Automotive

BMW gives its 1 Series a major styling update

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AN update to BMW's 1-Series sees a range of new three and four-cylinder engines on offer
The latest 1-Series' styling has been thoroughly reworked for 2015
The range-topping M135i will hit 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds
The 1-Series remains rear-drive, which is a key difference between it and some of its compact rivals
BMW's signature "L" shaped detailing is present at the rear
The petrol range starts with the three-cylinder 116i
The 118i will hit 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds
BMW has added plenty of extra standard equipment inside the new 1-Series
Three and five door variants are available
BMW will sell you an all-wheel drive 1-Series if you tick the right boxes on the spec sheet
The 1-Series' profile is largely unchanged compared to the old car
BMW has sold just under 2 million 1-Series since the original car's launch
BMW's traditional double-kidney grille has been made larger
The detailing on the side of the 1-Series remains very similar
The rear lights give a far more prominent view of the BMW "L" design
The new front end fits in with the rest of BMW's range
The M135i is powered by a turbocharged inline-six
0-100 km/h takes just 4.9 seconds
BMW's xDrive system is available on the M135i
The M Sport sub brand sits between standard 1-Series line and full-on M cars
A more aggressive front bumper is also a part of the M Sport package
A manual gearbox is standard, but an auto is also available
The M135i's styling is more aggressive than that on the standard 1-Series range
The 1-Series is only available as a hatch, with coupes now badged as 2-Series'
Grey wheels are part of the M Sport styling package
Up-close and personal with the new 1-Series' styling
Up-close and personal with the new 1-Series' styling
The M135i will take on the Audi S3
Rear-drive is a key part of the 1-Series package
The new 1-Series is a far more cohesive piece of design than the outgoing car
No word from BMW on pricing
A number of different trim levels are available
EfficientDynamics helps improve the fuel economy figures on certain 1-Series models
A wide range of engines are availalble
A 6.3-inch iDrive system is standard
Rear seat space is unchanged from the old car
Being a hatch, practicality is paramount
Inside there are a range of trim packages, which contain different leather and dash finishes
At the rear, broader taillights highlight the car's width
AN update to BMW's 1-Series sees a range of new three and four-cylinder engines on offer
Inside, the 1-Series is packing more standard equipment
View gallery - 40 images

Following the debut of a mildly refreshed 6-Series at the Detroit Auto Show, BMW has unveiled its new 1-Series hatch, which aims to draw buyers in with heavily reworked styling and a range of three and four-cylinder engines from the German brand’s new engine range.

Regardless of what’s under the new 1-Series’ bonnet, BMW’s designers deserve a gold star for turning a fairly bland looking hatch into something with a bit more purpose and flair. Up front, a bigger BMW "kidney grille" and redesigned headlamps present a far more cohesive face than that on the outgoing car, which always looked slightly dopey with its massive headlamps and small grille. Wider taillights, which now include BMW’s traditional “L” shaped detailing, also make the car seem broader and stronger on the road.

The M Sport sub brand sits between standard 1-Series line and full-on M cars

Inside, the 1-Series’ interior has been refreshed with extra standard equipment and more personalization options that allows drivers to (for a price) make their car stand out in a crowd. BMW’s 6.5-inch iDrive system is now standard across the range, as is a tire pressure indicator for each individual wheel.

On top of the standard equipment, BMW is offering a range of high-tech options, including radar-based "stop and go" cruise control that will automatically accelerate and brake for you in stop-start traffic, potentially making the commute a far less stressful experience than it once was. Lane departure warning, attention assist and low-speed collision warning systems also are available.

At the rear, broader taillights highlight the car's width

Opening the batting for the new 1-Series range is the petrol-powered 116i. With a turbocharged 1.5-liter, three cylinder engine under the bonnet, the 116i’s 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of 10.9 seconds isn’t going to set the world on fire, but its 80 kW (109 hp) and 180 Nm (133 lb-ft) of torque do contribute to impressive fuel economy, with combined consumption figures of just 5.4 L/100km (52.3 mpg).

Moving up to the 118i improves performance dramatically while using hardly any extra fuel. Its turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder is enough to send it to 100 km/h in a much more respectable time of 8.5 seconds on its way to its top speed of 210 km/h (130 mph). Fuel economy is pegged at 5.7 L/100km (49.6 mpg) with CO2 emissions of 133 g/km.

Four-cylinder power is also used in the 120i and 125i, both of which offer improved performance over the two entry level models. The 120i’s 1.6-liter engine makes 130 kW (177hp) and 250 Nm (184 lb.ft) for a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of 7.4 seconds and fuel use of 6.0 L/100km, while the larger 2.0-liter engine in the 125i uses an extra 0.7 L/100km but will hit 100 km/h 1.2 seconds faster.

While the BMW 120i and 125i both offer marginally better performance, the range topping 1-Series is still the M135i. Its 3.0-liter turbocharged in-line six produces 240 kW (326 hp) and a healthy 450 Nm of torque between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm, which helps the M135i hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.9 seconds (identical to the Audi S3) on its way to 250 km/h (155 mph).

Inside, the 1-Series is packing more standard equipment

If you live in a particularly snowy or wet area, BMW also offers the M135i with its xDrive all-wheel drive system – which also cuts the car’s 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time to 4.7 seconds. As expected, the M135i’s fuel economy does suffer from all this extra performance, with a combined fuel use figure of 8.0 L/100km (35.3 mpg) and CO2 emissions of 188 g/km.

All the petrol engines are relatively economical, but if hypermiling is what you’re into the 1-Series diesel may be more to your liking. Four all-new diesel engines are available, starting with the 1.5-liter, three-cylinder 116d. The 116d uses just 4.1 L/100km (68.9 mpg), or 3.8 L/100km (74.3 mpg) in "EfficientDynamics" guise, and still hits 100 km/h in half a second less than the sluggish 116 petrol.

As with the petrol variants, moving up the 1-Series diesel range brings improved performance at the cost of outright fuel economy. The 2.0-liter, four cylinder 118d will hit 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds, with combined fuel use figures of 4.3 L/100km (65.7 mpg), while the 120d’s 2.0-liter motor will send it to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds, while using 4.5 L/100km (63 mpg).

The diesel range is topped by the 165 kW (224 hp), 450 Nm (332 lb.ft) 125d, which uses just 4.6 L/100km (61.4 mpg) on its way to a 0-100km/h sprint time of 6.3 seconds.

BMW has not announced details about pricing, nor when the new 1-Series will hit showrooms.

Source: BMW

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1 comment
Robert in Vancouver
Too bad BMW won't be selling these cars in Canada or the USA. I'm going to buy a new compact performance hatchback later this year but looks like it won't be a BMW.