BMW has launched the all-new 1 Series range in Germany and while Australian details have not been announced, the European specification looks enticing.
Headlined by new looks and new generation BMW TwinPower Turbo engine technology across the range, the new BMW 1 Series is slightly larger in all dimensions than its predecessor.
Length has grown by 85mm to 4,324mm, wheelbase is lengthened by 30mm to 2,690mm and width has grown by 17mm to 1,765mm (height is unchanged at 1,421mm). This translates into 21mm extra rear legroom and an extra 30-litres of luggage space (up to 360-litres).
Under the bonnet, are new generation 1.6-litre petrol engines for the BMW 116i and 118i both with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology.
The BMW 118i delivers 125kW at 4800rpm and 250Nm between 1500rpm and 4500rpm. Zero to 100km/h takes 7.4 seconds and fuel consumption is rated at 5.9l/100kms.
For the BMW 116i, maximum power is 100kW at 4,400rpm and peak torque of 220Nm is available between 1350rpm and 4300rpm (that’s the same power and 30Nm more torque than the previous 2.0-litre 118i).
BMW’s diesel option is the 118d with 105kW/320Nm and fuel consumption as low as 4.4l/100kms although in Europe this is supplemented by the 116d EfficientDynamics Edition – an 85kW model with even better fuel consumption.
Styling for the five-door hatchback BMW 1 Series is evolutionary rather than radical but most noticeable is the new front-end with a larger version of BMW’s trademark kidney-shaped grille and bold new headlight design incorporating the usual twin round lights.
The extra width of the new BMW 1 Series is evident in the wide wheel arches and bolder rear three-quarters. And, a BMW first, the side indicator lights are in the exterior mirrors.
BMW’s stylists have also given the new 1 Series a new look at the rear, accentuated by new horizontal light clusters.
Wheels are 16-inch, 17-inch or 18-inch alloys.
Inside, BMW has given the new 1 Series a fresh, contemporary look and new material choices which can be enhanced by the debut of ‘Sport Line’ and ‘Urban Line’ equipment options. Luggage space with all seats in place has grown to 360-litres or 1,200-litres with the 60/40 split rear seat folded.
On the chassis front, the BMW 1 Series runs a MacPherson strut front/five-link rear and electromechanical power steering (Variable Sport Steering is an option). Technology is the expected top shelf lineup including Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Traction Control, Cornering Brake Control and Dynamic Braking Control, hill assist and even brake drying.
Driver-select systems, Comfort and Sport are joined by Eco Pro which delivers maximum fuel economy. Sport Line models get a fourth setting called Sport+.
BMW Australia will announce details of the Australian lineup closer to local launch.
