I'd honestly have to say the Ford Focus is better looking, better value and less pretentious than any of those. This new car is a design disaster from BMW. :-(
I see what you're saying, the cabin bonnet ratio is now too much taller cabin to the short small bonnet.. I'm just hoping my reserved judgement pays off and it's not so bad in the flesh. (the 2-Series looks so wrong to sport the BMW logo & iconic nostril grill)
My issue isn't the front wheel drive, I think the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, but my issue is that it's really ugly at the front. Several mistakes have been made.
I’m in the process of buying a hot hatch and test drove all 4 popular ones, A class, this BMW 1 series, Golf and the new Ford Focus, and the focus by far was the best drive from them all. I was surprised myself!
BMW could have still made this RWD without compromising rear leg room. This car is all about economies of scale and sharing technology with MINI. That’s FINE but evidently numbers are now important over brand integrity. Probably won’t harm them in the long run financially, but it is a shame for enthusiasts to see another brand compromise things were once never in question. I also don’t see what makes it premium. It’s premium only because of the badge. And the badge was only ever premium because it had brand integrity. The irony. It’s not anymore ‘premium’ over any other hatchback from more mainstream manufacturers.
Barefoot Joe of course they were. Every company thinks of profits. But clearly BMW in the 80’s and 90’s were a very different company than they are today. The ethos and the perspective of the brand has changed. It’s broadened it’s product range significantly and in doing so has done this at the expense of the historic ethos of the brand. It’s been prepared to compromise on areas which were once the unique aspects of the brand that made it so successful in the first place, in order to expand its sales. In 1997 BMW sold 690k cars globally. In 2018 they sold 2.49 million. That’s great news for lots of reasons, but it does eventually dilute the brand somewhat, and when you sell cars like the 2 series MPV it does take away its premium appeal.
It was only rwd. because it was chopped 3 Series, not a single competitor followed BMW with rwd. hatch (while ALL of them chase 3 Series). So now BMW have a dedicated fwd. hatch & that's a BAD thing?! Like it has been for Golf & Civic for decades? Even Mercedes is in, they took their sales title back going down market. Of course, you think you can judge premium without driving it. You can't. But I can dismiss your credibility just by reading you. Or standing downwind.
@@jimmyb719 Love it. The kit is really good, it's great to drive, so easy to handle and I'm furloughed at the moment and really missing it! I got the 118i automatic and it's got a lot of oomph too, you'll love it!
Gordon Heaney Guitarologist and Flatulist I’m furloughed myself, thankfully managed to keep my car though. It’s been delayed but should arrive by July. Don’t understand all the hate, probably cause they’re driving around in Kia’s 😂
FWD maybe cheaper to produce, but will the consumer see that price saving? I highly doubt it! Also isn't there a 4WD version 135i xDrive? Obviously, that means there's a prop-shaft driving the rear wheels and the whole car/chassis has been designed to accommodate this, so why not just keep it RWD?
Ugh. So bland. I'll keep my RWD models thanks. Look better, drive better and a lovely 6 cylinder. The world didn't need a cross between the A series and the X2.
Wow, I’m not gonna get another 1 series. I have a 2018 118i and I love it for how it looks. It is so distinctive amongst all other hatch back cars. Now it just looks like an A class. What a shame, I hope this hits BMW hard so they go back to the way things were. Some change is always good, but this is just bad.....
#Metoo Ron..bought my 118i MSport knowing this FWD abomination was coming down the pipeline. Ugly front and looks like an 2 series Active tourer. Dash is ugly too! Round dials look much more classy.
Funny you should say that, because BMW are actually consulting the Chinese market for styling advice.....thats how we got the hideous new nose on the 7-Series and X7. What a travesty.
@@Benzknees Yes, its just a real shame they have turned their back on the core European market that supported them and made them what they are for the last 50+ years. They should make these uglified models specifically for the Asian markets and offer the tasteful and elegant traditional looking ones for Europe rather than making the ugly Chinese market cars for everyone.
Drove a 70 plate manual 118i m sport today. Opinions: - well refined, nice ride, very nice quality interior, nice handling -heavy clutch with low bite - hard to set off smoothly, quite heavy steering, gearbox is a bit “springy”/could be nicer to use. Felt a bit slower/less exciting than I expected. 7/10 from me.
