An evolutionary approach may be put on the tiniest BMW, which has a look that’s relying on the most up-to-date 5 and 6-Series, because it aims to battle the Audi A3, VW Golf and upcoming Mercedes A-Class. Head-on, the big kidney grille, more curvaceous headlights and V-shaped hood contours cement its identity.
You can find big changes on the rear at the same time. A couple of softer LED tail-lamps provides more premium feel, as you move the flared wheelarches increase the risk for 1-Series appear lower and wider. Step inside along with the model isn’t only more stylish than ever before, it’s more deluxe and spacious, too.
That’s into the wheelbase, that is 30mm longer as opposed to previous car’s, making an effort to boost rear legroom by 20mm. Boot space seems to have improved from 330 to 360 litres, with maximum capacity now 1,200 litres. Quality and convenience are around BMW’s high standards; the dashboard is trimmed in soft-touch plastics and there’s a generous quantity of leather. Satin silver trim and cloth seats are fitted as standard, with leather or sports chairs offered as options.
Three normal and five metallic exterior paint kit is available. Other addendums to the typical specification add a leather-covered tire, chrome exhaust and keyless start.
SE models put in a pop-up high-resolution 6.5-inch flatscreen monitor, with operation via iDrive. Another highlight is Bluetooth hands-free with USB connectivity and also a multifunction leather wheel including a speed limiter.
Following lessons learned from MINI, BMW is keen to supply higher amounts of customisation about the new 1-Series. Buyers is now able to specify Sport or Urban models beyond the typical trims, you start with an empty slate and picking options after that. The BMW Sport model includes exclusive sports seats, a leather sports controls plus high-gloss black interior trim with Coral Red or grey accents. On the exterior are unique 17-inch alloy wheels and also a Dark Chrome exhaust pipe, and also a high-gloss black kidney grille, central air intake trim, side intake surrounds and rear bumper trim.
Meanwhile, the BMW Urban model includes cloth/leather seats, a hide sports tire and acrylic glass interior trim in black or white with Oxide Silver accents. Unique urban-style 17-inch alloy wheels also sport – along with a chrome kidney grille with white slat sides and trim bar to the central air intake – among quite a few stylish design details. BMW bosses confirmed make fish an M Sport package it’s still offered, and also the Sport Line model was created to be both a much more subtle proposition and substantially cheaper.
Within the bonnet, buyers can decide on a variety of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. Auto Start-Stop emerges throughout the line-up, in addition to the 1-Series can be acquired with an all new feature called ECO PRO. When selected, this tweaks various on-board systems to optimize efficiency.
What’s more, it adjusts throttle a reaction to encourage more eco-minded driving, as well as the rise in gas mileage is explained towards the driver on in-car displays. This data includes simply how much range has become gained by driving in this manner. Plus, the set-up limits the application of the air-conditioning, heated mirrors and seats.
The best model inside new line-up from launch may be the 116d. It features a 114bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine, and will sprint from 0-62mph in 10.3 seconds. Fuel consumption falls to 66mpg and CO2 emissions are only 114g/km.
However, later pick up, a more frugal 116d EfficientDynamics will arrive, with 74mpg and 99g/km of CO2. This is the very first BMW dropping below the 100g/km barrier, and provide exemption from road tax. It’ll be a success with company car drivers and personal clients who want to chop their tax bills.
The 118d and 120d utilize the same 2.0-litre diesel engine, but produce 143bhp and 184bhp respectively. However the stronger version promises 0-62mph in 7.2 seconds, its CO2 output is really as low as 119g/km, while gas mileage is 65mpg.
Completing the product range is really a new generation of twin-turbocharged direct-injection 1.6-litre petrol engines – available because 118i with 170bhp along with the 116i with 136bhp. The first time with this class, the 1-Series can be acquired by having an optional eight-speed auto. And also gives smooth, quick shifts, the modern gearbox promises stronger efficiency compared to manual models.
The big-car features keep on the choices list, with parking sensors, a rear view camera, lane departure warning, radar-guided cruise control and Access to the internet all available as extras.
To maintain the 1-Series as dynamic as it can be, Car Giant BMW has retained the rear-wheel-drive layout from the original car, and contains also focused on achieving near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution.
Sales begin in September, with prices starting from £19,375 to the entry-level 116i. The 118i costs £21,985. The 116d will be the kick off point from the diesel line-up, which is priced from £20,195, as the 118d weighs about £22,030. Topping the 1-Series range will be the 120d, that’s £23,480.
