Toyota Corolla vs BMW 1 Series
What's the difference?

Toyota Corolla

$29,990 - $46,990

2025 price

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BMW 1 Series

$44,997 - $89,900

2025 price

View pricing & specs

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz A45

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Summary

2025 Toyota Corolla

2025 BMW 1 Series

By Tim Nicholson

By Chris Thompson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 1.8L

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Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

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Fuel Efficiency

4.0L/100km (combined)

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Seating

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Likes

Fuel efficient
Fun to drive
Cheap to run

Driving dynamics and performance
Front-row layout
Pricing remains competitive

Dislikes

Cabin not as practical as rivals
Tiny boot volume
Ageing interior

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

2025 Toyota Corolla Summary

Up until 2024 when its title was nabbed by the Tesla Model Y, the humble Toyota Corolla has been the world’s best-selling car for quite some time.

A reputation for reliability, affordability, efficiency and in its current guise, being fun to drive, the Corolla has seen off all comers to retain the title of the most popular small car on Earth.

The current twelfth-generation Corolla is now seven years into its life cycle having landed in mid-2018. In that time scores of buyers have moved across into small SUVs, and the Corolla’s competitor set has shrunk dramatically as car brands pull out of the small passenger car segment.

But as we gear up for the next-gen Corolla, is the existing one still worth considering against some newer rivals? And should you look at this instead of a small SUV?

I lived with the mid-range Corolla SX hatchback for a week to find out.

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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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Deep dive comparison

2025 Toyota Corolla 2025 BMW 1 Series

Verdict

The final score for this review makes it look as though the Corolla is a middling effort. The scores for each individual section of the review are well considered and fair. The Corolla does lack the practicality of some of its rivals. A lack of an ANCAP rating isn’t great and the powertrain is just okay. But it remains one of the most fun-to-drive hatchbacks on the market today, even seven years into its life, and I would wholeheartedly recommend the Corolla to anyone looking for a small car. If you can forgive some of the quirks, it is a reliable, adorable, fun and efficient small car favourite.

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.

Toyota Corolla vs BMW 1 Series What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Toyota Corolla vs BMW 1 Series
What's the difference?