As of September this year, BMW will offer its three-door M135i along with two additional three-door models.
Externally, the omission of the rear doors have left the 1 Series with a more solid and smooth design, compared to the five-door.
The 116i will form the entry-level followed by the more powerful 125i. At this stage these three models are the only one confirmed for South Africa.
The three-door range offers the second body variant for the new 1 Series line-up. As with the five-door hatchback, the three-door range will offer two specific individualisation options called Sport Line and Urban Line.
Compared to the previous three-door model, the new model is longer (85 mm), has an extended wheelbase (30 mm), while the front and rear tracks (51 mm and 71 mm) have also increased. All of this contributes to more legroom at the rear as well as an increase in luggage capacity. BMW will also offer the choice of two or three seats at the back.
A spokesperson for BMW South Africa confirmed that the first consignment of three-door 1 Series models will arrive in September.
Specifications:
BMW 116i manual
Engine: 1,6-litre, four-cylinder, turbopetrol
Power: 100 kW at 4 350 r/min
Torque: 220 N.m at 1 350 r/min
0-100 km/h: 8,5 seconds
Top speed: 210 km/h
Combined fuel consumption: 5,5 L/100 km
CO2: 129 g/km
BMW 125i manual
Engine: 2,0-litre, four-cylinder, turbopetrol
Power: 160 kW at 5 000 r/min
Torque: 310 N.m from 1 350 r/min
0-100 km/h: 6,4 seconds
Top speed: 245 km/h
Combined fuel consumption: 6,6 L/100 km
CO2: 154 g/km