BMW 1 Series vs Holden Astra
What's the difference?

BMW 1 Series

$43,997 - $89,900

2025 price

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Holden Astra

$4,500 - $17,999

2018 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2025 BMW 1 Series

2018 Holden Astra

By Chris Thompson

By Peter Anderson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

—

Turbo 4, 1.4L

Fuel Type

—

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

—

5.8L/100km (combined)

Seating

—

Likes

Driving dynamics and performance
Front-row layout
Pricing remains competitive

Good to drive
Good looking
Well-specced

Dislikes

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

Missing rear seat amenities
Smallish fuel tank
Awkward pedal position

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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2018 Holden Astra Summary

Holden's current Astra is the second go the car has had in this country, after first being badged an Opel to the sounds of crickets from the buying public. That hubristic exercise was followed by a brief withdrawal from the Australian market before returning, rather more sensibly badged (and sensibly-priced) as a Holden.

It chugged along quite nicely in 2017. It didn't break any records, no, but regularly broke the 1000 units per month mark to end up with about five percent of the small car market, which it shares with some serious competition from Europe and Japan.

The + in R+ means more safety, but also more money. Safety is good, but do you get anything else for your money?

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Deep dive comparison

2025 BMW 1 Series 2018 Holden Astra

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

The Astra's biggest problem is probably the Holden badge. Despite the company's best efforts, some buyers are wary of the company's longevity and some of the other cars in the range do the Astra no favours - Trax, Colorado and Barina feel cheap, because they are. The Astra isn't cheaply made and holds up very well in excellent company.

BMW 1 Series vs Holden Astra What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW 1 Series vs Holden Astra
What's the difference?