Mat’s Car of the Day: there are some amazing deals on the brilliant BMW 1 Series

The BMW 1 Series has been one of the go-to posh small cars for over 20 years now, and the latest one is the best yet. I reckon it’s better than a Mercedes A-Class, but the high starting price may put you off.

Thankfully you can save a big chunk of money on a 1 Series through Carwow. Here are three reasons I reckon you should add this car to your shortlist.

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.

Three good things about the BMW 1 Series

1. The interior is lovely

I think the BMW 1 Series has the best interior of any small hatchback. It almost feels as posh as a 3 Series, with plenty of soft-touch materials, a cool design and some of the best seats in the business. It’s much more solid than a Mercedes A-Class and more stylish than an Audi A3, although it’s a shame that BMW has got rid of so many physical buttons.

2. The tech is top-notch

All versions of the 1 Series come with a large central touchscreen which looks impressive and is great to use. It’s responsive to your touch, fairly easy to navigate and the graphics are bright. You also get a nice digital driver’s display with loads of different views to choose from.

3. It’s brilliant to drive

If you’re after a sensible, everyday car which is also fun to drive, the 1 Series is the hatchback to choose. The steering is direct and perfectly weighted, and it feels agile through the corners. It can put a smile on your face, even in its most basic form.

BMW 1 Series prices and deals

The price is one of the main drawbacks to the 1 Series, because at £32,640 it’s more expensive than an Audi A3. However, the list price doesn’t tell the full story.

Right now through Carwow, you can save an average of almost £4,000 across the 1 Series range. I would go for the 120 M Sport model, which usually starts from £34,640, but through Carwow it costs just over £31,000.

That makes it about the same as a basic A3, and slightly cheaper than the equivalent A3 S Line.

Three annoying things about the BMW 1 Series

The BMW 1 Series isn’t perfect. Here are three annoying things about this posh hatchback.

1. Expensive optional extras

There are quite a few features on the 1 Series which really should come as standard at this price, but you have to pay extra for them. If you want keyless entry, power-folding mirrors, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and wireless phone charging, you’ll need the £1,550 Technology Pack. Madness.

2. The rear seats are tight

There’s not as much space in the back of the 1 Series as you get in a Volkswagen Golf, and I also found that the sloping roofline makes it too easy to bang your head when getting into the rear seats.

3. An Audi A3 is more comfortable

The 1 Series is more fun to drive, but if you want maximum comfort then you’ll need the A3. It’s just a bit smoother over bumps, and it’s slightly more quiet on the motorway as well.

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.

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