At $138,800 (as of 21st August 2015), the car you see here is about the cheapest brand new BMW you can get now. But being cheap doesn't mean it's shabby in any way, especially since it's now equipped with just a 1.5-litre three-cylinder diesel powerplant - the same engine that can be found residing under the MINI Cooper D's bonnet.
Before the tweak to the COE system - which took effect from February 2014 - where cars with engine capacity up to 1,600cc are required to have an engine output lesser than 130bhp to qualify as a Category A car, the Bavarian marque was enjoying the sales of the BMW 316i - a highly desirable 1.6-litre Category A compact sedan that attracted many buyers.
Since the new regulation was imposed, BMW remained as a heavyweight Category B champion… until now.
Up close and Personal
Competing against the likes of the Audi A3 Sportback and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the 1 Series may not be as good-looking, but it sure does look better than before. Restyled head and taillights indicate the higher level of maturity of the car while resculpted bumpers have allowed the 1er to maintain its classy and premium appearance that's worthy of the Bavarian badge.
Before the tweak to the COE system - which took effect from February 2014 - where cars with engine capacity up to 1,600cc are required to have an engine output lesser than 130bhp to qualify as a Category A car, the Bavarian marque was enjoying the sales of the BMW 316i - a highly desirable 1.6-litre Category A compact sedan that attracted many buyers.
Since the new regulation was imposed, BMW remained as a heavyweight Category B champion… until now.
Up close and Personal
Competing against the likes of the Audi A3 Sportback and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the 1 Series may not be as good-looking, but it sure does look better than before. Restyled head and taillights indicate the higher level of maturity of the car while resculpted bumpers have allowed the 1er to maintain its classy and premium appearance that's worthy of the Bavarian badge.
There's no mistaking BMW's signature work on the inside, with a neat and user-friendly centre console that's nicely angled towards the driver. This also means not much has changed from its predecessor, but that's really no bad thing.
While it's not as stylish as the A3 Sportback, the cabin of the 1er is well-built and it does feel more comfortable than the A-Class. Space in front is generous but that, however, cannot be said for the rear quarters, which is best left for two - no thanks to the transmission tunnel that takes up precious space for the centre passenger.
Still, at 360 litres, the 1 Series boasts more boot capacity than the A-Class but loses out to the A3 Sportback. Knock down the rear seats and a generous 1,200 litres of space is created to see to your Sunday shopping at IKEA and NTUC.
While it's not as stylish as the A3 Sportback, the cabin of the 1er is well-built and it does feel more comfortable than the A-Class. Space in front is generous but that, however, cannot be said for the rear quarters, which is best left for two - no thanks to the transmission tunnel that takes up precious space for the centre passenger.
Still, at 360 litres, the 1 Series boasts more boot capacity than the A-Class but loses out to the A3 Sportback. Knock down the rear seats and a generous 1,200 litres of space is created to see to your Sunday shopping at IKEA and NTUC.
The Drive
Despite having a humble 1.5-litre three-cylinder diesel engine underneath the bonnet, this hatchback proves to be nothing but credit to BMW as a capable carmaker.
While the level of refinement isn't as impressive as what you'd expect from the Bavarian marque, the engine is admirably peppy and likeable - more so at lower revs - while delivering substantial real-world fuel economy. During our four-day heavy-footed test drive with the car, we managed 12.5km/L.
Credit also goes to the eight-speed automatic transmission that manages to be in the right gear at the right time, every time. While it's far off from its claimed fuel efficiency of 24.4km/L, there's no arguing that it's reasonably good for the performance that you're getting.
Admittedly, it's not exactly the fastest hatch in town, but an output of 116bhp and 270Nm of torque will send this rear-wheel driven hatch to the 100km/h mark in 10.3 seconds. Having power sent to the rear wheels also translates to the car's natural capability to carve corners and confront curves with a high level of poise and grace that none of its rivals can match.
Despite having a humble 1.5-litre three-cylinder diesel engine underneath the bonnet, this hatchback proves to be nothing but credit to BMW as a capable carmaker.
While the level of refinement isn't as impressive as what you'd expect from the Bavarian marque, the engine is admirably peppy and likeable - more so at lower revs - while delivering substantial real-world fuel economy. During our four-day heavy-footed test drive with the car, we managed 12.5km/L.
Credit also goes to the eight-speed automatic transmission that manages to be in the right gear at the right time, every time. While it's far off from its claimed fuel efficiency of 24.4km/L, there's no arguing that it's reasonably good for the performance that you're getting.
Admittedly, it's not exactly the fastest hatch in town, but an output of 116bhp and 270Nm of torque will send this rear-wheel driven hatch to the 100km/h mark in 10.3 seconds. Having power sent to the rear wheels also translates to the car's natural capability to carve corners and confront curves with a high level of poise and grace that none of its rivals can match.
To an extent, it's a genuinely fun car that makes the driver seem like an expert behind the wheel.
Conclusion
Apart from the positive shift in its charatcer, nothing much has changed with the 1 Series Hatchback. It appears classier and is now more matured in the way it drives. Its penchant as a willing performer is still evident, as always, but it's now more capable of returning better fuel economy.
In other words, the sweet combination of a frugal engine and a handsome appearance makes this car a more appealing and desirable proposition than ever before. Not to mention it's currently the most affordable Bimmer you can lay your hands on now.
Conclusion
Apart from the positive shift in its charatcer, nothing much has changed with the 1 Series Hatchback. It appears classier and is now more matured in the way it drives. Its penchant as a willing performer is still evident, as always, but it's now more capable of returning better fuel economy.
In other words, the sweet combination of a frugal engine and a handsome appearance makes this car a more appealing and desirable proposition than ever before. Not to mention it's currently the most affordable Bimmer you can lay your hands on now.
