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The 1 Series transformed BMW’s line-up. Here was a hatchback that packed everything people loved from the premium German manufacturer into a practical - and relatively affordable - package, with loads of equipment and a sporty driving experience to match. 

In its 2018 model year, the 1 Series really came on song. Even better finished than before, this generation of 1 Series proved to be an immediate hit with buyers; as a result, there are plenty of great deals on used cars. Let’s take a look at five key reasons to buy the BMW 1 Series. 

Great variety of engines

The 1 Series was offered with a great number of engine options, ensuring that there was a powertrain setup for all buyers. Highlights include the 1.5-litre petrol-powered 118i, which brought a more affordable entry point into 1 Series ownership, alongside the ultra-efficient 120d diesel, which is capable of returning up to 68.9mpg.

Plus, there’s the range-topping M140i, which, thanks to a superb six-cylinder engine, can finish the 0-60mph sprint in under 4.4 seconds. 

High levels of standard equipment

The 1 Series is equipped with plenty of standard equipment, meaning that you don’t have to break the bank to get the best toys. An update in 2017 brought new Edition Sport Line Shadow and Edition M Sport Shadow trim levels, too which added a black kidney grille, black inserts for the headlights and smoked rear lights. 

Inside, you’ll find an 8.8-inch touchscreen with BMW’s intuitive iDrive controller, while voice control means you can change the radio station or enter a navigation destination just by speaking to the system. 

Sporty drive

One of the biggest ways that the 1 Series has been set apart from the competition is how it drives. It’s one of the only cars in the segment to adopt a rear-wheel-drive layout and, though the latest 1 Series has ditched this in favour of a front-wheel-drive setup, the 2018 model-year car had its rear-driven nature put at the forefront of its abilities. 

It makes the 1 Series feel more agile and adjustable than rival offerings, which helps it to transform even the dreariest of commutes into something special. And this doesn’t just apply to the tip-top M140i, either, as it’s a running thread through the whole 1 Series range. 

Practical cabin

On a basic level, a hatchback needs to be practical. In this area, the 1 Series does well. The rear seats offer plenty of space and a good amount of headroom, too, while those sitting up front can recline in comfortable, supportive seats. 

There’s also a handy 360 litres of boot space, which is square and easy to access. Plus, if you need a little extra room, this can be expanded up to 1,200 litres by folding down the rear seats. 

xDrive brought more traction

Though that rear-wheel-drive layout makes the 1 Series a really fun car to drive, sometimes you want a little extra traction. That’s where the xDrive system comes into play. BMW’s clever all-wheel-drive setup upgrades the amount of traction the 1 Series can generate. 

It’s a particular bonus for those who live in more snow-prone areas, though even if you’re after a little extra security when things turn slippery the xDrive system is a great option to have.