21 October 2011
New car report; BMW's new One
With a front mounted in-line engine driving the rear wheels through an eight speed automatic transmission, a perfect 50/50 weight distribution and a standard feature allowing the driver to adjust the car’s set-up to suit his or her own individual preference, the technical make-up of the latest baby BMW reads more like that of a large premium sports sedan than a small five door hatchback.
The 1 Series is currently the only car in its segment to be equipped with an eight speed auto and the individual set-up feature, known as Driver Experience Control allows the driver to select Comfort, Sport or Eco Pro options.
At launch there will be three engines available, a pair of twin-scroll turbocharged petrol engines in the 100kW/220Nm 116i and 125kW/250Nm 118i, and a 105kW/320Nm 118d turbo-diesel. All models are Auto only except for the 116i which is available in both Manual and Auto.
The new N13 all aluminium four cylinder petrol engines utilise technologies used in BMW’s larger six cylinder power-plants combining light weight, high output and low fuel consumption. The new entry level 116i produces a similar power output to the previous 118i, yet accelerates to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds, almost a second quicker and saves a massive 24 percent in fuel consumption, down to a claimed 5.7L/100km.
The 118i sprints to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds, consuming a claimed 5.9L/100km while the 118d gets to 100km/h in 8.9 seconds and sips just 4.5L/100km according to BMW. During the week we ran the 118d, much of our running was in inner-city Auckland and consumption was consistently in the 5’s, thanks to the EfficientDynamics features that includes Start/Stop technology, eliminating fuel wastage while sitting at the traffic lights.
Bigger and better than before
Visual similarities with the previous 1 Series are undeniable, but the new car is actually 85mm longer with a 30mm longer wheelbase for improved interior comfort and rear seat leg room as well as providing for a 10 percent increase in luggage capacity, up to 360 litres. In all other respects the new 1 Series offers vast improvements too. Refinement, comfort, driving dynamics, interior finish, space and equipment levels are all better than before.
Understanding the BMW specification and options list has been something of a minefield for the uninitiated in the past, so to simplify things, the new 1 Series sees the debut of a styling personalisation feature known as BMW Lines. As an option, the customer can now select standard, Urban or Sport Line, with each Line said to offer its own character by way of specific materials, finishes and design features.
Managing Director of BMW New Zealand says “We have listened to our customers and their desire to personalise their cars and the introduction of BMW Lines now means the level of individualism has been significantly raised.”
Although the Standard, Sport and Urban Line features offer enough personalisation for most buyers, the 2012 BMW 1 Series can still be optioned up for those who want more. Added options on our 118d Sport Line press car included Satellite Navigation, heated seats, Xenon headlights, electric glass sunroof, adaptive headlights, high beam assistant and various other niceties, adding around $14k to the sticker price.
To reflect your personality, styling of the kidney grille, air intakes, bumpers, exterior mirrors, door sill finishes, door trims, upholstery materials, steering wheel, alloy wheels and even the key, which has colour co-ordinated highlights depending on Line and interior finish will be finished in keeping with the Line model.
A 6.5 inch colour screen is perched up high on the dash and an iDrive controller mounted in the centre console is intuitive and user-friendly. Bluetooth, USB and MP3 compatibility, Start/Stop, keyless engine start, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control with braking function, anti-dazzle interior and exterior mirrors and 16 inch alloy wheels are standard across the range.
The arrival of the new 1 Series signals the start of a new transparent pricing model for BMW which now includes all on-road costs thrown in with the retail price, the first premium brand to do so. The drive-away pricing starts at $46,600 for the 116i Manual through to $56,600 for the 118d Auto. The 116i Auto and 118i Auto are priced in between, at $49,700 and $55,500 respectively. Urban and Sport Lines add $2,000.