Great looking car, a little understated maybe, but I find the Merc range to be "blobby" and the Audi long in the tooth. I bet however that rear view visibility is poor, the reversing camera an expensive extra, as will be parking sensors, and I saw Apple Car Play up there but no mention of the cost of that extra. idrive in other BMWs has had iPhone compatibility issue too. Just for the record I drive a G30 5 series and love it, so not anti BMW.
Hi we are on the verge of ordering another BMW 1 series, contrary to the previous ludicrous comment below. One has to move with the times and the times in this case are not slow. I like the complete new package. Cheers.
Well lets be honest the old model was not exactly beautiful either, but it did at least have a USP in the way it drove. The new car looses that and is now basically just a Golf/Astra/Focus with an upmarket badge. Sad.
The main USP of this is its brand new, which was always the main reason to buy one of these. RWD is basically irrelevant with the vast majority. Only the top models drove the way they drove because of RWD. It’s all between the ears.
Only for the handful of people who like the RWD - and remember, BMW doesn't care about you. You can do what you like; you are no longer in their market. Buy a Porsche.
Is there a Petrol engine of 1.5 Litre or 2 Litre with all wheel drive (AWD) facility, please advise the cylinders capacity and engine horse power set up in both cases. Does the car have an extra spare wheel in the boot or not. Many Thanks & Best Regards.
Apart for what the purist think about the front traction, I do prefer this new model. I had 3 BMW before as a carmaker I do prefer them to Mercedes. The interior of this car does it for me too with the disappearance of that grotesque satnav screen that sticks out like a sore thumb just like the previous model and the A3. Good job BMW
Looks horrible from front and front 3 quarters. Might look better in the flesh, but it BMWs should look good in photos as well. No doubt it will be really good quality, Shane about the looks. A3 is the best looker so far. Hope they don’t ruin its looks with the new version, as they have done with the A4 facelift.
Not keen on any of the "premium" hatches mentioned. The A3 is an aging model now but I expect the incoming new version to look the best. The merc looks frumpy and never been a fan of the 1 series and this latest one to me just looks like a crossover on lowered suspension with a ridiculous grille.
I thought last 1 series was a bit ugly, especialy pre facelift model. But with this one they went “halte mein Bier”. It is fugly, very. They succeeded.
The only car front wheel drive really suited was the standard 850cc Mini. After that it was always a compromise and made bigger cars feel vague in the handling department. I own a 2015 BMW 125I Msport and I find the handling very positive. I don't think I will be tempted to swap it for a front wheel drive 1 series even if they did make an equivalent car which they don't. Shame!
Judging by BMW's latest offerings maybe they should let Toyota do the exterior styling and stick with the interior. Never thought I would say this but the new Corolla is quite a smart looking thing. Just needs the Bavarian touch on the inside a la Supra and away you go.
Funny when everybody is complaining about FWD. Fact: RWD is super impractical in everyday use especially if there is a long winter in your country. Or am I mistaken? Do some people in fact enjoy struggling to get off their own yard in the morning when there is 20cm of fresh snow? Or do people go to a racetrack with 118i to utilize the greatness of RWD? 😄
Literally every person I've shown this car to, have unanimously said that they've ruined it. Even my mother, who couldn't care less about cars if she tried, said it's hideous. I have tried to like it, but I just can't. It's so out of place, awkward and just not nice to look at.
The original BMW 1 series was designed by and as a Rover200 replacement . When BM sold Rover they took the design as their own as well as keeping Mini. Hey ho !
I am not at all a BMW enthusiast, although I have to say... they maybe got a chance to reinvent it, they also managed to ruin what the 1 series was authentic for.
Ruined - no straight 6 (M135i), no rear wheel drive, enthusiasts will go elsewhere. BMW have lost the plot by going front wheel drive and adopting those ugly large grills.
Where will they go? If you are 1 series driver, let's be honest, you likely aren't in the market/cant afford a decent RWD premium car. So effectively the 1 Series was the option. You could upgrade to a 2/3 series, but then BMW still get your money, and more of it. You could of course admit that recently Audi have probably done the premium hot hatch thing better and grab an S3 ;)
I respectfully disagree with the statement that the old, rear wheel drive 1 Series was not that great. Several testers spoke of what fun it was. That said, since the new model takes from the Mini, which is still entertaining to drive, enjoyment is not lost. Thanks Doug for the otherwise detailed review of this car.
