The 10 best BMW 1 Series alternatives in 2024
November 07, 2024 by Jamie Edkins
The new BMW 1 Series is a great posh hatchback, but there are also plenty of alternatives to consider for this sort of money. Here are 10 of the best
Posh hatchbacks are pretty popular these days, and the BMW 1 Series is one of the best around. It was heavily updated in 2024, with new styling and a revamped interior only adding to the appeal.
It’s still a fantastic choice if you’re after a premium-feeling hatchback which is good fun to drive, but it is a tad expensive for a car of this size. You may also want something a bit more comfortable than the 1 Series, or perhaps the allure of an SUV is too hard to overcome.
With this in mind, here’s a list of the 10 best alternatives to the BMW 1 Series.
- Audi A3
- Mazda 3
- Volkswagen Golf
- Lexus LBX
- BMW X1
- Mini Cooper 5 Door
- Peugeot 408
- Volvo EX30
- Cupra Leon
- Skoda Octavia vRS
1. Audi A3
If you’re shopping for a posh German hatchback, the Audi A3 is almost certainly on your radar. This ever-popular model has recently been updated and it now more compelling than ever, with smart styling, a high-quality cabin and high-end tech all playing in its favour.
It’s not the most fun car to drive in this class – the 1 Series will put a bigger smile on your face – but the A3 is more tuned for comfort and this is something it delivers in spades. Go for the 150hp petrol version in S-Line trim and you can’t really go wrong.
2. Mazda 3
It may not be the first car which comes to mind when you think of premium hatchbacks, but the Mazda 3 is actually a great candidate if you want something which looks great and has a lovely interior.
It’s good fun to chuck through the bends as well, although this does come at the expense of comfort because it’s a bit more firm over bumps than something like an A3. Still, at least the infotainment system is really easy to use. We’d recommend going for the Centre-Line version with the 186hp petrol engine to get the best value for money.
3. Volkswagen Golf
You can sum up the Volkswagen Golf in just seven words; it’s the only car you’ll ever need. It’s spacious inside, comfortable to drive, packed with tech and there’s a great range of fuel efficient engines on offer as well.
The Golf won’t get your pulse racing in the same way a 1 Series will, unless you go for the sporty GTI or the flagship R models, but it’ll take on more or less anything you throw at it in a fuss-free fashion.
4. Lexus LBX
The Lexus LBX is an attractive option if you’re after something a bit left-field. It’s a stylish small SUV which offers similar interior space to the BMW 1 Series, however it comes with more tech as standard.
The 1.5-litre hybrid engine comes straight from the Toyota Yaris Cross, which may not sound very exciting but it’s smooth and refined, while also offering great fuel economy. The mid-spec Premium model is the one to go for because it gains luxuries like heated leather seats and ambient lighting.
5. BMW X1
SUVs are all the rage these days thanks to their chunky styling and raised driving position, and if you want to jump on this bandwagon while still sticking with the BMW brand then the X1 is well worth a look. It has a very similar interior to the 1 Series, and it’s not much more expensive either.
Just like with the 1 Series, it’s annoying that you control all the climate settings through the touchscreen, but at least the infotainment system is really easy to use and the cabin is beautifully built. The M Sport model is the best-looking thanks to the larger wheels and more aggressive body kit.
6. Mini Cooper 5 Door
Believe it or not, the BMW 1 Series and the Mini Cooper actually share a lot of parts under the skin. The 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine is the same across both cars, but the Mini is a lot more funky-looking – both inside and out.
It may not be as practical as the BMW thanks to a titchy boot, but the Mini certainly has plenty of character to help make up for this. It’s packed with tech as well, especially if you go for the mid-spec Exclusive trim, and there are loads of personalisation options.
7. Peugeot 408
Some people just love to stand out from the crowd, and if you’re one of those people then the Peugeot 408 is probably the most striking-looking car you can buy for 1 Series money. This jacked up four-door coupe looks fantastic, and it has a lovely interior as well.
It may not have a posh German badge on the bonnet, but the 408 certainly feels premium enough inside to give the high-end alternatives a run for their money. Range-topping GT spec is the one to go for, because it’s not much more expensive than the standard model and you get a healthy dose of extra kit.
