Motoring: Evolution rather than revolution for new BMW 1 Series
NEARLY two million BMW 1 Series models have been sold around the world since the introduction of the generation of the car a decade ago.
BMW’s latest incarnation does not try to be revolutionary, the manufacturer opting instead to build on the winning formula developed by its three- and five-door predecessors.
What is new is the introduction of power units from the latest BMW engine family, additional EfficientDynamics technologies fitted as standard, and careful enhancements to the exterior and interior design.
The level of standard equipment is now even higher, new options have been added and with new mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive, there are more ways to increase the functionality and personalisation of the car.
The new car features subtle but key design differences intended to refine the overall package. At the front, a new lower apron with larger air intakes and a horizontal bar combines with reshaped BMW kidney grilles and new headlamps that feature LED daytime driving lights as standard on all models. For the first time, full LED headlamps with low and main beam have been added to the options list, with Adaptive LED headlamps a further option. These follow the path of the road ahead, and also adapt their beam according to the type of road and conditions at any given moment.
The driving position is intended to be more welcoming with enhancements to the design, and the materials and fabrics used. In particular, there is a new cloth fabric for the seats.
The BMW Radio Professional and iDrive operating system continues to be standard across the entire range so all new 1 Series models feature the freestanding, 6.5-inch Control Display, the control wheel mounted on the centre console, and the direct menu control and favourites buttons. If the optional Professional Navigation system is fitted, the Controller comes with a larger, touch-sensitive surface for inputting numbers and characters, while the onboard monitor takes the form of an 8.8-inch display of particularly slim design.
BMW claims the new engines bring a reduction in fuel consumption of up to 12%, while simultaneously providing more power and sharper responses. All engines meet the Euro 6 exhaust emissions standard and offer as much as 326hp in the new M135i, with C02 emissions as low as 89g/km in the new 116d EfficientDynamics Plus model. The eight-speed Steptronic transmission has been further refined.
Both the new-generation three-cylinder and latest four-cylinder engines boast new turbocharging technology and further developed common rail direct injection systems.
The new four-cylinder diesel engine used in the latest BMW 1 Series is offered in a choice of three outputs: the 118d generates 150hp and 330Nm of torque, the 120d has 190hp and 400Nm, and the 125d, with its multi-stage turbocharging, provides 224hp with 450Nm of torque, enabling this model to reach 62mph from rest in just 6.3 seconds. BMW says the 118d can achieve a fuel consumption figure of just 74.3mpg, but even the 125d manages a highly credible 61.4mpg.
The majority of new 1 Series variants are fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, however, the 120d xDrive all feature as standard the eight-speed Steptronic gearbox otherwise available as an option.
The eight-speed Sport Automatic transmission is available as an option for the BMW 125i, BMW M135i, BMW 120d and BMW 120d xDrive models. This transmission is standard on the BMW 125d. It features even faster gearchanges, shift paddles on the steering wheel and a Launch Control function.
The new car also features an expanded range of BMW EfficientDynamics. As well as Brake Energy Regeneration, the need-based operation of ancillary components, Electric Power Steering, the Optimum Gearshift Indicator and the Auto Start Stop function, standard equipment for the new 1 Series includes ECO PRO mode, which can be activated using the included Driving Experience Control switch. On all cars specified with an automatic transmission – with the exception of the BMW 118i and the BMW 120i – ECO PRO mode now also offers a coasting function. In addition, vehicles with the Professional Navigation system come with a Proactive Driving Assistant function, which tells the driver when to lift off the throttle ahead of, say, corners, turn-offs, roundabouts and speed limits.
The BMW 1 Series is offered in three trims – SE, Sport and M Sport. The range of standard equipment fitted to all models includes remote control central locking, keyless engine ignition, electric window controls, electrically heated exterior mirrors and the Driving Experience Control switch. Also included is automatic air conditioning, a multi-function leather steering wheel adjustable for height and reach, a rain sensor including automatic driving lights control and a front passenger airbag that can be deactivated. BMW Radio Professional including CD player with DAB, six loudspeakers and an AUX-In socket, and Bluetooth audio streaming functionality are other standard equipment features along with the iDrive operating system. Completing the offer is 16-inch alloy wheels, extended storage, sliding front armrest and fog lights.
Building on this is the Sport, which costs an additional £1,000. The specification for this car is enhanced to include 17-inch alloy wheels, ambient lighting, black high-gloss interior trim, Sport exterior styling elements, Sport steering wheel and Sports seats. For an additional £2,700 above SE specification, M Sport comes as standard with 18-inch M Sport alloy wheels, aluminium hexagon interior trim, M Aerodynamic body styling, M Sport suspension, Sport seats, Alcantara upholstery and an M Sport leather steering wheel.
The new BMW 1 Series is on sale from March 28, 2015 priced at £20,245 OTR for a three-door 118i SE and £20,775 OTR for a five-door 118i SE.
