BMW introduced the second generation of the 1 Series in 2012 and continued to be the smallest car with a rear-wheel-drive and an all-wheel-drive option.
The first generation of the 1 Series was well received by the market in all of its shapes and number of doors (two, three, or five) and took its main competitor, Mercedes-Benz, by surprise. Then, after learning and listening to all the critics from its customers, BMW chose to change the pace and improved the 1 Series to a higher level.

From the outside, the 1 Series three doors looked more like a hot-hatchback. Its cab-rearward design with a sloped-down rear window’s top edge induced the image of a coupe. Well, it wasn’t. But its big, swept-back headlights and the sculptured side panels gave the impression of one. In the back, the Kamm-back styling with a raked-forward windscreen and a small roof-spoiler improved the sporty image.

Inside, BMW increased the materials’ quality and finishes. It offered plenty of storage areas in the center console, the center armrest, the door panels, and even under the steering-column. Its two bucket-seats at the front were mounted low. The carmaker used soft, spongy materials on the dashboard. Even though all the range received a standard infotainment unit, it wasn’t available with a touch-screen. In the back, the 60/40 split-folding bench enlarged the trunk area with a completely flat surface.

Under the hood, BMW installed a very wide choice of engines, ranged between 101 hp and 320 hp paired with a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic. Some specific versions were available with all-wheel-drive.