Isuzu NLR 45-150 vs BMW 1 Series
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Isuzu NLR 45-150 starts from $52,900 before on-road costs, while the BMW 1 Series opens at $57,600. That makes the Isuzu NLR 45-150 the more affordable entry point by $4,700.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $58,190 and $63,360 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW 1 Series by roughly $5,985 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Isuzu NLR 45-150 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen, while the BMW 1 Series gets a 10.7-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Isuzu NLR 45-150 stands out with power tailgate that you will not find on the BMW 1 Series. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Isuzu NLR 45-150 uses a Diesel producing 110kW and 375Nm of torque, sent through a manual to a RWD layout.
The BMW 1 Series responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 230Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.
The BMW 1 Series has the clear power advantage at 115kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Isuzu NLR 45-150 measures 4,735mm long on a 2,490mm wheelbase, 366mm longer than the BMW 1 Series at 4,369mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW 1 Series generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Isuzu NLR 45-150 leads with a 4,000kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 3,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.8m to 10.8m
Based on 9.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,993/year for the Isuzu NLR 45-150 and $1,796/year for the BMW 1 Series. That is a $1,197 annual difference in favour of the BMW 1 Series.
Estimated annual total: $2,993 (Isuzu NLR 45-150) vs $1,796 (BMW 1 Series). The BMW 1 Series saves you roughly $1,197 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 6 years / 250,000km (Isuzu NLR 45-150) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 1 Series). The Isuzu NLR 45-150 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Isuzu NLR 45-150 if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Isuzu's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW 1 Series if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Isuzu NLR 45-150 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BMW 1 Series will save you roughly $1,197 a year in fuel. The Isuzu NLR 45-150 adds peace of mind with a longer 6-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Isuzu NLR 45-150 and BMW 1 Series?
The Isuzu NLR 45-150 is the cheapest at $52,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW 1 Series by $4,700.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW 1 Series uses the least fuel at 6.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW 1 Series all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Isuzu NLR 45-150 has the highest braked towing capacity at 4,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Isuzu NLR 45-150 has the longest warranty at 6 years / 250k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW 1 Series makes the most power at 115kW.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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