I'm not too knowledgeable on these things or BMW's but 13:08 can someone tell me what's natural about cars. (and not the processed materîals like rubber).
Odd as the range topper M135i has been turned in to a disappointing generic hot hatch like the A35 amg , S3 , Golf R ...but the Vanilla models have been improved no end and are much better.
Vote in our poll at 3:43 - what's the best looking premium family car?
Is it the new BMW 1 Series, Audi A3, Mercedes A-Class or the previous 1 Series?
BMW 1 series 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
The Tesla model 3
Mercedes A-Class for me😀.
Previous 1 series.
I'd honestly have to say the Ford Focus is better looking, better value and less pretentious than any of those. This new car is a design disaster from BMW. :-(
Bought this last month, it looks a lot better in person and in blue, brilliant car
I think they've ruined the design it's a horrible mix of the x2 the 2 series and the new 7 series
I see what you're saying, the cabin bonnet ratio is now too much taller cabin to the short small bonnet.. I'm just hoping my reserved judgement pays off and it's not so bad in the flesh. (the 2-Series looks so wrong to sport the BMW logo & iconic nostril grill)
1 series was always a mess
My issue isn't the front wheel drive, I think the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, but my issue is that it's really ugly at the front. Several mistakes have been made.
The front is beautiful, the back and middle is disgusting
It looks ugly in white but Misano blue with the m sport pack and tinted windows looks fire
I’m in the process of buying a hot hatch and test drove all 4 popular ones, A class, this BMW 1 series, Golf and the new Ford Focus, and the focus by far was the best drive from them all. I was surprised myself!
BMW could have still made this RWD without compromising rear leg room. This car is all about economies of scale and sharing technology with MINI. That’s FINE but evidently numbers are now important over brand integrity. Probably won’t harm them in the long run financially, but it is a shame for enthusiasts to see another brand compromise things were once never in question. I also don’t see what makes it premium. It’s premium only because of the badge. And the badge was only ever premium because it had brand integrity. The irony. It’s not anymore ‘premium’ over any other hatchback from more mainstream manufacturers.
That's laughable, you think BMW weren't thinking of the bottom line profits before.. What a joke.
Barefoot Joe of course they were. Every company thinks of profits. But clearly BMW in the 80’s and 90’s were a very different company than they are today. The ethos and the perspective of the brand has changed. It’s broadened it’s product range significantly and in doing so has done this at the expense of the historic ethos of the brand. It’s been prepared to compromise on areas which were once the unique aspects of the brand that made it so successful in the first place, in order to expand its sales. In 1997 BMW sold 690k cars globally. In 2018 they sold 2.49 million. That’s great news for lots of reasons, but it does eventually dilute the brand somewhat, and when you sell cars like the 2 series MPV it does take away its premium appeal.
@@rare6499 Companies in general in the 80s and 90s were different, this world is changing as usual, welcome to the min max revolution :)
Ashley H absolutely, the world has changed considerably!
It was only rwd. because it was chopped 3 Series, not a single competitor followed BMW with rwd. hatch (while ALL of them chase 3 Series). So now BMW have a dedicated fwd. hatch & that's a BAD thing?! Like it has been for Golf & Civic for decades? Even Mercedes is in, they took their sales title back going down market. Of course, you think you can judge premium without driving it. You can't. But I can dismiss your credibility just by reading you. Or standing downwind.
I like the front look. It's growing on me. It's quiet but aggressive at the same time.
So many comments about the exterior being ugly..........I really quite like it, and I've ordered it as my new company car.
I’ve recently ordered the 118d sport. Can’t wait. How do you find it?
@@jimmyb719 Love it. The kit is really good, it's great to drive, so easy to handle and I'm furloughed at the moment and really missing it! I got the 118i automatic and it's got a lot of oomph too, you'll love it!
Gordon Heaney Guitarologist and Flatulist I’m furloughed myself, thankfully managed to keep my car though. It’s been delayed but should arrive by July. Don’t understand all the hate, probably cause they’re driving around in Kia’s 😂
Me too, is going to be my new company car.
