I can see Ford Fiesta vibes in the new BMW 1 Series exterior design language. But it is what it is. The new BMW 1 Series is priced from £29,950 (RRP) and available to order at BMW Retailers across the UK from today, with the first UK customer deliveries in October 2024.

BMW is claiming that the new 4th generation 1 Series is completely new. However, it is closer to a thoroughly revised B-spec of the third generation. The big difference here is that, for the UK market, BMW has decided not to sell the diesel variant, and no manual option is available.

Other than that, the three-cylinder and four-cylinder engines are slightly updated, offering slightly more power and better efficiency thanks to new 48-volt mild hybrid technology fitted on the 120i. The interior now borrows its design language, infotainment system, and equipment levels from the 3 Series.

At the top of the model range, the BMW M135 xDrive is powered by a 300 hp four-cylinder engine, features an Adaptive M Chassis with sport steering and intelligent all-wheel drive as standard, and accelerates from zero to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds.

An M Technology Package with specific suspension components, enhanced stiffness, lightweight measures, an M Compound brake system, and 19-inch forged light-alloy wheels will be available exclusively for the BMW M135 xDrive from Autumn 2024. The M Sport Pro pack and model-specific BMW M Performance Parts are also available for all variants of the new BMW 1 Series.