The new BMW 1 Series is currently on show at the 2011 JIMS and marks the first time the new car has been presented to South Africa’s public.
The second generation of the compact model boasts powerful four-cylinder engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, the latest in BMW’s suspension technology, 50:50 weight distribution and rear-wheel drive, all of which make the 1 Series unique in the compact segment and give the car notable sporting performance.
The engine line-up consists of two petrol and three diesel engines, with performance ranging from 100 kW to 135 kW. The Auto Start/Stop feature and ‘Driving Experience Control’ including ‘Eco Pro’ mode are part of the standard equipment list in conjunction with both manual and automatic transmissions – an 8-speed is available on all engine variants.
Standard equipment on the new BMW 1 Series now includes air conditioning; the amount of legroom both front and rear is said tobe more generous than before, along with the size of the boot, which has increased by 30-litres to 360-litres in total.
Additional optional equipment includes variable sports steering, adaptive suspension and BMW ConnectedDrive driver assistance systems. A new Speed Limit Information System and latest version of the Lane Departure Warning System, which now also includes Collision Warning, are also available.
The new BMW 1 Series will be launched this time next week. Pricing is expected to range between R268 500 for the 116i and R343 000 for the 120d A/T.
