BMW 1 Series F40 Hatchback: Modern Design
I’ve spent time in the latest BMW 1 Series F40 5-door Hatchback doing the normal stuff: school runs, a 300-mile motorway slog, and one ill-advised blast down a rain-slick B-road. It’s a compact luxury hatchback that’s evolved—some purists grumbled when BMW flipped it to front-wheel drive, but daily life says otherwise. Packaging is smarter, the tech is bang up to date, and the hot one, the M135i xDrive, is still hilariously rapid. And yes, I noticed right away: it feels modern in a way the old car never quite did.
Why the BMW 1 Series F40 Hatchback Feels Different Now
Park the BMW 1 Series F40 Hatchback next to its predecessor and it’s the stance that grabs you: squatter, wider-looking, more assertive nose. The big grille is a statement piece—you’ll have an opinion—while the creased flanks and tight tail make it look properly athletic. Inside, the steps forward are bigger. The driving position is spot-on (slightly higher than the old rear-drive car, but still “BMW” enough), and the cabin materials feel like they belong in a premium SUV, not a small hatch.
Rear legroom is improved to the point where adults won’t hate you for picking the scenic route, and the boot is a useful 380 liters—pushchairs, gym bags, a weekend’s worth of luggage, no problem. When I tried it on rough city streets, the M Sport setup could fidget on sharp-edged potholes, but motorway ride is calm and the cabin is hushed enough to hear your kids arguing about who touched whom first.
BMW 1 Series F40 Hatchback: Engines, Performance, Economy
There’s a broad spread of petrol and diesel engines. The sweet spot for many will be the small turbo petrols—peppy around town, relaxed on the motorway, and frugal if you’re gentle. The diesels are long-legged mile-eaters and do their best work at a steady cruise.
- Petrol: 1.5-liter 3-cylinder to 2.0-liter 4-cylinder
- Diesel: 1.5-liter 3-cylinder to 2.0-liter 4-cylinder
- M135i xDrive: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, 302 hp, 0–60 mph in around 4.7 seconds
Most cars you’ll find are automatic—seven-speed dual-clutch on some smaller petrols, eight-speed torque-converter on higher-power models and diesels. The M135i’s surge is instant and a bit addictive; on a wet afternoon in the countryside, the xDrive system just digs in and goes. The regular 118i is quieter than you might expect for a three-cylinder, though you’ll hear a distant thrum if you really chase the redline. On longer runs, mid-30s mpg (diesel more) is straightforward if you’re not impersonating a Touring Car driver.
Tech and Features You’ll Actually Use
- iDrive infotainment with a rotary controller (earlier cars) and available “Curved Display” on later models—both support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Clear digital instruments, plus an optional head-up display that’s brilliant in city traffic.
- Driver aids: adaptive cruise, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition. They’re helpful, though the lane-keep can be a bit nannying on tight B-roads—easy to toggle off.
- Comfort pack options worth hunting for: heated seats, steering wheel, and a superb Harman Kardon system.
Small quirk? The climate controls migrating deeper into the screen on later cars takes an extra tap compared with the older physical buttons. The upside is a cleaner dash and slicker graphics. Pick your poison.
Living With the BMW 1 Series F40 Hatchback
As a daily driver, the BMW 1 Series F40 Hatchback is the right size. Easy to thread through busy streets, solid on the motorway, and neat in multi-storey car parks. Visibility is decent, and the reversing camera is crisp (though some early cars had a slightly grainier feed at night).
On a weekend dash to the coast, two adults and two teenagers were happy enough in the back, with room left for a small cooler and sandy flip-flops in the boot. The cabin storage is thoughtful—big door bins, wireless charging pad on many trims, and cupholders that actually hold cups (novel, I know).
Protecting Your BMW 1 Series F40 Hatchback Interior
With any premium hatchback, keeping the cabin looking fresh matters. The easiest win? Floor protection. I’ve tried generic mats before; they slide about, curl, and generally annoy. The BMW 1 Series F40 5-door Hatchback-specific mats from Autowin are a better fit—literally. They’re cut for the F40’s floor plan, with raised edges to catch muddy boots, coffee drips, or winter slush. Hose them off, let them dry, job done.
If you’re shopping, you can find the exact set for your car here. They carry a satisfaction guarantee, and in my experience, that’s not just marketing fluff—the fit and finish are spot on.
Feature Highlights at a Glance
- 380-liter boot; split-fold rear seats for Ikea runs
- Smartphone mirroring: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Choice of efficient three- and four-cylinder engines
- Available xDrive all-wheel drive for all-weather grip
- Premium options: head-up display, adaptive LED lights, Harman Kardon audio
BMW 1 Series F40 vs Rivals: Quick Comparison
If you’re cross-shopping, these are the names you’ll naturally look at. Figures vary by market and spec, but this gives you the gist.
| Model | Power Range (hp) | Drivetrain | Boot (L) | Notable Trait |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 1 Series F40 | ~116–302 | FWD or AWD (xDrive) | 380 | Sharp drive, excellent infotainment |
| Audi A3 Sportback | ~110–306 | FWD or AWD (quattro) | ~380 | Polished cabin, calm ride |
| Mercedes-Benz A-Class | ~136–302 | FWD or AWD (4MATIC) | ~355 | Glitzy screens, plush feel |
| Volkswagen Golf | ~110–315 | FWD or AWD (R) | ~380 | Versatile, great value |
Notes: Specs vary by market, model year, and trim. Always check the exact car you’re considering.
Verdict: The BMW 1 Series F40 Hatchback Nails the Brief
The BMW 1 Series F40 Hatchback feels tailored to modern life: just the right size, cleverly packaged, tech-savvy, and—with the right engine—genuinely fun. The M135i xDrive is a riot, but the mid-spec petrols are the real-world heroes. It’s not perfect (the sport suspension can get choppy on bad roads and some climate controls are a tap too far), yet as a premium hatch you’ll actually enjoy daily, it’s right on the money.
And if you care about keeping that cabin looking box-fresh, a set of properly fitting mats is a no-brainer. You’ll find the F40-specific ones from Autowin here.
FAQ: BMW 1 Series F40 Hatchback
Is the BMW 1 Series F40 front-wheel drive now?
Yes. The F40 moved to a front-drive platform, with xDrive all-wheel drive available on higher-powered variants like the M135i.
Which engine is best for fuel economy?
The diesels are the long-distance champs, but the 118i petrol can return impressive numbers if you do mostly city and suburban driving.
Does it have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes—wireless Apple CarPlay is common, and Android Auto is available on later software. Earlier cars may require an update or option pack.
How practical is the boot?
At around 380 liters, it’s right up there with the class leaders. Easy to load, with split-fold rear seats for bigger items.
Which floor mats fit the F40 best?
You’ll want F40-specific mats for proper coverage and retention clips. Autowin’s custom-fit set for the BMW 1 Series F40 5-door Hatchback is designed to match the exact floor contours and is easy to clean.
