BMW 1 Series vs Audi S1
What's the difference?

BMW 1 Series

$44,997 - $89,900

2025 price

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Audi S1

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2015 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2025 BMW 1 Series

2015 Audi S1

By Chris Thompson

By Peter Anderson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

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Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

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Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

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7.1L/100km (combined)

Seating

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Likes

Driving dynamics and performance
Front-row layout
Pricing remains competitive

Sensational engine
Quattro drivetrain
Great chassis

Dislikes

New face might divide opinion
Second-row amenities lacking
A tad thirsty

Price
The interior is a bit dull
Stiff ride

2025 BMW 1 Series Summary

Can you believe the 1 Series is already in its fourth generation? It might not look incredibly like it, because this new car looks a little like the third.

But it’s been more than half a decade since the F40 1 Series debuted, so BMW decided it was already time for a new kid on the block. Meet the F70.

It’s just landed in Australia and it promises new-gen tech and features compared with its predecessor. We checked out BMW’s new baby at its Australian launch to find out if it delivers.

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2015 Audi S1 Summary

Spoilt. That's what we are. If you're in the market for a hot hatch, you can have your pick of German-built and French ones from as little as $27,000. There isn't a dud among them now that the VW Polo GTI has had a bit of an update and you can pick and choose your style. Audi's S1 is aiming to be king of the kids with its stiffly-priced S1.

Set the finances aside and consider for a moment what's on offer. As it turns out, a lot.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 BMW 1 Series 2015 Audi S1

Verdict

A brief dalliance with the 1 Series has left me impressed, if wanting to spend more time with it to get a better assessment of the day-to-day liveability of BMW’s entry-level model.

It’s a compelling offering if you’re after a premium small car, and even without the performance of the M135, the 118 is feature-packed.

Keeping pricing competitive should help the 1 Series buck the trend of buyers opting for small SUVs, but ultimately it’s just refreshing to see BMW putting effort into keeping a hatchback relevant (and up-to-date).

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Verdict

Cars this small shouldn't be this fast and useable at the same time, but the Audi S1 is. It isn't without its problems - the ride is harder even than the Fiesta ST which might weary some prospective buyers.

It's also a bit difficult to justify the price - in its basic form it's missing a few creature comforts that you'd expect in a $50,000 car - reversing camera, high-res screen, that sort of thing.

However, in the hot hatch world, those things don't matter. It has the bragging rights, the tech and the outright blinding speed to take on the bonkers Focus ST and equally zany Megane RS. And even the Audi S3.

BMW 1 Series vs Audi S1 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW 1 Series vs Audi S1
What's the difference?