Automatic gearbox and black 😎
As long as you like it that’s all that matters
I think 2015-2018 had the best 1 series design
I agree, the shadow edition was amazing on those models, wonder if they will intergrate it into the new model
This is such a design balls-up. Its as ugly as sin.
BMW have taken a dynamic looking hatch and made it look like a bloated sheep.
The F20 LCI will always be the best looking 1 Series.
Interior=😍😍😍
Exterior=🙁🙁🙁
Mannan iqbal so true
Is it just me are the previous veraion is better looking?
Yeah it’s just you. That’s why you’re the only one who says this.....
No
It looks good. I mean I hated it when I first saw it leaked a few months ago but I learned to appreciate it.
FWD maybe cheaper to produce, but will the consumer see that price saving? I highly doubt it!
Also isn't there a 4WD version 135i xDrive? Obviously, that means there's a prop-shaft driving the rear wheels and the whole car/chassis has been designed to accommodate this, so why not just keep it RWD?
One word, profits.
@@soundseeker63 ... and what happened to the 718 when they bought in a 4-pot .. it tanked! I wonder what will happen with this.
@@juststuff5216 Did sales of the 718 go down with 4 cyl engines?
Ugh. So bland. I'll keep my RWD models thanks. Look better, drive better and a lovely 6 cylinder. The world didn't need a cross between the A series and the X2.
13:35 You're wrong, the new M135i does not use a ZF automatic box anymore, but instead a Chinese automatic
I think it looks odd because the bonnet seems too high... windows and windscreen don't line up at all.
UKL-BMW's has no ZF-Gearboxes! There made from Aisin...
This car is definitely made for the Asian market.
Wow, I’m not gonna get another 1 series. I have a 2018 118i and I love it for how it looks. It is so distinctive amongst all other hatch back cars. Now it just looks like an A class. What a shame, I hope this hits BMW hard so they go back to the way things were. Some change is always good, but this is just bad.....
#Metoo Ron..bought my 118i MSport knowing this FWD abomination was coming down the pipeline. Ugly front and looks like an 2 series Active tourer. Dash is ugly too! Round dials look much more classy.
I love the way you display all the information e.g price and performance.
if this continues I'm going to subscribe
Thank you BMW! I can now buy the previous model for less money!!
that grill looks like some chinese copycat of a real one
Nah Chinese clones look the same or better, that looks worse than the outgoing model.
Funny you should say that, because BMW are actually consulting the Chinese market for styling advice.....thats how we got the hideous new nose on the 7-Series and X7. What a travesty.
China is by far the biggest market for BMW, so not surprised they’re styling it to match Chinese tastes.
@@Benzknees Yes, its just a real shame they have turned their back on the core European market that supported them and made them what they are for the last 50+ years. They should make these uglified models specifically for the Asian markets and offer the tasteful and elegant traditional looking ones for Europe rather than making the ugly Chinese market cars for everyone.
soundseeker63 Just for the record, neither do we Chinese like this ugly grill, so no idea how the designer actually thinking ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
That front bumper looks like a toothless smile.
Drove a 70 plate manual 118i m sport today. Opinions:
- well refined, nice ride, very nice quality interior, nice handling
-heavy clutch with low bite - hard to set off smoothly, quite heavy steering, gearbox is a bit “springy”/could be nicer to use. Felt a bit slower/less exciting than I expected. 7/10 from me.
F20/1 lci with new model interior would be a banger
Great looking car, a little understated maybe, but I find the Merc range to be "blobby" and the Audi long in the tooth. I bet however that rear view visibility is poor, the reversing camera an expensive extra, as will be parking sensors, and I saw Apple Car Play up there but no mention of the cost of that extra. idrive in other BMWs has had iPhone compatibility issue too. Just for the record I drive a G30 5 series and love it, so not anti BMW.
Hi we are on the verge of ordering another BMW 1 series, contrary to the previous ludicrous comment below. One has to move with the times and the times in this case are not slow. I like the complete new package. Cheers.
Let's get straight to the point... It is a very ugly car! They've ruined the design of the 1 series.
Before it was cramped in the rear and ugly. Now it has decent rear legroom and is ugly.
@gary Taylor previous was RWD and looks is your opinion which sounds like you have bad taste.
