BMW has opened sales for its new 1 Series hatchback, which gains a new design, revamped interior and technology, and revised engine line-up.

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Based on the previous model, it’s actually classed as the fourth generation due to the extensive updates.

Design changes bring a lower front-end with a new grille, revamped standard-fit LED headlights with vertical elements for the daytime running light and the indicators, and the option of adaptive LED headlights with glare-free matrix high beam, cornering light function and blue accents. The rear gains new taillights while the new 1 Series is the first model in the brand’s range to be available with an optional contrasting roof paint finish.

Dimensions remain broadly similar to the outgoing version, with length up by 42mm to 4.3m while height has increased by 25mm to 1.5m. Wheelbase and vehicle width remain the same. Boot space is 300 to 1,135 litres for the 120 and 380 litres to 1,200 litres for the M135 xDrive.

Bigger changes are in the cabin, which gets plusher surfaces and trim, a redesigned gear selector and the BMW Curved Display, comprising a 10.25-inch driver display and a 10.7-inch infotainment display, running on the new BMW OS 9. The infotainment display also offers new functionality such as controlling the air conditioning digitally via an always-visible array of controls. As an alternative to the standard sport steering wheel, a similarly redesigned M leather steering wheel is offered as standard on M Sport models which features shift paddles for manual gear changes.

As with the new 3 Series, the 1 Series drops diesels, with the 116d and 120d not carried over for this version. The engine line-up now consists of two versions: the 120 three-cylinder petrol and the M135 xDrive in the BMW M model. Both drop the ‘i’ suffix, now reserved for fully electric models, and come with a seven-speed automatic transmission with dual clutch as standard, rather than the former six-speed manual.

The new 120 features mild hybrid assistance and delivers 170hp of power, accelerating from 0 to 62mph in 7.8 seconds. Combined fuel consumption is 47-53mpg and with up to 135g/km of WLTP emissions. It’s available in Sport and M Sport guise.

The M135 xDrive is powered by a 300hp four-cylinder engine and features an Adaptive M Chassis with sport steering and intelligent all-wheel drive as standard. It accelerates from zero to 62mph in 4.9 seconds and has combined fuel consumption of 34-37mpg and up to 174g/km of emissions.

The M135 xDrive is also marked out by an M radiator grille with horizontal bars, M exterior mirror caps and four exhaust tailpipes.

Both models also benefit from improved body rigidity and further development of the chassis.

Standard equipment across all versions now includes automatic air conditioning, electrically folding exterior mirrors, heated front seats and BMW Live Cockpit Plus including the BMW Maps cloud-based navigation system. M Sport and M135 xDrive models also benefit from sport seats, adaptive suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels among other features.

A Tech Plus Package is also available and includes BMW Live Cockpit Professional with BMW Head-Up Display and Augmented View on the Control Display as well as Parking Assistant Plus.

The Tech Package includes the telephone option with wireless charging, Comfort Access, logo projection from the exterior mirrors, automatic dimming interior mirror and adaptive LED headlights.

Further optional equipment choices also include two-zone automatic air conditioning, a panoramic glass roof and the Harman Kardon sound system, which is standard on the BMW M135 xDrive.

Prices start from £29,950 for the 120 in Sport guise, rising to £31,950 for the 120 M Sport. The M135 is priced from £41,000.

Customer deliveries of the new 1 Series start in October 2024.