Mat’s Car of the Day: now could be the perfect time to buy a new BMW 1 Series
Car changing is a big deal
Looking for a posh hatchback which is great to drive? Mat Watson reckons the BMW 1 Series is well worth a look – especially with the deals currently available.
The latest BMW 1 Series is a compelling alternative to something like a Volkswagen Golf. It’s fun to drive, packed with tech and has a nice interior, and right now there are some great offers on this car to make it even more appealing.
I reviewed the 1 Series back in 2025, and here are a few reasons I think you should consider this car.
Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.
Why should you consider a new BMW 1 Series?
Posh German hatchbacks are hugely popular in the UK, and the 1 Series goes up against models like the Audi A3, Mercedes A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Here are three ways the 1 Series is better than those cars.
1. It’s the most fun to drive
The Golf may be a comfortable car, but you have to go for the hot GTI or R version if you want to have some fun. The 1 Series will put a smile on your face in any guise thanks to the sharp steering and excellent suspension setup.
2. The interior is great
The Mercedes A-Class has a snazzy-looking interior, but the BMW feels much more solid and posh. I also like the dashboard design with its multiple layers, and the ambient lighting is cool as well.
3. Top-notch tech
You also get an excellent infotainment system in the 1 Series, with a large, crisp screen and logical menus. The digital driver’s display is nice as well, and all cars come with a reversing camera, LED headlights and cruise control.
BMW 1 Series prices and deals
The BMW 1 Series starts from just under £33,000, making it a bit more expensive than a Volkswagen Golf or Audi A3. There are some great savings to be had, though.
Prices through Carwow start from around £29,000, but the best deal to be had is on the M Sport model. It usually starts from £35,000, but you can get one for £31,000 when you buy through Carwow.
I’d go for the M Sport because it gets some more aggressive-looking styling upgrades, such as deeper front and rear bumpers and larger alloy wheels. You also get body-hugging sports seats and a chunky steering wheel, as well as adaptive suspension which makes it even more fun to drive.
Three drawbacks to the BMW 1 Series
While the 1 Series is a great car, it’s not perfect. Here are three things to consider before taking the plunge.
1. It’s not the most comfortable posh hatchback
The trade-off for the 1 Series’ sporty handling is a slightly firmer suspension setup than something like a Volkswagen Golf, making it a bit less comfortable than that car over bumps.
2. The button-free interior
While the infotainment system is really good, the BMW’s lack of buttons can make simple adjustments to the climate control fiddly on the move. An Audi A3 has proper switchgear which is easier to use.
3. Rear seat space
The 1 Series isn’t the most practical hatchback out there thanks to the tight rear seats and below-average boot capacity. The Volkswagen Golf is more spacious, or if you want something cavernous for the same money then check out a Skoda Octavia.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
Click here to follow us on Reddit, where you can keep up-to-date with all the latest news, reviews, advice guides and videos. You can also subscribe to our WhatsApp channel to get the latest news sent straight to your phone.
*Savings are made up of the maximum dealer discount off RRP – subject to dealership, location and trim. Prices correct at the time of writing.