Due by the end of the year, there’s one thing missing from the new BMW 1 Series hatch.
With two grades expected from launch, the entry 118 and top of the range M135 xDrive, will be the first modern BMWs to drop the ‘i’ from badges.
Until now, the ‘i’ has denoted fuel injection, but as BMW like other brands transitions to electric drivetrains – the ‘i’ will in future be used to signify EVs.
Like its predecessor the F40 1 Series, the new fourth generation 1 Series is based on the front-biased UKL2 platform and will be available only in five-door hatch format.
BMW describes the new F70 1 Series as “all new” but in reality it is a heavily-facelifted version of the previous F40 Series.
It brings new generation styling, drivetrains, advanced automated driving functions, digital solutions and an expanded standard specification list.
The 118 is powered by a 1.5-litre TwinPower Turbo three-cylinder engine that produces 115kW of power and 230Nm of torque, with drive to the front wheels via a seven-speed Steptronic dual clutch transmission.
The new power and torque figures represent increases of 12kW and 10Nm respectively.
M135 xDrive features a 2.0-litre M TwinPower Turbo four cylinder engine that develops 233kW and 400Nm — 8kW more but 50Nm less torque.
With drive to all four wheels on demand via xDrive, the previous eight-speed conventional auto has been replaced by a seven-speed Steptronic dual clutch transmission.
It can sprint from 0-100km/h time in a rapid 4.9-seconds (0.1 seconds slower than the previous M135i).
For this you will be asked to pay $5900 more.
The new BMW 1 Series matches its revised drivetrains with across-the-board enhancements.
The new model is 42mm longer and stands 25mm higher than before, with a width of 1800mm and wheelbase of 2670mm.
Leather is not standard, but the new seats are said to offer a high level of comfort and support.
There’s also a new steering wheel, redesigned gear selector and the adoption of BMW Curved Display, which integrates a high-definition 10.25-inch information display and 10.7-inch control display.
The quantity of buttons and controls in the cockpit has been reduced thanks to consistent use of digital technology.
Air conditioning for example is now controlled digitally ie. from the screen (maybe not such a good idea).
There’s also the latest version of BMW iDrive – based on Operating System 9 – with QuickSelect for intuitive and convenient operation of vehicle functions.
Increased rigidity of the body structure and chassis connection deliver enhanced agility, steering precision and cornering dynamics.
The revised chassis includes optimised kinematics, highly pre-loaded anti-roll bar mounts and new shock absorber technology.
The caster of the front wheels has been increased by 20 per cent, ensuring stable directional stability and optimised steering feedback.
In addition to the directly controlled wheel slip limitation, the new BMW 1 Series also features an integrated braking system.
The BMW 118 is priced from $56,500 (up $1700), the M135 xDrive from $82,500 (up $5900) — both prices before on-road costs.
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