BMW 1 Series (2019-2024) review

Let’s start with the entry-level models, the 118i and 118d. Both get to 62mph in around eight-and-a-half seconds, although the diesel offers more torque with its 199lb ft trumping the petrol's 162lb ft.

So there’s little between them, really. Entry-level they may be but there’s enough shove away from the lights and getting up to speed on motorways doesn’t need too much effort. The petrol is noticeably quiet and the diesel isn’t much noisier.

You’ve the choice of a six-speed manual in both, or a seven-speed twin clutch DCT in the 118i or an eight-speed Steptronic in the 118d. The manual is perfectly smooth, while the autos shift seamlessly and don't mind being overridden. 

But does it feel like a BMW?

There’s one overriding characteristic and it’s a good one: balance. Scrabbling understeer is almost entirely written out of the script. The steering has a good amount of feel, and it's very progressive. In the middle of a bend it's all nicely poised, and on the way out there's lots of traction.

Ride refinement hasn't been forgotten in the pursuit of handling though. It takes the edge off any rough surface, although you will have to put up with a bit of road noise.

How do the AWD variants compare?

The M135i may be badged as xDrive, but most of the time it’s front-wheel drive, with the rear axle being trusted with up to 50 per cent of the power when the chips and microprocessors say so. Basically when the fronts can’t take any more.

It’s not short of power – 302bhp and 332lb ft, good for 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds, onto a 155mph limiter – while its ability to absorb bumps and ruts lives on and makes this a very friendly hot hatch.

However, the problem we found is that it doesn’t raise its game from there. It's brisk, but not savage. A whoosh machine, if you will. And don’t get us started on the crazy levels of torque steer, or the fake engine noise that’s pumped into the cabin.

The M135i's lesser-powered, front-drive 128ti sibling is more fun. That’s the one to have a look at if you care about driving. It’s not quite as engaging as the Golf GTI Clubsport, but it’s much easier to live with. 

Still, BMW has made couple of tweaks to the chassis and suspension to make it a little more fun in corners. You get optimised camber, some new suspension mounts and recalibrated springs/dampers all round that, says BMW, reduces roll and improves steering feel.