It was always ugly but yeah it looks worse than the outgoing model.
But the 135 looks great, what a wicked grin on it! >:D
Well lets be honest the old model was not exactly beautiful either, but it did at least have a USP in the way it drove. The new car looses that and is now basically just a Golf/Astra/Focus with an upmarket badge. Sad.
@@soundseeker63 Being FWD hasn't harmed the sales of Audi and Mercedes upmarket hatches.
The new BMW 1 series does not have a ZF automatic.
Yes I was disappointed with the choice for Aisin
Great video, 1st video on the new 1er I have watched!
Looks awful what were they thinking.. Mercedes are probably punching the air in joy
Lost me when I see so many ads inserted
Previous 1 series is best small premium hatchback . This new one is bit disappointment and lost the main USP of 1 series.
The main USP of this is its brand new, which was always the main reason to buy one of these. RWD is basically irrelevant with the vast majority. Only the top models drove the way they drove because of RWD. It’s all between the ears.
Looks great... better then the a that’s for sure!
This was a common roadman car....but now it’s ruined.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
I'm common and also ruined XD
This is a common hoodman car*
Only for the handful of people who like the RWD - and remember, BMW doesn't care about you. You can do what you like; you are no longer in their market. Buy a Porsche.
@@SampleTracks2224 Still rather have an bmw or mercedes instead an VAG vehicle if you ask me
Great car I loved mine and I like the styling on the new model.
It's more like a "flatter" 2 series active tourer with an agry birds front grill
The new one actually looks like a Dutsun
For me current look is better than previous versions
The front grill reminds me of a Buick Verano and that’s not a bad thing
just got my 116d with step auto , very good engine smooth and good power better than my old 2015 audi a3 116d sportback
how much bhp
Is there a Petrol engine of 1.5 Litre or 2 Litre with all wheel drive (AWD) facility, please advise the cylinders capacity and engine horse power set up in both cases. Does the car have an extra spare wheel in the boot or not. Many Thanks & Best Regards.
Looks great.
This test car is a Sport model which has SE suspension so if this is a bit firm the MSport is going to be very firm.
Looks so similar to the old A class. Really hideous looking thing.
Nice review but remove the badge and it could be anything, Focus, Astra, Kia, just about anything. I’ll stick to my Audi!
Isn't audi just vw in a different design?
D.C 786 Possibly but mine has the edge!
Looks like an a class from the side
It is not a ZF 8 speed gear box in the m135i. Its a torque converter
Has a Chinese built aisin gearbox...ZF too expensive for 1 series
For a second I thought that the a3 was reviewed. Then I saw the bmw badge.
These massive kidney grills are ruining the looks of the new BMWs!
Hi,
Can you please reply which one feels quicker on straight road e.g. autobahn: BMW M135I or Golf R?
Thank you
The old M140i was a lot quicker for sure.
I've had those dual control benefits with the infotainment system in my Mazda2 since 2015!
Apart for what the purist think about the front traction, I do prefer this new model. I had 3 BMW before as a carmaker I do prefer them to Mercedes. The interior of this car does it for me too with the disappearance of that grotesque satnav screen that sticks out like a sore thumb just like the previous model and the A3. Good job BMW
Nice review
Looks horrible from front and front 3 quarters. Might look better in the flesh, but it BMWs should look good in photos as well. No doubt it will be really good quality, Shane about the looks. A3 is the best looker so far. Hope they don’t ruin its looks with the new version, as they have done with the A4 facelift.
Is something like a Bmw 1series or a Mercedes A-class a family car? I think for a family they‘re too small
Its a lovely car...Looks great in white ..
Are the pedals offset in the new model?
Previous BMW 1 series, no doubt... prefer that over this new one. Looks and the FWD, no ty. The 4WD in the M135... interesting.
Not keen on any of the "premium" hatches mentioned. The A3 is an aging model now but I expect the incoming new version to look the best. The merc looks frumpy and never been a fan of the 1 series and this latest one to me just looks like a crossover on lowered suspension with a ridiculous grille.
panel fit on that front bumper suggestsd its had a crash and not been repaired well
That's what I was thinking. It's not just me then.
People saying it’s ugly, etc. It will sell like hot cakes though.
Is it still available in Blommi Blue?
