The BMW 1 Series (F40) is the third generation of the BMW 1 Series range of premium hatchback cars. Unlike its predecessor F20 1 Series, the F40 1 Series uses a front-wheel drive configuration and is only available as a 5-door hatchback. BMW 1 Series is equipped with front or all-wheel drive. The third generation F40 was presented in May 2019. The car has also changed in appearance and now thus resembles a flattened “two”, albeit in the performance of the Active Tourer.

The BMW 1 Series offers you with a range of petrol and diesel engines. From the entry-level 1.5-litre 118i three-cylinder petrol that is ideally suited to town driving to the 2.0-litre 118d version that will fuel up longer motorway trips with ease. There is also a sportier M135i model in the works that has capability to sprint from 0-60mph in less than 4.8 seconds.

This is the third-generation BMW 1 Series has always been a premium family hatch that has undergone a real transformation with its 3rd generation. In its M135i version, it has ditched its famous rear-wheel drive setup in favour of the front- or four-wheel drive of all its main rivals which makes the 1 Series more spacious and practical than before in one fell swoop.

Even after being tamer from inside, BMW 1 Series’ has somehow managed to keep up its class with minimalist dashboard and 9-inch infotainment display which look more modern than the equivalents in the old car’s cabin. It is easy to get the hang of and comes with plenty of bang-up-to-date equipment too, including Apple CarPlay, optional gesture controls and BMW’s personal assistant system. The latter is similar to the A-Class’ ‘Hey Mercedes’ feature.

Most of the BMW 1 Series comes with a standard six-speed manual transmission, though you can specify an eight-speed automatic as an optional extra on every engine. In this case, its both the versions will get the automatic gearbox as standard. Both of these models are also available with four-wheel drive. The M135i gets it as standard, while it’s an option on the 120d.

The price tag for the small BMW sedan is likely to start around the Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom) mark.