Ford Fiesta vs BMW 1 Series
What's the difference?

Ford Fiesta

—

2023 price

View pricing & specs

BMW 1 Series

$44,997 - $89,900

2025 price

View pricing & specs

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2023 Ford Fiesta

2025 BMW 1 Series

By Tim Nicholson

By Chris Thompson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.5L

—

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

—

Fuel Efficiency

6.3L/100km (combined)

—

Seating

—

Likes

Punchy engine and slick gearbox combo
Light, chuckable dynamics
Excellent value for money

Driving dynamics and performance
Front-row layout
Pricing remains competitive

Dislikes

Noisy cabin
Huge turning circle
Firm ride

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

2023 Ford Fiesta Summary

The original Ford Fiesta ST from 2013 was a modern classic. The combination of appealing pricing, point-and-shoot driving dynamics and a sweet turbocharged engine ensured it won a legion of fans.

Its follow-up from 2020 continued that formula and brought with it a refinement missing from the original. But it was just as fun to drive.

Ford has launched a mid-life update for the sprightly hot hatch, which despite arriving in Australia halfway through 2022, is still officially an MY22 model. This latest version introduces upgrades to interior tech and exterior styling, as well as a 30Nm bump in torque.

But given it’s facing a ballsy competitor from Hyundai, has Ford done enough to keep its B-segment hot hatch crown?

View full pricing & specs

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.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2023 Ford Fiesta 2025 BMW 1 Series

Verdict

The Fiesta ST is an addictive car to drive. It's a modern classic and hard to beat when it comes to engaging performance and smile-inducing dynamics. Add in excellent value for money and you have a certified performance car bargain.

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.

Ford Fiesta vs BMW 1 Series What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Ford Fiesta vs BMW 1 Series
What's the difference?