The New BMW 1 Series
20-October-2011
- Vital Stats
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$36,000 - $43,000
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Petrol and Diesel
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Big enough
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4
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Premium label clothes always feel good as soon as you slip them on. Same applies when stepping into premium label cars - even if it is a four door hatch.
Once you enter BMW’s new 1 Series you immediately sense quality. We tested the leather-optioned model – the five seats were firm but comfortable; the cabin feels rich and uncluttered, the instrument quality and appointment were excellent. The new Series 1 is slightly wider and longer - the shoulder line of the windows has been dropped - creating a sense of more interior space and better visibility.
Style
In terms of style, the new 1 Series has had a slight nose-job and a rearrangement of the front and rear lights, resulting in a more rounded but contemporary look.
BMW has introduced a new option for the 1 Series called ‘Lines’ – it's fun and for $1600 you can choose ‘Urban’ or ‘Sport’ and you get to ‘mix and match’ available colours, wheels and interior features. For us, we'd choose the white wheels and grill of the ‘Urban’ theme – think a touch of 90s cool. The Sport uses shiny black features and racey wheels for those who want the 'competition' or race-car look.
Handling
The car is very balanced and stable to drive, steering is electro mechanical, feeling light yet direct. The car’s size and manoeuvrability makes it a treat in parking stations, narrow laneways and stop/start traffic. Even better, the 1 Series comes with the auto stop/start function lowering your car’s fuel consumption and taking better care of the environment as you crawl during peak hour. But it’s on the highway and through sweeping bends and corners, the 1 Series is a real delight. The car is rear-wheel-driven so there seems less resistance from the steering wheel, making you less tired and more able to concentrate.
Features
Standard features include Bluetooth functionality and a keyless engine start. Connecting your iPhone is hassle free. The car also comes with run-flat safety tyres - a great touch with the obvious benefit of not having to leave the car to change a tyre in un-safe circumstances. We really like the optional door handle lights activated when approaching and unlocking the vehicle, again a great personal convenience and safety device.
Sure, the 1 Series car is not the cheapest alternative in the small car segment but it definitely is the luxury car to consider if you are ready to step up to premium brand territory where quality and precision is not compromised.
Safety
This model has a 5-star ANCAP safety rating
116i
Price: $36,000
Engine: 4 Cylinder Turbo
Fuel: Petrol
Economy: 5.7L/100 km
118i
Price: $42,800
Engine: 4 Cylinder Turbo
Fuel: Petrol
Economy: 5.9L/100 km
118D
Price: $43,000
Engine: 4 Cylinder Turbo
Fuel: Diesel
Economy: 4.5L/100 km
