BMW 1-Series

The BMW 1-Series was launched in 2004 and is now in its second incarnation. It is the spiritual successor to the 3-Series compact as the German car maker’s medium-sized hatchback offering.

First generation cars were available in either three or five door hatchback shape, as well as a coupe or convertible.

Later models are offered only as a hatchback, with the compact coupe and convertible now known as the 2-Series.

The only hatchback of its size with rear wheel drive means the 1-Series has something that the Mercedes-Benz CLC, Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3 do not. It also benefits from balanced weight distribution thanks to an inline engine layout and is considered the driver’s choice thanks to its dynamic performance.