a brilliant car.

[@joebloggs4191]

@ekim andersom That's is why it's best to get yourself a last gen M140i and hold on to it dearly.

[@HFMS81]

The more they renew the 1 series, the more I love my 2008 123d 🥰

[@glenndesaver5812]

Ieuuuwww... old car and focking boring... looks are So sad also....

[@Eduulopez]

Vah

[@eddie8742]

It's curious how reviewers dislike the fact that the digital display is not so adjustable as other displays. Though I do see the value of being able to have a full map in the dash when you don't have a head-up display, other than that everything else is just unnecessary gimmicks that only distracts you. I test drove the A series and a Skoda, which basically has the same system as the VW, and though the screen of the A series is lovely, I wouldn't see myself changing screens during every day driving. If you want to have info without distracting you, get a head-up display, which, btw, it's totally awesome in the BMW.

[@RatimirRS]

Maybe you wouldn't be changing it from the one you like, but the fact that you can change it will suit more people who have different tastes. And besides your mood might change over time, or perhaps be based on the season or weather or whatever. Also, note that HUDs are still extremely expensive!

[@eddie8742]

@@RatimirRS Have you tried the A-Class? Aside from showing the map in the middle, which other view you find useful? Also, we're talking about luxury cars, in this context the HUD is by no means an extremely expensive upgrade. If you cannot afford a HUD, you probably shouldn't be getting this kind of car in the first place. Not that everyone wants to have it, but that's a different story.

[@RatimirRS]

@@eddie8742 Yes, I have indeed tried the new A-class with the new MBUX system, but also the slightly older system they use in fx E-class, which is still way better than what BMW is offering! The digital display can show a lot of things; maybe you prefer navi there, I prefer to see the economy, other people something else. But apart from being able to customize what various parts of the display show, you can actually change what the whole display looks like - classic, sporty, progressive etc. - and that adds a lot of value. Much more so than a HUD, which can cost 5-10% of the total car value - and that's too damn much!

[@eddie8742]

@@RatimirRS Man, you're exaggerating. First of all, the BMW can show fuel economy as well, so that's not a problem. Changing the look (which is very subtle actually), it's just a gimmick, and the BMW also does that. Finally, the HUD on a 3 series costs 2.3% the cost of base price of the car, not 10%. Different people have different preferences, but let's stick to the facts ;)

[@RatimirRS]

@@eddie8742 OK, sticking to the facts... Have you actually tried either Mercedes or BMW cars, and checked out the infotainment and driver displays? I have! So here are the facts: 1. Sure BMW's can displays the economy numbers, every single car does that. But when you change "modes" in BMW's only the outline colours change slightly; red in normal, deeper red in sport, and blue in eco. Besides their map in the drivers display is the worst on any luxury car, and shows only black and white colours - even VW and Skoda do it better. 2. When you change "modes" in Mercedes, the WHOLE display changes quite radically; both when it comes to looks and colors, and everything in between - sort of like a theme on a smartphone. 3. Where I live, a 3-series starts from around 600k (1-series should be somewhat cheaper), while BMW charges 62k extra for HUDs - although it's pretty much the same as what Mercedes and Volvo and pretty much everyone else in that segment charge. According to my math, that's more than 10%. Although you could get close to 1mil for a 3-series - M cars even much more - that's still way over 5% of the cars total cost, and in my opinion way too much, even though they are very colorful and display quite a lot of information these days. However, I'm sure by the time the next generation car comes out, that HUDs will be much cheaper. 4. Mercedes will charge you 10k for the upgraded displays with MBUX, and so will Audi with their virtual cockpit. Bottom line, what I'm saying is that you're underestimating digital displays, and overrating HUDs. Even though they have come a long way, and offered obvious benefits, they are still too pricey. Digital displays offer much more versatility for much lower cost.

[@randomlyquick8474]

I just leased a 116d f40 and everything on it is an optional extra, the digital dash extra, automatic gear box extra, average looking seats extra, 17inch wheels extra (the 16inch standard look ridiculous) interior lighting extra, reverse camera extra, slightly tinted windows extra, but I have to say it is a nice place to be

[@markbroadheaf1593]

Cost cutting, same platform as Mini. Front is vile. BMW ditching its one distinctive feature. RWD.

[@NSW-ye3xw]

I have an 18 plate 118i shadow edition in white. I test drove the new 118i and I can assure there is a difference. For me, a BMW is rear wheel drive. I won’t be changing car, that’s for sure.

[@paullawlor8097]

Always really polished. A number of years back Rebecca did a review of a 4 series grand coupe - i loved the video test drove and ordered one. I wont with the 1 series but if you could test an i pace and BMW i4 when out then great

[@brabius]

"Looks like a crossover". "Looks like a Mercedes Class B". "FWD cost cutting and finance department win an argument". What else may I say? This is the car BMW wants to sell to most of the people. And that makes my old BMW 1 Series RWD an old fashion different yet practical car. Welcome BMW in the arena to fight against Class A, Golf and A3. Will you win the competition, will you sell more cars? With that price tag I don't think so. Even though there is more space in the trunk or you spend less money building it, it's all about fashion and firm, not anymore about being different.

