Compare the Volkswagen Golf vs BMW 1 Series
AI generated from our expert reviews
Both the Volkswagen Golf and the BMW 1 Series are easy to drive around town, yet they offer very different driving characteristics. The Golf is comfy around town as it soaks up speedbumps and dips in the road, but it is not very exciting on a twisty road. By contrast, the 1 Series really excels on a twisty road, though its stiff suspension jiggles you around on rough roads and makes it not very comfortable in town. Inside, both cars have climate controls that are irritating to use on the move. When carrying passengers, the Golf provides plenty of headroom in the back for six-footers, whereas rear headroom in the 1 Series can prove a bit tight for taller adults.
AI results may contain inaccuracies. Please check the details before making any financial decisions.
'From' prices stated are for the lowest priced version of the car. Price may vary based on the selected version.
Compare the specs
Standard kit
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Android Auto
Mirrors your Android phone's apps, like maps, music and messages, onto the car's touchscreen.
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Apple CarPlay
Mirrors your iPhone's apps, like maps, music and messages, onto the car's touchscreen.
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Climate control
Automatically keeps the cabin at a set temperature, rather than a manual heater dial.
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Cruise control
Holds a steady speed on the motorway without keeping your foot on the accelerator.
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Navigation
Built-in sat nav on the car's own screen, no phone needed.
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Parking Camera
A rear (sometimes 360°) camera that shows what's behind you while parking.
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Parking Sensors
Beeps that get faster as you get closer to something while parking.
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Android Auto
Mirrors your Android phone's apps, like maps, music and messages, onto the car's touchscreen.
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Apple CarPlay
Mirrors your iPhone's apps, like maps, music and messages, onto the car's touchscreen.
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Cruise control
Holds a steady speed on the motorway without keeping your foot on the accelerator.
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Parking Camera
A rear (sometimes 360°) camera that shows what's behind you while parking.
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Parking Sensors
Beeps that get faster as you get closer to something while parking.
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Tow hitch
A fitted towbar for pulling a trailer, caravan or bike rack.
Key information
| Body type Hatchbacks | Body type Hatchbacks |
| Available fuel types Petrol | Available fuel types Petrol |
| Number of seats 5 | Number of seats 5 |
| Boot space, seats up 381 litres (3 suitcases) Best | Boot space, seats up 300 litres (2 suitcases) |
| Boot space, seats down — | Boot space, seats down 1,135 litres |
| External dimensions (L x W x H) 4,284 mm x 1,789 mm x 1,491 mm | External dimensions (L x W x H) 4,361 mm x 1,800 mm x 1,459 mm |
| Towing capacity 1,300 kg | Towing capacity 1,300 kg |
| First year tax rate £455 | First year tax rate £455 |
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Fuel economy
This measures how much fuel a car uses, according to official tests. It's measured in miles per gallon (MPG) and a higher number means the car is more fuel efficient.
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Fuel economy
This measures how much fuel a car uses, according to official tests. It's measured in miles per gallon (MPG) and a higher number means the car is more fuel efficient.
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| Drive type Front wheel drive | Drive type Front wheel drive |
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Insurance
The insurance group the car sits in, from 1 to 50. The lower the group, the cheaper it usually is to insure.
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Insurance
The insurance group the car sits in, from 1 to 50. The lower the group, the cheaper it usually is to insure.
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Drivetrain & power
| Engine name 1.5 TSI | Engine name 120 Step Auto |
| Engine size 1.5 L Petrol • 115 BHP | Engine size 1.5 L Petrol • 156 BHP |
| Body type Hatchbacks | Body type Hatchbacks |
| Fuel type Petrol | Fuel type Petrol |
| Transmission Manual | Transmission Automatic |
| Drive type Front wheel drive | Drive type Front wheel drive |
| Forward gears 6 | Forward gears 7 |
| Acceleration 9.9 s (0-60 mph) | Acceleration 7.8 s (0-60 mph) Best |
Dimensions & space
| Number of seats 5 | Number of seats 5 |
| Number of doors 5 | Number of doors 5 |
| Boot (seats up) 381 litres Best | Boot (seats up) 300 litres |
| Boot (seats down) — | Boot (seats down) 1,135 litres |
| Length 4,284 mm | Length 4,361 mm |
| Width 1,789 mm | Width 1,800 mm |
| Height 1,491 mm | Height 1,459 mm |
| Wheelbase 2.63 m | Wheelbase 2.67 m |
| Turning circle 11.1 m | Turning circle 11.7 m |
Full features list
*Please contact the dealer for a personalised quote, including terms and conditions. Quote is subject to dealer requirements, including status and availability. Illustrations are based on personal contract hire, 9 month upfront fee, 48 month term and 8000 miles annually, VAT included.