First Drive: New BMW 1 Series

The new BMW 1 Series takes over the reigns from a predecessor that made strides into the premium compact car segment to the tune of 1 million units sold between 2004 and April 2010. The original BMW 1 Series (E87) proved that buyers are willing to pay a premium for a well-built smaller car, that embodies the ethos of the brand, and that its smaller stature does not necessarily correspond to a smaller level of perceived status. And so it is, that the latest 1 Series (F20) has come of age, on the back of its driving dynamics, brand appeal and the resultant fan base.

In many ways the 2012 BMW 1 Series has entered the equivalent of its thirties. It’s been through the awkward and nervous moments as its vied for acceptance in its teenage years. Found its feet and become accepted among its peers as it lived through its twenties and made many new friends along the way. Now, as it enters its thirties, its combined everything its learnt to become a self confident entity, with a more mature demeanor, and as a result, is ready to have a more sophisticated social life and just as much fun.

Of course, once you reach your thirties, you check yourself out in the mirror and are likely to conclude that it’d be a good idea to pay your image a little more attention before stepping out from now on. BMW designers have looked after their ‘little one’ in this respect and tailored its outfit to accentuate lines in all the right places. Like a true thirty year old, the rear end has grown slightly (17 mm wider track and a 30 mm longer wheelbase), but fortunately its been dressed to flatter and is now sportier than ever – Trinny and Susannah would be proud. It’s been given a stylish new range of shoes too, a choice of 16- to 18-inch, which balance its profile quite nicely between its waist and shoulderline. Sadly, I feel BMW could have sharpened things up a little more at the front, instead of getting carried away with the botox. The puffy eyes and flared nostrils are certainly different, but I’d prefer to have seen them updated along similar lines to that of the new 3 Series.

The 1 Series can now also be accessorised in two styles, ‘Urban’ or ‘Sport’. Urban accessories include white wheels, wing mirrors and trim strips in either bumper, while the Sport option sees those features in a combination of high-gloss black and chrome.

Sit down with the 1 Series for a few minutes and you’ll find its lost none of its interior qualities and, if anything, is now a little sassier in its character. The 1 Series’ relationship with its driver is better than ever, thanks to a chunky dashboard angled in the driver’s favour. The seats are some of the best in class too, with multiple areas of adjustment together with inherently good support and cushioning. Rear legroom has increased by 21 mm, but you’d be hard pressed to notice the difference. The rear seats, however, still fold flat in a 60:40 split, so luggage space ranges between 360- and 1 200-litres. There are also plenty of areas for storing personal items, and removing the chunky manual from the cubbyhole would free-up even more.

Proving itself more youthful and trendy than ever, the 1 Series is available with BMW’s latest iDrive infotainment and ConnectedDrive systems, which, provided you have an Apple iPhone, can connect to the Internet and access your social media profiles on Twitter and Facebook. Now while this could be seen as a bit of gimmick, as the ability to send status updates and tweets is limited to a number of preset options, it is useful to keep updated on these streams of information, real-time, on an easy-to-read 6.5-inch colour display. Let’s face it, many people are checking this info on their tiny mobile phone screens while they’re driving anyway, so ConnectedDrive is far safer and convenient. In addition to providing connectivity to the Net, ConnectedDrive also includes safety features such as Lane Departure Warning with Collision Warning, as well as Speed Limit Info (a camera positioned in front of the rearview mirror scans and recognises speed limit signs) with No Passing Info.

The technology extends to the new engines too. Four-cylinder, 1.6-litre TwinPower turbocharged engines are used in the 116i and 118i, producing 100 kW and 125 kW respectively. The 120d, which will arrive later in the year, receives the 135 kW / 380 Nm 2.0-litre diesel engine found in the 320d sedan, which, despite it not being available to drive at the local launch, is likely to be the pick of the bunch in terms of performance and fun. The entry level 116i felt a little too timid for my liking, primarily because you know you’re sitting on a rear-wheel drive chassis with 50:50 weight distribution that you haven’t a hope in you-know-what of ever exploiting.

On the other hand, in combination with BMW’s EfficientDynamics measures, encapsulated by the new ‘Eco Pro’ driving mode and activated by a button next to the gear lever, BMW claim the 116i is capable of averaging 5.5 L/100km or 129 g/km of CO2. The 118i has the boost turned up a little and has far more get-up-and-go. In combination with the smooth 8-speed Steptronic gearbox, it will accelerate to 100 km/h from standstill in 7.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 222 km/h. Both engines are equipped with stop/start technology as standard.

The BMW 1 Series retains its handling characteristics, meaning a taut, but comfortable ride. The steering has positive feel and response, consistent in its action, with some kickback to keep you entertained on rougher sections of road. Although this could be interpreted as nervous handling at times, it’s a by-product of a rear-wheel drive setup, in that the steering response is heightened and more direct in lieu of its sole focus on guiding the car and not pull it along too.

With its choice of Urban or Sport specification, along with a host of interior and exterior styling options and technology, BMW has schooled its 1 Series well, with the result being a sophisticated and personable character. Although BMW say 70 percent of 1 Series sales already come from clients who’re moving from away from other brands, the new personalisation options and array of technology stand to perpetuate this trend.

Pricing includes a 5-year/100 000km maintenance plan.

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