The 1 Series' rear-wheel drive setup allows a relatively long wheelbase of 2.66 m and an ideal 50:50 weight distribution between the technically elaborate aluminium front axle and the five-link rear suspension. The drive and suspension concept is further enhanced by a particularly stiff body and excellent aerodynamics with a drag coefficient of just 0.29. With a length of 4.23 m the five-door 1 Series is just over an inch shorter than the current 3-Series Compact and larger than key fwd competitors such as the Alfa 147 and the new Audi A3. The hatch opens to reveal a variable luggage compartment that offers 330 to 1150 L of storage space thanks to split fold rear seats that fold virtually flat.
When the car is launched European customers will have an immediate choice of four engines. The 116i and 120i feature updated versions of BMW's 1.6 and 2.0 L four cylinder engines, while the 118d and 120d are both equipped with new versions of BMW's high-torque 2.0 L diesel, with output increased to 121 hp and 161 hp respectively. All BMW 1 Series cars meet with EU4 emission standards. The larger 2.0 L engines are available with a 6-speed manual or optional automatic gearbox and the 116i with a 5-speed manual. Sixteen inch wheels with run-flat tires contribute to the most dynamic performance available in this segment.
Robust, large disc brakes provide supreme stopping power in any situation. By means of two-stage brake light clusters the BMW 1 Series indicates to vehicles behind whether the brakes are being applied normally or hard. And the extensive range of standard safety equipment, which includes DSC Dynamic Stability Control, DBC Dynamic Brake Control, Electronic Differential Lock as well as a complete airbag system comprising head airbags for all seats, complies with the most stringent safety requirements. These safety features and an exemplary protective body structure are the best prerequisites for achieving five stars in the Euro NCAP crash test.
In addition to the wide range of basic equipment including keyless access and starting, there are a myriad of possibilities to individualize the BMW 1 Series with optional equipment available in the usual high BMW quality. These include: Bluetooth wireless interface, sports seats with backrest width adjustment, acoustic park distance control at the front and the rear, bi-xenon headlights and a choice of high-performance audio and navigation systems, which can also be operated centrally or by voice control utilizing BMW's controversial iDrive.
Apparently concerned about the acceptance of a "cheap" 4-cylinder BMW hatch following poor sales of the 3-Series Compact, the US debut of the new 1 Series will be delayed until the development of further body variants such as the 2 Series coupé and the availablity of the new generatiuon of 6-cylinder engines.
Overview of specifications
116i 85 kW /114 hp at 6000 rpm; 150 Nm at 4300 rpm; cubic capacity 1.6 L; 0-62 in 10.8s; top speed 200 km/h (124 mph);
fuel consumption 7.5 L/100 km
120i 110 kW / 148 hp at 6200 rpm; 200 Nm at 3600 rpm; cubic capacity 2.0 L; 0-62 in 8.7s; top speed 217 km/h (135 mph);
fuel consumption 7.4 L/100 km
118d 90 kW / 121 hp at 4000 rpm; 280 Nm at 2000 rpm; cubic capacity 2.0 L 0-62 in 10.0s; top speed 201 km/h (125 mph);
fuel consumption 5.6 L/100 km
120d 120 kW / 161 hp at 4000 rpm; 340 Nm at 2000 rpm; cubic capacity 2.0 L; 0-62 in 7.9s; top speed 220 km/h (137 mph);
fuel consumption 5.7 L/100 km