BMW 1-Series Hatchback (04-11) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 30 July 2008
The unusual looks of the BMW 1-Series may not have been universally acclaimed when it was first launched but the hatchback has become a hugely popular model. Good to drive and with a great choice of engines it's is the cheapest way of owning a BMW. In 2007 the line-up was further improved with a range of fuel-saving measures called Efficient Dynamics. Fitted to all models, drivers will hardly notice any difference but both fuel economy and emissions are significantly lowered. Up to 60mpg is offered on diesel models while all four-cylinder engines have increased power along with improved efficiency. There are more practical cars available for the money but none are as engaging to drive as the 1-Series.
4.5 out of 5

Other BMW reviews

4.5 out of 5

Running costs

The 1-Series should be the class-leader when it comes to resale values. All average mileage models should be worth at least 60% of their original price after three years. While the original range of engines were competitive in terms of power output and fuel consumption, new technology introduced in 2007 has resulted in some exceptional improvements in fuel consumption and lower emissions.

* based on most recent data

Estimated fuel cost for 10,000 miles per year

Unleaded

£1,279 - £2,046 *

Diesel

£1,002 - £1,308 *

The estimated fuel cost figure is a guide to how much this model will cost to fuel each year, so you can compare between cars. It's calculated by using the model's average mpg (calculated from both town centre and motorway driving) and the average fuel price. It's based on the following cost-per-litre: petrol 135p and diesel 141p. Prices are updated daily.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

Variable - according to on-board computer.

Warranty

Three years/unlimited miles.

Road tax (12 months)

£30.00 - £460.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

3 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
  • B
  • C
    118
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • H
  • I
  • J
  • K
  • L
    226
  • M

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

Thanks to the Efficient Dynamics program, the 1-Series performs well on the eco front. With an average of just 150g/km CO2 across the model line-up, its emissions are very good for a small hatchback plus the range is also very economical, averaging 48mpg. The fuel saving system uses a host of features, the most noticeable of which is the stop/start function. Standard on manual versions of most 1-Series models, the system switches off the engine once the vehicle is stopped with the gearstick in neutral and the clutch pedal released. To restart, the driver engages the clutch and the engine comes back to life almost instantaneously.

Find the exact engine and CO2