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BMW 1 Series vs Kia Niro comparison

Compare performance (300 HP vs 138 HP), boot space and price (29,400 £ vs 29,100 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 1 Series or Kia Niro?

BMW 1 Series vs Kia Niro: Key differences

BMW 1 Series

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly more power
  • only slightly more efficient
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • very slightly lighter
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Kia Niro

4.5 (3 Reviews)
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  • barely cheaper
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

1 Series

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Kia Niro is barely cheaper – starting at 29,100 £ , while the BMW 1 Series costs 29,400 £ . That’s a price difference of around 223 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the BMW 1 Series uses 4.3 L/100km and is only slightly more efficient than the Kia Niro with 4.5 L/100km. The difference is about 0.2 L/100km.

Niro

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the BMW 1 Series offers significantly more power – delivering 300 HP compared to 138 HP. That’s roughly 162 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 1 Series is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.9 s, while the Kia Niro takes 11.1 s. That’s about 6.2 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW 1 Series delivers visibly more torque with 400 Nm compared to 265 Nm. That’s about 135 Nm more.

1 Series

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, BMW 1 Series is very slightly lighter – 1,465 kg compared to 1,474 kg. The difference is around 9 kg.

When it comes to payload, the BMW 1 Series carries barely more – 510 kg compared to 466 kg. That’s a difference of about 44 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW 1 Series is far ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £29,400
1 Series

BMW 1 Series

  • Engine Type : Diesel, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Petrol
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 122 - 300 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 4.3 - 7.6 L/100km
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Frequently compared as well

Kia Niro
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BMW 1 Series
Kia Niro

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

BMW 1 Series

The BMW 1 Series is a compact premium hatchback that injects a proper sense of driving fun into everyday life, with sharp handling and a cabin that punches above its class. It’s a great pick for buyers who want sporty manners without losing practicality, and yes, you’ll still get that unmistakable BMW grin behind the wheel.

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Reviews BMW 1 Series

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Kia Niro

The Kia Niro blends clever packaging and modern styling into a compact crossover that’s refreshingly sensible for daily life. It’s comfortable, economical and packed with user‑friendly tech, so if you want a fuss‑free family car with a touch of green credibility, the Niro is worth a test drive.

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Reviews Kia Niro

4.5 (3 Reviews)
rate
Archi
25 Mar 2026, 13:11:41

Efficient, functional, understated, spacious and comfortable. No surprises: it delivers what it promises and does its job without fanfare. Good buy.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Wolfgang Schäfer
21 Oct 2025, 14:01:32

I've been driving the Kia Niro since 2019 and am still very happy with this car.

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Toyota Yaris Cross
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BMW 1 Series
Kia Niro

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,400 - 51,900 £
Price
29,100 - 33,800 £
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.5 - 4.9 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
112 - 173 g/km
co2
102 - 111 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,465 - 1,625 kg
Curb weight
1,474 kg
Trunk capacity
300 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
-
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,800 mm
Width
1,825 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
475 - 510 kg
Payload
466 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Petrol
Engine Type
Full Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
122 - 300 HP
Power HP
138 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.9 - 9.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
11.1 - 11.4 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 400 Nm
Torque
265 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
90 - 221 kW
Power kW
102 kW
Engine capacity
1,499 - 1,998 cm3
Engine capacity
1,580 cm3

General
Model Year
2024
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F
CO2 Efficiency Class
C
Brand
BMW
Brand
Kia
What drive types are available for the BMW 1 Series?

The BMW 1 Series is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.