BMW 1 Series Review: Still the Best Premium Small Car?

Check out the best BMW 1 Series deals on carwow: https://bit.ly/Buy-Sell-WOW Is the new "F70" BMW 1 Series still the driver's choice, or has it finally lost its way in 2026? Mat Watson is getting stuck into the latest version of the UK's favourite premium hatchback to see if the bold new face and the removal of the physical iDrive wheel are dealbreakers or just progress. We’re putting the 170hp mild-hybrid "120" and the 300hp M135 through their paces to see if they really handle better than a VW Golf R or an Audi A3. From the lack of diesel options to the truth about the "M-ified" cabin quality, here is the definitive verdict on the car that’s trying to keep hatchbacks relevant in an SUV world. Chapters 00:00 Intro: Is the 1 Series still the king of hatchbacks? 00:33 Interior Truth: Why did they remove the iDrive wheel?! 02:25 Price Check: Is it really worth £31,000 to £43,000? 02:54 Country Road Driving: Does it still handle like a real BMW? 03:21 Engine Guide: Why is there no diesel or plug-in hybrid? 03:54 0-60mph: How fast is the 170hp mild-hybrid 120? 04:27 Design: Does the new face divide opinion? 06:42 5 Cool Features: The hidden "Digital Key Plus" trick! 08:33 5 Annoying Features: What drives Mat mad? 10:19 Town Driving: Is the "automatic-only" shift a mistake? 12:01 Boot Space: Why the hybrid battery eats your storage 12:28 Motorway Driving: Is it as refined as a Mercedes A-Class? 13:23 Back Seats: Is it still too cramped for adults? 14:16 Storage & Practicality: Where do you put your phone? 14:50 The Verdict: Should you buy, sell or avoid? Sell your car for free with Carwow: https://bit.ly/Sell-Your-Car-For-Free-0411 Check out Mat's preferred trim & engine for each car: https://bit.ly/Mats-Engine-Choice

Added 20 Apr 2026