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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[stephenoneill]

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

[bradjones]

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?

[Chriswales]

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

[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

[Beyonder]

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.

[SM-ftjv]

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

[CorleoneFam]

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

[JimBob_]

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.

[david]

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

[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

[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 ❄️

[adamchase]

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

[Billywoo]

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

[shiv]

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

[JVBO]

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.

[noohall]

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 won’t return to bmw after owning them for many years, 7 year warranty on Kia.

[blademanx]

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

[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 !

[MePeterNicholls]

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

[decarpntr]

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.