The New 1 - The All-New BMW 1 Series

BMW’s new 1 Series swaps out its traditional longitudinal engine layout with rear drive, in favour for a more compact transverse setup and front wheel drive. BMW’s new front-wheel-drive architecture fuses BMW’s signature driving pleasure and dynamic excellence with a significant increase in interior space… the latter which would certainly address the lack of legroom with the first and second generation cars.

The UKL platform which is shared with the likes of the MINI Countryman, and sports a 2,670mm wheelbase, 20mm shorter than the previous car, while height and width have grown by 13mm and 34mm respectively. A striking shoulderline adds emphasis to the car’s width.

Like the current range of BMW cars, the new 1 Series features a reinterpretation of iconic BMW styling cues. A larger BMW kidney grille delivers a stronger road presence. A new headlight arrangement, which features transparent, hexagonal tubes of the daytime driving lights which pull off the characteristic “four‑eyed” look with striking technical precision. Girth is further emphasised by its “eyebrow” turn‑signal indicators.

Like the recently launched 3 Series, The 1 also has been endowed with a frameless section at its rear quarter glass, which is framed by BMW’s signature Hofmeister Kink.

The full-LED rear lights, provide an all-new interpretation of the familiar “L” shape, a single slim element with a distinctive side upsweep.

Interior quality has certainly been improved upon, and enhanced with backlit trim strips. Grouped control clusters make for easy operability while comfort is enhanced by practical stowage areas. Luggage room has also been increased upon, now boasting 380 litres, 20 litres more, and with the rear seats folded, goes up to 1,200 litres. The double boot floor is also a boon to those who would like to split the contents of the boot up.

Access to the infotainment offering provided by the new BMW Operating System 7.0 is fronted by two 10.25” screens. BMW’s Gesture Control is an optional extra. The infotainment screen is oriented towards the driver in typical BMW style, and positioned for optimal field of view. Also available is a full-colour 9.2-inch BMW Head-Up Display allows the driver to receive information without taking their eyes off the road.

Also making its way into The 1, is the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, which was also first seen in the 3 Series. The system responds to the voice prompt of “Hey BMW”, and the trigger word is customisable as you please.

Together with its suite of new technologies, BMW has also included its innovative Reversing Assistant, which helps to get you out of a tight spot, by tracing route just taken, for up to a distance of 50m. The included Parking Assistant offers automated assistance to drivers, when entering parallel or perpendicular spaces. Radar-assisted Active Cruise Control with Proactive Driving Assistant not only adds to the convenience of not needing to adjust your speed, but road conditions are analysed, ensuring that the 1 Series has the right gear selected, be it through a succession of bends, or when the car needs to downshift before stopping.

Under the hood, the 118i, one of two models which Singapore’s local distributor will be fielding here (the other being the stonking M135i which features xDrive), is powered by a 3-cylinder 1.5 litre turbocharged engine. Power is rated at 140hp, 4hp more than the previous iteration, and peak torque at 220Nm, steps in as low as 1,480rpm. A process known as ‘form honing’ has also been employed to reduce piston ring tension, and to reduce friction. The 118i does 100km/h in 8.5 seconds, pretty brisk we might add. Power is transferred to the front wheels via a quick-shifting seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission. Seventh gear is also longer for purposes of improved fuel economy.

The all-new BMW 1 Series is now available for viewing at the Performance Motors Limited showroom.

Three-cylinder in-line petrol engine, BMW TwinPower Turbo technology: turbocharger, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve timing, Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing.

Capacity: 1,499 cc.
Output: 140 hp at 4,600 – 6,500 rpm.
Torque: 220 Nm at 1,480 – 4,200 rpm.
Acceleration (0 – 100 km/h): 8.5 seconds.
Top speed: 213 km/h.
Fuel consumption (combined): 5.9 l/100km.
CO2 emissions: 135 g/km.

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