BMW 1 Series Review 2022

You're right, this isn't a feature that you'll find on many cars this size, but it's possible. You can fit the BMW 1 Series with electric memory seats for £750 – with electrical adjustment for height, backrest tilt, seat position and seat base tilt. The memory function means by pressing a button your seat and exterior mirror settings can be returned after someone else drove the car. For £1500, BMW's Comfort Pack 2 bundles the electric seats together with an electric opening and closing boot that you may find handy. The pack also adds keyless entry and a heated steering wheel as part of the deal. Finding a second-hand car fitted with this pack will likely be easier than finding a car with just the electric seats fitted. The Volkswagen Golf can also be had with electric seats. They're an option that's only available on higher-end models – starting with the GTI – in combination with leather upholstery. The option costs £2130 in the GTI and gives you electric adjustment for the driver’s seat height, seat length, seat cushion angle, backrest angle and lumbar support. The VW's seats also have a memory function that returns your seat and mirrors to their original position. Finding these packs on either car will be easier to do at a franchised dealer which will have a comprehensive database of the options fitted to the cars it has in stock – some non franchised dealers do also offer this. Both the BMW 1 Series and Volkswagen Golf have recently been updated and the current new car shortage means both command strong residuals, you may struggle to find a car for £20,000. The good news is that electric seats were also offered on the older models that are in your budget. If you want as new a car as possible, I'd recommend the new Peugeot 208 – it's a small car that's pretty big by the standards of a few years ago. GT and GT Premiums models are available with optional Nappa leather seats that have driver seat multi-way electric adjustment (including electric lumbar adjustment) and a massage function. They're also heated. GT models built in 2021 with around 10,000 miles on the clock are currently on sale for just under £20,000.

The Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series will provide 380 litres of boot space - which is around 20 more than you get in your Mazda. You may also want to consider the Honda Civic, which isn't deemed as 'premium' as its German rivals but does provide a useful 420 litres.

We're receiving very few reports of issues with modern DSG gearboxes. With regular maintenance (i.e. fluid changes every few years) there's no reason why they won't be as reliable in the long-term as a traditional torque-converter transmission. Both the latest Golf and BMW 1 Series are great cars. There are a few flimsy materials in the cabin of the Golf which you won't find in the 1 Series, while we also prefer the infotainment in the BMW. It's more enjoyable to drive, too, if that's important.