I think that the new design for everyday it's on air..I like this look ...I have a 318 for work and I think that my future ...
I thought last 1 series was a bit ugly, especialy pre facelift model.
But with this one they went “halte mein Bier”. It is fugly, very. They succeeded.
I really think the two door non-hatchback car is really a cool looking car.
The only car front wheel drive really suited was the standard 850cc Mini. After that it was always a compromise and made bigger cars feel vague in the handling department. I own a 2015 BMW 125I Msport and I find the handling very positive. I don't think I will be tempted to swap it for a front wheel drive 1 series even if they did make an equivalent car which they don't. Shame!
He’s a fantastic and informative reviewer! Thank you so much
Judging by BMW's latest offerings maybe they should let Toyota do the exterior styling and stick with the interior. Never thought I would say this but the new Corolla is quite a smart looking thing. Just needs the Bavarian touch on the inside a la Supra and away you go.
Funny when everybody is complaining about FWD.
Fact: RWD is super impractical in everyday use especially if there is a long winter in your country. Or am I mistaken? Do some people in fact enjoy struggling to get off their own yard in the morning when there is 20cm of fresh snow? Or do people go to a racetrack with 118i to utilize the greatness of RWD? 😄
Looks like an angry hemorrhoid
Mini in bmw body
I think I’d spend my money on a high spec Seat Leon or Ford Focus
What about vibrations on 118d?
If the X2 had the interior of the new 1 Series then that’s the one I’d go for. But the F20 is still the better car, by a long shot.
If it is less expensive to manufacture a fwd car then why is the new car not cheaper than before?
Infiniti Q30 actually best looking premium small car....grab one whilst you can!
Literally every person I've shown this car to, have unanimously said that they've ruined it. Even my mother, who couldn't care less about cars if she tried, said it's hideous. I have tried to like it, but I just can't. It's so out of place, awkward and just not nice to look at.
Could you have shown the boot from a different continent
The original BMW 1 series was designed by and as a Rover200 replacement . When BM sold Rover they took the design as their own as well as keeping Mini. Hey ho !
Literally nothing of that is true.
I am not at all a BMW enthusiast, although I have to say... they maybe got a chance to reinvent it, they also managed to ruin what the 1 series was authentic for.
02:15 One would be forgiven for mistaking the white one (from the front) for an A-Class. (don't kill me pls 🙇🏿♂️)
May aswell have a Vauxhall badge!
Where is the poll
Ruined - no straight 6 (M135i), no rear wheel drive, enthusiasts will go elsewhere. BMW have lost the plot by going front wheel drive and adopting those ugly large grills.
Where will they go? If you are 1 series driver, let's be honest, you likely aren't in the market/cant afford a decent RWD premium car. So effectively the 1 Series was the option. You could upgrade to a 2/3 series, but then BMW still get your money, and more of it. You could of course admit that recently Audi have probably done the premium hot hatch thing better and grab an S3 ;)
2015-18 exterior looks some much better. More sleek, sporty and sexier. This is a messy blob. Interior is gorgeous though.
the front of it looks like you’ve pull the face back on a cat or something lol
Back of the BMW makes it look like a Gran Tourer
Thks.
I respectfully disagree with the statement that the old, rear wheel drive 1 Series was not that great. Several testers spoke of what fun it was. That said, since the new model takes from the Mini, which is still entertaining to drive, enjoyment is not lost.
Thanks Doug for the otherwise detailed review of this car.
I'm not too knowledgeable on these things or BMW's but 13:08 can someone tell me what's natural about cars. (and not the processed materîals like rubber).
Great Video Review. A great looking hatchbck
I have a front wheel drive BMW and it drives brilliantly. Really like that new 1 series, the previous ones were far too cramped.
Does it feel really FWD Or is it a similar feeling to the RWD previous shape?
"Oh my god, you've forgotten how to drive!" - you're in a BMW, you can't forget if you never knew. 😆
Hmmm, the new one looks older than the previous one....
That's a pretty nice Mini.
Odd as the range topper M135i has been turned in to a disappointing generic hot hatch like the A35 amg , S3 , Golf R ...but the Vanilla models have been improved no end and are much better.
Reversing assistant
what happens if the car next moves off and someone else parks Closer or awkwardly.