The latest-generation BMW 1 Series made its world début at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show and, while showing vast improvements in the interior’s design as well the quality of fit and finish, the exterior does divide opinion.
In the flesh, the styling is perhaps not as offensive as those first images suggested, but when you consider the rest of BMW’s line-up and the positioning of the brand within the market, perhaps that is not a great thing either. The new 1 Series is sleek and stylish, but also apologetic in its design.
The interior, on the other hand, did manage to impress. The new design is very attractive and the swathing lines of the facia mimic those of the new 6 Series. The drop-down section is very neat and incorporates an upgraded (for the 1 Series) iDrive system.
The tactile qualities of the cabin has also been improved, with most of the materials used on the facia and door panels having been upgraded. A quick rummage shows great space up front and generous legroom at the back. It is a typical BMW interior, making it somewhat sporty in appearance, but with a high degree of comfort.
Compared with its predecessor, the new 1 is 85 mm longer (with a 30 mm longer wheelbase) and has an increase front and rear track width of 17 mm, while its height remains unchanged. The result is not only a more spacious cabin – clearly visible from the extra legroom in the back as well as a bigger luggage area (which has grown by 30 dm³), but this should also see the car offering even better handling dynamics.
The engine line-up includes two 1,6-litre four-cylinder petrol units, featuring TwinPower turbocharging (125 kW/250 N.m of torque for the 118i and 100 kW/220 N.m for the 116i) and will also make use of the company’s EfficientDynamics technology at a later stage, featuring stop/start and the option of an eight-speed transmission.
A 2,0-litre turbodiesel is offered in the 120d and also makes use of TwinPower turbocharging. The engine develops 135 kW and 380 N.m of torque. Despite its improved performance compared with the previous 120d, the car’s average fuel consumption has been lowered to 4,5 litres/100 km and the CO₂ emission level is 119 g/km.
Also in the range is a four-cylinder turbodiesel of the 118d, developing 105 kW and 320 N.m of torque. It has an average fuel consumption of 4,4 litres/100 km and a CO₂ emission level of 115 g/km.
The new 116d should be a very popular model and develops 85 kW and 260 N.m of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 10,3 seconds, reaches a top speed of 200 km/h and has an average fuel consumption of 4,3 litres/100 km and a CO₂ emission level of 114 g/km.
Available ConnectedDrive options include adaptive curve light for the optional xenon headlights, a rain sensor with automatic headlamp control, high-beam assistance, park distance control with rear-view camera, active cruisecontrol with braking function and lane-departure warning.
Innovative technologies optimise the integration of the Apple iPhone and other smartphones. Using the Apps option, iPhone users also have access to Webradio as well as Facebook and Twitter services. Furthermore, Internet access and the new Real-Time Traffic Information function, which transmits particularly accurate traffic jam information and traffic announcements in real time, are unique in the compact segment.
The Driving Experience Control switch fitted as standard on the centre console allows the driver to choose between Comfort and Sport modes. There’s also the option of Eco Pro mode which works in conjunction with the eight-speed sports automatic transmission, sports steering and adaptive suspension or BMW Sport Line – offering the additional Sport+ mode.
For a full report on the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, be sure to get the November issue of CAR magazine.
