BMW 1 Series review: New front-wheel drive layout fails to excite

BMW is known for creating the “Ultimate Driving Machine” but a big change to its little hatchback makes it extremely hard to live up to its predecessor.

BMW 1 Series.

Since the 1960s, BMW’s “Ultimate Driving Machine” philosophy has been defined by rear-wheel drive. It’s still the layout used in most pointy-end performance hardware today.

In theory (and, if it’s any good, in practice), a rear-wheel drive car is inherently better balanced than a nose-heavy front-wheel drive, so it’s more agile and controllable through corners.

BMW has switched its 1 Series from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive.

Sending engine torque through the front wheels inevitably corrupts steering feel and precision, while grip under power is also compromised.

None of these characteristics is particularly relevant or evident in day-to-day pootling around the ’burbs, where front-wheel drive has become the dominant layout, even in SUVs.

That’s because front-drivers are cheaper to manufacture and more easily modified to produce several different models from the same basic structure.

BMW’s previous 1 Series (2011-19) was the last rear-drive hatchback on the market. The new 118i, which we’re testing today, uses the same body architecture and front-drive set-up as the five-door Mini (a brand owned by BMW) and the X1/X2 small SUVs.

The 1 Series is $4000 more expensive than the previous model

Value

The 1 Series was conceived as the cheapest ticket to the BMW club but at $42,990 for the new 118i, that ticket now costs $4000 more than previously.

Mid-forties is big money for a 1.5-litre hatchback with a mere 103kW. A Toyota Corolla, with 125kW, can be had for about $25,000. The Mini Cooper five-door — same car, different box, remember — costs $34,000.

BMW knows how to make this box irresistible. A tight, chiselled little hatch, the
1 Series looks a whole lot faster and tougher than it actually is, especially with its 18-inch alloy wheels, wide tailpipe and the gaping, predatory grille that comes with the car’s standard M Sport package.

The 1 Series’ engine is an enjoyable unit.

Comfort

Climb in and your money also appears well spent — there’s no whiff of poverty pack about the 118i.

The cabin’s elegant, minimalist dash, digital dials, quality, soft touch materials, metallic trim and mood lighting endow the same ultra-modern, haute couture chic as BMW’s premium models.

M Sport gear includes cloth upholstered, sports front seats that give all-day comfort and support, plus the fattest-rimmed steering wheel in the business — an affectation this car could well do without.

BMW’s latest infotainment set-up is slick and graphically stunning, if more complex and less intuitive than previous versions.

Voice control, usually clever in BMWs, was hit and miss in our test car. Apple CarPlay, once an extra cost option, is available but Android Auto isn’t.

The 1 Series has a luxurious cabin.

BMW fits M Sport suspension, which in concert with run-flat tyres makes the ride too firm and unforgiving. It’s illogical that the car rides like a hot hatch yet performs like a shopping trolley. Front-drive architecture yields greater space in the rear, where adults now enjoy easy access and decent legroom. Boot volume increases marginally.

People who can’t park will love the 118i. Automatic reverse and parallel parking are standard and Reversing Assistant automatically takes the car back up to 50 metres, steering along the same line you used to drive it forward into the space.

Safety

Autonomous emergency braking operates only up to 80km/h. ANCAP tests rated the 1 Series lane-keep assist effectiveness as marginal due to its failure to intervene in critical scenarios.

Driving

BMW’s 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo is a likeable little slugger, tuned for tractability, refinement and frugality. It gets the 1 Series off the line smartly and pulls the higher gears with ridiculous ease at tick-over revs.

This delivers outstanding fuel efficiency: 4L-5L/100km on the highway and 6L-8L in town, where auto stop-start helps the cause. Restarting, though, is slow and clunky — I turned it off after the first half dozen or so.

On the move, the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission’s shifts are quick, smooth and timely. Sport mode goes looking for upper mid-range and top-end power that isn’t there. No paddle-shifters are provided.

In Eco and Comfort modes, the steering, though sharp, is over-assisted, dead on centre at freeway speeds and imprecise. Very un-BMW. Sport mode adds weight and accuracy but the wheel remains numb.

The 118i darts eagerly into a corner, is well balanced when changing direction and planted on poor surfaces.

That said, it’s nothing special, just another competent, tidy, front-wheel drive hatchback with sporty pretensions. I’d back a VW Golf, Mazda3, Corolla or Ford Focus to stay with it on a tight, winding road. Easily.

Heart says

I’ve always wanted a BMW but the big ones are out of my price range. I was sold on this as soon as I hit the driver’s seat. It feels much more expensive than it is.

Head says

I want a blue-chip German brand small hatch with great fuel economy, refined, tractable performance and a luxurious, hi-tech cabin.

Verdict 3/5

BMW spent several decades pushing the line that a rear-wheel drive is the “Ultimate Driving Machine” and the 118i is proof they were telling the truth.

Alternatives

Mercedes-Benz A180, from $42,900

The closest rival for the 1 Series uses a 100kW/200Nm 1.3-litre turbo four/seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The cabin is a beautiful techno-wow zone, with voice control a highlight. The BMW handles better.

Volkswagen Golf Comfortline, from $29,990 drive-away

Still the benchmark hatch. Test drive it before you commit to a more expensive rival. Class-leading 110kW/250Nm 1.4-litre turbo/seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and a superb ride/handling compromise for local roads.

BMW 1 Series vitals

Price: $42,990

Warranty/servicing: 3 years, $1550 for 5 years/80,000km

Engine: 1.5-litre 3-cyl turbo, 103kW/220Nm

Safety: 5 stars, 6 airbags, low speed AEB, blind spot monitor, head-up display, lane-keeping, rear cross-traffic alert

Thirst: 5.9L/100km

Boot: 380L

Spare: Run-flats

Originally published as BMW 1 Series review: New front-wheel drive layout fails to excite