8. Volvo EX30
Ready to make the switch to an EV? Well the Volvo EX30 is one of the best you can buy. It’s the 2024 Carwow Car Of The Year thanks to its blend of style, performance and value for money.
It is frustrating that Volvo has gone all Tesla-y and removed most of the physical buttons from the cabin, but at least the interior is stylish and well-made. The standard rear-wheel drive car will be perfect for most people, but if you want a blinding turn of speed then there’s a 428hp dual-motor version.
9. Cupra Leon
The Cupra Leon may share a lot of parts with the VW Golf under the skin, but it’s a much more exciting proposition than that car thanks to the stylish Spanish bodywork and re-tuned suspension. It’s still not as fun to drive as the 1 Series, but it’s a lot sharper than the Golf.
This does mean it’s not as comfortable over the bumps as its German stablemate, but the Cupra does have a more interesting cabin and it’s packed with kit as well. The 1.5-litre petrol engine is a great all-rounder, however the 300hp 2.0-litre model is best for those seeking hot hatch thrills.
10. Skoda Octavia vRS
Maybe the BMW 1 Series just doesn’t offer enough interior space for you? Well you’ll have no such complaints about the Skoda Octavia vRS. It’s often thought of as the thinking person’s hot hatch thanks to the cavernous cabin and brisk turn of pace.
The Octavia may not be the most fun car to drive on a twisty road, but it handles well enough and the 265hp 2.0-litre petrol engine is punchy. The vRS will get you back more than the standard 1 Series but less than the hot M135, however if you don’t need the added power then the standard Octavia is still a fabulous choice for less than £30,000.
5 used alternatives to the BMW 1 Series
If you’re after maximum bang for your buck, there are some seriously impressive options on the second hand market which will cost you the same as a new BMW 1 Series.
We took to the classifieds with a budget of £30,000, around £1,000 less than the starting price of the 1 Series, and this is what we uncovered.
- BMW 3 Series Touring
- Mercedes-AMG A35
- Audi Q3
- Tesla Model 3
- Jaguar F-Type
1. BMW 3 Series Touring
For the same price as a new 1 Series, you could get behind the wheel of the bigger and more luxurious 3 Series Touring. This executive estate car has a lovely interior and a big boot, as well as all the latest tech.
It’s also great fun to drive, as most BMWs are, and there are some fuel-efficient engine options on offer. We found a 2021 3 Series Touring in M Sport trim with the 2.0-litre diesel engine for £28,995.
2. Mercedes-AMG A35
You can’t really beat a hot hatch if you’re looking for a fun all-rounder, and the Mercedes-AMG A35 will put a smile on your face while still being practical enough for daily driving duties. It has a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 306hp and all-wheel drive, so it’s properly rapid.
The A35 has a stylish interior as well, although it’s not quite as well-made as the 1 Series’. A low-mileage 2019 example can be yours for under £30,000 – we found one in eye-catching Yellow for £25,720.
3. Audi Q3
Or maybe a posh SUV has taken your fancy? Well check out the Audi Q3. It’s bigger and more practical than a 1 Series, and there aren’t many cars in this class which are as comfortable to drive either.
There are loads of engines on offer, but you’re best off looking for a 1.5-litre petrol example with an automatic gearbox because it’s the best all-rounder. We found a 2023 Q3 with this engine in sporty-looking S-Line trim for £29,840.
4. Tesla Model 3
Making the switch to an EV is easy with the Tesla Model 3, and not just because you have full access to the excellent Supercharger network. It’s relaxing to drive, properly quick and packed with tech.
Your £30,000 budget will even get you a Performance model, which has dual electric motors with 456hp to give you supercar-scaring performance. A quick browse on Carwow uncovered a 2022 Tesla Model 3 Performance with 40,500 miles on the clock for £28,500.
5. Jaguar F-Type
Being sensible is boring, so why not just throw caution to the wind and get yourself a proper British sports car? We’’ you could have a 3.0-litre V6 Jaguar F-Type for less than 30,000, and it’ll feel a lot more exotic and special than any hatchback.
With 340hp on tap it’ll put a smile on your face when you put your foot down, and it makes a great noise as well. We found a 2017 F-Type V6 with 54,000 miles on the clock for £25,000. It’s not the most sensible option, but sometimes you’ve just got to listen to your heart.
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