BMW 1 Series 2011 Review

BMW 116i, 118i and 118d

Slightly larger than its predecessor, the new 1 Series hatch is powered by a choice of two 1.6-litre petrol and a single 2.0-litre diesel engines. All powerplants are turbocharged four-cylinder units, and are available with the choice of six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmissions.

Cheaper than the outgoing model, the 1 Series now starts at $36,990. This is a price drop of more than five per cent compared to the previous entry point to BMW's range.

Offering more features for less coin, the 1 Series extends its standard feature list to include many highlights found in the upper reaches of the German marque’s line-up. It also offers significant fuel consumption reductions, these boosted thanks to the introduction of an idle start-stop system as standard across the range.

Four-cylinder hatch models lead the arrival of the new 1 Series range, with six-cylinder powerplants set to join the line-up within the next 12 months. Coupe and convertible body styles will be updated in a couple of years’ time.

Across the range, highlights now include a 6.5-inch colour display and iDrive controller, Bluetooth telephony and audio streaming, cruise control with brake function, six-speaker single-CD tuner, tri-mode dynamic control system and keyless start.

Over and above the entry-level 116i, the BMW 118i and 118d gain rear parking sensors, storage package (see PACKAGING), dual-zone climate control, electrochromatic rear-view mirror, fog lamps, rain-sensing wipers and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Like all BMW models, a high level of customisation is offered with a long list of options and accessories available. Chief among these are BMW’s new Line packages which simplify the personalisation process into a pair of popular packages: Sport Line and Urban Line. BMW says this new approach will suit those taking their first foray into the “premium” vehicle market, calling it a “modern approach to a bespoke fit”.

Pricing sees entry-level BMW 116i available from $36,990, the petrol-powered 118i from $42,800 and diesel-powered 118d from $43,500. All models are available optionally with an eight-speed automatic transmission from $2700. Metallic paint is a substantial $1700 extra.

The 116i is powered by an all-new direct-injected 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged mill which at 100kW/220Nm delivers the same output as the previous 118i. Returning an average fuel consumption figure of 5.7L/100km, this new engine delivers a 24 per cent improvement in economy. Acceleration times see the 116i hatch reach 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.

The second petrol variant, the 118i, features a higher output version (125kW/250Nm) of the same 1.6-litre engine and has an average fuel consumption figure of 5.9L/100km. CO2 emissions are 137g/km and it can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.4 seconds.

The 1 Series turbodiesel offer is the 2.0-litre common-rail 118d rated at 105kW/320Nm. Average fuel economy figure is just 4.5L/100km but the oiler is the slowest of the three and accelerates from rest to triple figures in 8.9 seconds.

All models are equipped with a 52 litre fuel tank with petrol models optimised for 98 RON premium unleaded.

Transmission choices include a six-speed manual gearbox as standard or efficient ZF-sourced eight-speed ‘Steptronic’ automatic. All models are fitted with an electronic (rear) differential lock.

Fuel saving measures include an idle start-stop system offered across the range, with optimum shift indicator (manual models) and brake energy regeneration also available. An ECO PRO mode further optimises the transmission for efficient driving with a blue read-out between the instrument dials showing how many kilometres your efficient driving has earned. 

Braking duties fall to four-wheel discs behind alloy wheels ranging in diameter from 16 to 18 inches. Tyre choices include Bridgestone Turanza, Pirelli P Zero and Continental Premium Contact, all are run-flat with pressure loss indicator function – there is no spare wheel available.

Steering is an electrically-assisted rack and pinion unit with BMW’s Servotronic speed-variable unit available optionally.

Stylistically, BMW’s kidney-shaped grilles, double-round headlamps and L-shaped rear combination lamps are retained, though their form and shape is “more strongly focused”, BMW says. Indicator lamps are now set into the inboard light rings of the headlamps, while the repeater lamp finds itself positioned in the wing mirrors.

Growing in width, length, and wheelbase, the new 1 Series five-door, five-seat hatch offers improved rear seat accommodation and a 10 per cent gain in luggage capacity (now 360 litres). The cargo space can be made more versatile by way of 40:20:40 split-fold seats, but this a cost option -- 60:40 split-fold rear seats are offered as standard. When retracted, either combination extends the total luggage area to 1200 litres.

Layered, forward-angled interior lines and a wider centre stack add to the cabin’s sense of visual space, while the instrument panel remains driver-orientated in focus. Oddment storage has improved greatly with larger door pockets, a deeper console bin space and bigger glovebox.

Lowered shoulder lines and flat side windows provide the 1 Series hatch with improved lateral visibility, while the extended rear side windows improve rear three-quarter vision.

Like all other models in the current BMW range, 1 Series now employs an iDrive controller on the centre console, favourite buttons and a centrally-mounted display. This setup conveys all vehicle information and settings, navigation, entertainment and communications.

New to BMW, optional Sport Line or Urban Line packages offer further personalisation and specification enhancements while a bevy of options and accessories are also available.

Optionally, BMW’s ConnectedDrive offers a host of driver assistance and mobility services including high-beam assist, adaptive headlamps, parking assistance, reversing camera, lane departure warning, collision warning, cruise control with brake function, speed limit and passing information systems. Of course, these all come at additional cost.

The usually electronic driver aids -- anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control -- are also included. Improved visibility also assists vehicle placement and low-speed manoeuvring.

Despite the lower list price, safety equipment levels are uniform across the model line-up.

It’s a pretty big statement, but in addition to conquest buyers the German brand says it will also attract current BMW owners looking to downsize. It cites the example of empty nesters looking for a smaller car but still want the fit and feel of a familiar moniker.

Realistically, we see competition from the likes of Audi A1 ($29,900 - $42,500), Lexus CT200h ($39,990 - $55,900), MINI Cooper models ($31,650 - $50,400) and, perhaps, Mercedes-Benz C 180 hatch ($58,900) as more natural opponents. Here the new 1 Series’ entry price gives it a definite leg-up in the all important numbers game.

The 118i’s free-revving TwinPower Turbo drives the rear wheels with enough motivation to deliver an almost sporty level of performance, ideally suited to the car’s nimble chassis and quick turn-in.

Despite its faster rack and consistent weighting, 1 Series’ electric steering is not as communicative as it could be, ultimately limiting finesse. The smooth-shifting automatic transmission, too, can be a little slow to kickdown during heavy throttle applications, highlighting the want for steering wheel-mounted “paddle” shifters, which sadly, are not available.

The 118i also demonstrated a suppler ride and more balanced braking stance than the diesel model.

Equipped with run-flat tyres, both 1 Series models fail to deliver the tenacity one might expect, but it was obvious the Bridgestone shod car performed better in the damp conditions faced.

Offering an additional 70Nm of torque over its petrol-powered sibling, 118d (diesel) is able to maximise the engine’s comparably narrow power band through the automatic transmissions numerous ratios. Still, the car’s delivery is best described as progressive, outright acceleration is nothing to write home about and overtaking is a more 'considered' process compared to the more sprightly petrol.

Presenting a slightly heavier nose and less sticky Continental rubber, the 118d is unsettled by mid-corner surface discrepancies. On more than one occasion during our test drive it triggered intervention from the stability control system. Road and wind noise here were suitably contained, though the diesel engine is audibly intrusive when worked.

With limited opportunity en route to sample either car’s around town ability, we’ll need to wait for a seven-day loan to properly assess its urban credentials.

While it isn’t by any stretch a sportscar, the new 1 Series is energetic, agile and well screwed together. The cabin is aesthetically pleasant and, compared to most same-segment rivals, quiet, too. With an extensive equipment list and attractive pricing the new 1 Series should sell in droves. 

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