BMW announces its third-generation 1 Series, arriving later this year
BMW announces the specs and pricing for its all-new 1 Series hatchback, set to arrive in Australia in Q4 this year.
Here's a brief rundown of the all-new BMW 1 Series deluxe hatchback:
- Engine line-up. Car buyers will be able to choose between two powertrains. The lower-cost 118i derives its power from a 1.5-litre three-cylinder TwinPower turbo petrol. This block pushes out 103kW and 220Nm. Those who purchase the M135i xDrive will get a four-cylinder, 2.0-litre petrol with TwinPower turbo. This engine produces a healthy 225kW and 450Nm. BMW says the M135i can motor from a standing start to 100km/h in a lightning 4.8 seconds. BMW has chosen to use "sporty" seven and eight-speed automatic gearboxes.
- Front-wheel drive. When any car enthusiast thinks of BMW, they probably think rear-wheel drive. Engineers ha e departed from tradition with this 1 Series, designing it around a front-wheel-drive transmission. The German premium car builder explained that they've managed to eliminate some of the archetypal handling traits of this layout with up-to-date chassis design and the deployment of a fossil-fuel-powered car first. Boffins took the ARB technology from the electric i3s – a system that promises to bring wheel spin under control up to 10 times faster. Apparently, this also reins in understeer. There's also a yaw control system that brakes individual wheels on the nearside, furthering turn-in.
- Re-styled. Millimetres have been shaved from the length and added to the track and height for a more hunkered appearance. BMW gave the 1 Series a defined shoulder line and, of course, there's a BMW signature Hofmeister C-pillar swish. Designers reportedly re-imagined the kidney grills, merging them in the middle. The car is also lighter than previous 1 Series iterations thanks to an aluminium bonnet and boot lid.
- Cabin space improvements. Now that the engine runs laterally rather than front to back, there's more cabin space. Getting in should be easier too and rear passengers have both extra knee and headroom. All occupants will also benefit from additional elbow room. Even the boot has grown, with 20 litres more storage than the older model, taking the total to 380 litres.
- Interior features. The interior specs all sound par for the course for the premium car builder. Powering the infotainment system is the BMW Operating System, which can support optional gesture interfacing. There are two 10.25-inch screens on the dash and clustered controls which supposedly improve usability. A leather steering wheel, sports seats and Anthracite headliner are all standard.
- Smart assists. There's a full complement of driver aids, such as BMW's Driving Assistant, which has Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, Approach Control with city-braking intervention, Rear Cross Traffic Warning and Rear Collision Prevention. Speed limit information, a Head-Up Display and Parking Assistant are all present.
Pricing
The 118i model will cost $42,990, while the M135i xDrive will cost $63,990, which is due to the additional and uprated M Sport equipment.
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Picture: Supplied
