BMW 1 Series (2019-2024) review

Impressively roomy. Going FWD has meant the 1 Series features significantly more space within a footprint almost identical to that of its predecessor. Give or a take a few milimetres here and there, it's much the same as before.

And it’s rear seat passengers who reap most rewards. Kneeroom, headroom and even elbowroom are on the up. Even for six-footers there’s plenty of space, while the Dakota leather with contrast stitching (on M Sport models, as ours was) looks smart. The rear privacy glass feels like overkill on a car this size, mind.

How about up front?

The steering wheel is a nice size and thickness, the seats are supportive and comfortable, and has thoroughly thought out all of its ergonomics.

The Live Cockpit Professional digital set-up is now standard, consisting of a 10.25in instrument cluster and equal-sized infotainment display. It’s a smart system, with both screens clear to read and operate; especially the latter with it iDrive controller, found down by the gear selector. The start/stop, climate controls and adaptive suspension also get their own buttons. Sensible, see?

Sticking with button-led functionality is a big win in an era where everything is going on touchscreens, and everything's laid out intuitively. VW, take note.

Elsewhere there are some nice touches such as a backlit dash and side strips, and special mention to the head-up display, too, which remains one of the best in the business. Less so the optional (£300) gesture control. Don’t bother.

What’s the boot like?

The luggage capacity has risen by 20 litres to 380 litres, or 1,200 litres with the rear seats folded down. There’s little in it up against the latest-generation VW Golf, which offers 380 litres and 1,237 litres respectively.

There’s plenty of additional cubby holes dotted around the cabin, with handy USB ports for both front and rear seat passengers, while wireless charging is a £350 optional extra. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard.