BMW has revealed the redesigned 1-Series, ahead of its world debut at the upcoming Frankfurt motor show.
The newcomer has more presence than its predecessor, thanks to its substantially large headlamps that fade into the front wheelarches, a more prominent radiator grille, and compact lower air intakes. With an increased length and width of 4,320mm (+85mm) and 1,770mm (+17mm), a longer wheelbase of 2,690mm (+30mm over the outgoing model) means the cabin is more spacious and luggage capacity increases to 360 litres (+30 litres) behind the rear seats. With the rear seats folded, you will have 1,200 litres at your disposal.
Internally, there's an improved dashboard design and higher quality materials has been used. A 6.5” iDrive display (8.8” will be optional) will be standard with the 8-speed automatic. Standard equipment will include air-conditioning, remote central locking w/engine stop-start button, multi-function leather steering wheel, USB port w/Bluetooth, and 16” alloy wheels. On the options list, live Internet, satellite navigation system, bi-xenon headlights, auto-dimming door mirrors, Nappa leather upholstery, heated front seats, wood décor, heated steering wheel, alloy wheels, and upgraded sound systems will be offered.
Like the current model, a host of petrol and diesel engines will be available. Firstly on the petrol side, a 1.6 turbocharged unit will come in many tunes, starting with the entry-level 116i that produces 134bhp (132PS/100kW) and 220Nm (162lb-ft) of torque, followed by the 118i with 170bhp (168PS/127kW) and 249Nm (184ft-lb), before topping out on the 120i that squeezes out 247bhp (250PS/184kW).
On the diesel front, power comes from a turbocharged 2.0d that will develop either 114bhp (116PS/85kW) and 260Nm (192lb-ft) of torque, 141bhp (143PS/105kW) and 320Nm (236lb-ft), and a 181bhp (184PS/135kW) with 380Nm (280ft-lb). These will be named 116d, 118d, and 120d when they go on sale, alongside an Efficient Dynamic model that will expel 99g/km and return 74.3mpg (3.8l/100km) from its 116bhp (114PS/87kW) 1.6 litre diesel. Both 6 speed manual and 8 speed automatic will be standard across the range.
With BMW's EfficientDynamics fitted as standard, all models will come with a stop/start system, and regenerative brakes. That means average fuel economy will linger between of 48.7mpg – 65.7mpg (5.8l/100km – 4.3l/100km).
Sales of the new 1-Series start on the 17th September 2011. In the meantime, click
here to check out the full UK pricing, specification list, and technical data.