[@themarenda]

Only reason that 1 series is fwd is to boost 3 series sales, it was only rwd hatchback, but it was also cheapest rwd bimmer so a lot of costumers would have opted for more expensive model if there weren't 1 series

[@MapMonster25]

The Dashboard is higher than on previous generations, or the seating is just higher. I've noticed that when I sat in one.

[@donniesoprano]

I honestly think that Rebecca is the third best car reviewer of all time

[@Stewwwwww]

Who the top 2?

[@robc8892]

Harry metcalfe, doug demuro

[@visionist7]

@@robc8892 Doug is annoying

[@donniesoprano]

Doug is 2nd and Thomas from Autogefühl is the best one out there

[@wildscene1]

Can't decide this or new aclass?

[@YouTubeForever2025]

Why wasn’t the number plate in the middle in the older ones?

[@diotough]

4 years later ... still not a fan of the exteriour design and still not happy about the premium considering that it became now more like a Golf with it being fwd with a higher seating position. The interiour looks nice though at least. Ignoring the exteriour design the fwd aspect could be mitigated by opting for the awd / x drive option but ... if you start configuring an F40 120dA xDrive, you quickly reach prices that are just simply ridiculous for a hatchback. I think I'll stick with the F20 series.

[@arpitpatel83]

Had a great 3year lease with the m135i.

[@dennisreeves1393]

Not keen - the interior looks a bit VW Polo-ish. The Tech is probably better. However wouldn't swap it for my '09 118D (RWD) or my '89 V* 110 soft top :-)

[@davidjolly7386]

Had mine for 3 months now, still one of the best cars I’ve had. Superb.

[@JVBO55]

6:45 if people don't know they're car well, what was the point in buying it? I bought and own a 123d (E81) for that reason, for being rear wheel drive - love it. Gives that ultimate racing feeling. However front wheel drive is safer and smoother to drive, especially in winter. Don't think many of the top models will sell based on that.

[@shaft6980]

Its fwd because it's a mini.

[@Sootytailpipes]

Helpful review: thanks

[@afiqabdul8113]

Love her since ‘carbuyer’ time🥰

[@robertlangham2356]

Not a fan of the latest face of BMW so, until the grill shrinks I've bought my last Bimmer. However, good, detailed review as always 👍

[@Astke]

Have you seen it in real life? All Cars look slightly bloated on camera. Had the same thing with the Mazda 3 until I saw it

[@robertlangham2356]

@@Astke I was in the Mini showroom, right by the BMW dealership (oddly enough) last week. In my opinion the new face is fugly....not for me.

[@SM-ft2jv]

I agree, i feel like the cars peaked with the e90 model. Germans in general aren't what they use to be.

[@germanium1872]

Rebecca is the only reason why I watch this channel

[@gbej1]

The front end is uglier than the outgoing model while the back end is prettier than the outgoing model

[@Prince-gu8or]

I don't think so but that's how I think about other cars it's funny

[@allan.n.7227]

The kidneys are getting ENORMOUS.. have you seen the 4series concept.. almost "perversely" big..!

[@visionist7]

It's ugly in front and behind.

[@YouThana]

Using the Mini platform may be a calculated risk but designing such a heinous atrocity is a nail in the coffin. Except the good looking 8 BMW has recently released only hateful stuff.

[@ZlotySokol]

Is it comfy enough on B roads with 19" wheels. What about noise from suspension on transverse unevenness?

[@mohsin_aryan]

Nice video Rebecca Jackson 👌

[@zohaibsalim4038]

It looks like an x1 🤨

[@justindutoit7360]

True

[@rodman_uk]

If Rebecca doesn't come with new 1 series BMW, I am not buying it.

[@rolandburke2569]

Its rear wheel drive predecessor could not cope in the snow. I’ve had three rear wheel 1 Series, my fourth was a 1 Series X-Drive. I might just be tempted to book a test drive :)

[@michaelroberts4599]

Why does the front on view remind me of a character from the ice age movies?

[@stannesclose]

Looks familiar (Merc A class), but the 1 series does look now...

[@bjandek248]

Yes, just what we need - a 1.5l 3-cylinder premium compact with an M-sport package! Loaded this FWD hatch is only 55 000 Euro, but you do get the same plastic as on a 3-Series! Give me a break BMW, you're worse and worse every year, and yet more and more expensive.

[@ismeto-j9y]

bmw 1.18i m sport series or tesla model 3 highland SR (Standart Range) rear wheel drive ? which one shoul I buy ?

[@MrGulyo]

Calculated risk the 3 cilinders?

[@burcyrlmz4864]

Do you think the interior material quality and sound insulation are at a premium level?

[@ThomasKello]

Most be a sponsored review. Not one negative comment 😬

[@visionist7]

Maybe