Entry-level BMW launches, line-up includes sub-100g/km version.
This is the all-new BMW 1-Series – and Auto Express can tell you everything you need to know about the compact executive car that’s set to be an even bigger hit than its predecessor.
While this model may mark the entry point to BMW ownership, the German firm hasn’t cut any corners. Not only is it roomier than before, it’s cheaper to run, too, thanks to a new range of engines – including a 116d that emits less than 100g/km of CO2 for road tax-free motoring.
An evolutionary approach has been applied to the smallest BMW, with a look that’s influenced by the latest 5 and 6-Series, as it aims to take on the Audi A3, VW Golf and upcoming Mercedes A-Class. Head-on, the large kidney grille, more curvaceous headlights and V-shaped bonnet contours cement its identity.
There are big changes at the rear as well. A set of softer LED tail-lamps gives a more premium feel, while the flared wheelarches make the 1-Series appear lower and wider. Step inside and the model isn’t only more stylish than ever, it’s more luxurious and spacious, too.
That’s down to the wheelbase, which is 30mm longer than the previous car’s, helping to boost rear legroom by 20mm. Boot space has also increased from 330 to 360 litres, with maximum capacity now 1,200 litres. Quality and ease of use are up to BMW’s high standards; the dashboard is trimmed in soft-touch plastics and there’s a generous amount of leather. Satin silver trim and cloth seats are fitted as standard, with leather or sports chairs offered as options.
Three normal and five metallic exterior paint colours are available. Other additions to the standard specification include a leather-covered steering wheel, chrome exhaust and keyless start.
SE models add a pop-up high-resolution 6.5-inch flatscreen monitor, with operation via iDrive. There is also Bluetooth hands-free with USB connectivity and a multifunction leather wheel complete with a speed limiter.
Following lessons learned from MINI, BMW is keen to offer higher levels of customisation on the new 1-Series. Buyers can now specify Sport or Urban models above and beyond the standard trims, starting with a blank slate and picking options from there. The BMW Sport model includes exclusive sports seats, a leather sports steering wheel plus high-gloss black interior trim with Coral Red or grey accents. On the outside are unique 17-inch alloy wheels and a Dark Chrome exhaust pipe, plus a high-gloss black kidney grille, central air intake trim, side intake surrounds and rear bumper trim.
Meanwhile, the BMW Urban model includes cloth/leather seats, a hide sports steering wheel and acrylic glass interior trim in black or white with Oxide Silver accents. Unique urban-style 17-inch alloy wheels also feature – as does a chrome kidney grille with white slat sides and trim bar for the central air intake – among a host of stylish design details. BMW bosses confirmed that an M Sport package will still be offered, and the Sport Line model is designed to be both a more subtle proposition and substantially cheaper.
Under the bonnet, buyers can choose from a range of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. Auto Start-Stop is offered across the line-up, plus the 1-Series is available with a new feature called ECO PRO. When selected, this tweaks various on-board systems to maximise efficiency.
It also adjusts throttle response to encourage more eco-minded driving, and the increase in fuel economy is spelled out to the driver on in-car displays. This info includes how much range has been gained by driving in this way. Plus, the set-up limits the use of the air-conditioning, heated mirrors and seats.
The most efficient model in the new line-up from launch is the 116d. It has a 114bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine, and can sprint from 0-62mph in 10.3 seconds. Fuel consumption falls to 66mpg and CO2 emissions are as low as 114g/km.
However, later next year, an even more frugal 116d EfficientDynamics will arrive, with 74mpg and 99g/km of CO2. This will be the first BMW to drop below the 100g/km barrier, and give exemption from road tax. It will be a hit with company car drivers and private buyers who are keen to cut their tax bills.
The 118d and 120d use the same 2.0-litre diesel engine, but produce 143bhp and 184bhp respectively. Even though the more powerful version promises 0-62mph in 7.2 seconds, its CO2 output is as low as 119g/km, while fuel economy is 65mpg.
Completing the range is a new generation of twin-turbocharged direct-injection 1.6-litre petrol engines – available as the 118i with 170bhp and the 116i with 136bhp. For the first time in this class, the 1-Series is available with an optional eight-speed auto. As well as offering smooth, quick shifts, the new gearbox promises stronger efficiency than the manual models.
The big-car features continue on the options list, with parking sensors, a rear view camera, lane departure warning, radar-guided cruise control and Internet access all available as extras.
To keep the 1-Series as dynamic as possible, BMW has retained the rear-wheel-drive layout of the original car, and has also concentrated on achieving near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution.
Sales start in September, with prices kicking off from £19,375 for the entry-level 116i. The 118i costs £21,985. The 116d is the starting point of the diesel line-up, and is priced from £20,195, while the 118d weighs in at £22,030. Topping the 1-Series range is the 120d, which is £23,480.