- This 1 Series is longer, wider and rides on a longer wheelbase than its predecessor.
- Both gas and diesel four-cylinder engines will be offered.
- Sales of the hatchback in the U.S. are not expected. A second generation 1 Series coupe is likely in 2013.
MUNICH, Germany — BMW has lifted the veil on the second-generation 1 Series hatchback, but like its predecessor that has been on sale in Europe since 2004 there are no plans to offer it in North America.
Despite retaining the same basic proportions of the car it replaces, the new baby BMW flaunts fresh visual appeal. The new appearance is dominated by a distinctive front end, the likes of which are also set to appear on the second-generation 1 Series coupe and convertible due out in 2013 and set for U.S. sale.
At 166.7 inches in length, 69.5 inches wide and 55.9 inches tall, the new 1 Series, codenamed F25, is 3.3 inches longer, 0.7 inches wider and the same height as the car it replaces. It also rides on a reworked chassis that uses a 1.2-inch longer wheelbase at 105.9 inches, and tracks that have been increased by 2 inches up front and 2.8 inches at the rear to 60.4 inches and 61.8 inches, respectively.
Among the engine choices set to be made available to European new car buyers when the 1 Series hatchback goes on sale in October is a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline and 2.0-liter four-cylinder common rail diesel — both tuned to differing degrees.
The gasoline engine is the same as that used by Mini in a number of various models but modified to sit longitudinally in the engine bay. It develops 136 horsepower in the 116i and a gutsier 170 hp in the 118i. The frugal diesel, which is expected to account for the majority of European sales, delivers 116 hp in the 116d, 143 hp in the 118d and 184 hp in the 120d.
The 120d offers the best performance, with BMW claiming 0-62 mph in 7.2 seconds and a top speed of 142 mph. At the other end of the scale is the 116d, which delivers combined cycle fuel consumption of 54.7 mpg (U.S.) and an average CO2 rating of 71 g/mile.
Both engines come with a standard six-speed manual transmission but in a first for its class, the 1 Series hatchback will also offer an eight-speed automatic as an option. Despite being offered on the existing 1 Series coupe, there is no mention of BMW's seven-speed DCT (double clutch transmission) being offered on the initial line-up, although it is expected to be added later.
In keeping with recent developments at BMW, there are also a number of fuel-saving measures incorporated on the new car. They include automatic stop/start, an optional gearshift indictor on manual versions, brake energy recuperation, low rolling resistance tires and electric steering.
In response to criticism about its interior, the new 1 Series hatchback adopts a higher quality cabin whose style leans heavily on that of the 3 Series. The larger exterior dimensions have been used to rectify one of the first generation 1 Series hatchback's biggest failings, namely its lack of rear seat accommodation. The longer wheelbase has brought a 0.8-inch increase in rear seat legroom. Trunk capacity also increases by 1 cubic foot to 12.7 cubic feet.
The 1 Series hatchback will continue to be produced alongside the 3 Series and X1 at BMW's Leipzig manufacturing plant in Germany. Following the initial five-door model pictured here officially for the first time will be a sportier three door.
Inside Line says: It doesn't look much different on the outside, but this 1 Series hatchback is bigger where it counts and offers a range of engines perfectly suited to its European customers. — Andreas Stahl, Contributor
Add A Comment »
amg64 says:
12:29 PM, 06/16/2011
Are they serious? Could be the ugliest thing I've seen since the PT Cruiser. In fact, I might take a PT Cruiser over this piece. I've had a 325ix and an M3 but BMW's designs have been off the deep end lately. As if the 5 series GT and X6 isn't ugly enough, BMW goes out of their way to proove they can design an uglier car. Way to go! I'm now a AMG guy.
kurtamaxxxguy says:
10:28 AM, 06/16/2011
If BMW decides to bring future X1 variant here, I'll be happy to take a close look, especially if they can figure out how to maximize interior space (hint: slim down that center console !!).
Otherwise, it's just another European car not coming to the USA.
dan237 says:
12:22 PM, 06/13/2011
I happen to be a BMW fan, not because of the new ones, but because of the 3 series, mostly for the driving enjoyment you get out of one. I am the second owner of a 1987 328I coupe and it still a great car, still purrs and runs smooths even with 300k on the odometer, and looks brand new inside and out thanks to it being pampered by the original owner and then myself. I have one friend with an 02 325ci that yes it runs smooth, but doesn't seem to be put together as well, and the interior is all peeling and faded compared to my much older model. The guy I bought my 87 off of has an 09 ci and he misses the 87 and has jokingly offered to trade me several times for the old one back. Unfortunately each generation of the 3 series seems to lose something, that a first time BMW driver may not notice and that someone who has never driven one will never understand.
That being said and my bias towards BMW revealed I must add my disappointing review to this new 1 series hatch. Not that I do not think it will be a great car to drive, I test drove the coupe and it was closer to the solid but fun drivability that my 87 has. But the styling is horrible from the back it looks like a messed up Jetta TDI wagen, the front looks ok, kinda, but overall the more dated design of the Audi A3 looks better, and if the new Mercedes hatch looks half as good in reality as the concept, this new BMW may end up DOA. Already the 1 series does not offer much in the way of overwhelming benefits compared to the 3. Yes it has the same engines in a smaller car which make it feel even more powerful, but the cramped interior and the fact that there is no significant improvement as far as fuel economy goes just means it is a poor man's BMW.
If BMW wanted to rememdy the situation they would maybe offer it with one of their great 4cyl diesels I had the opportunity of trying out while in Europe. Put one of those in the 1 with fuel economy in the 40s and you really have a smaller 3 series worth considering.
bestjinjo says:
09:21 PM, 06/11/2011
BMW has been overrated for the last 5 years+. Worse interiors than Benz and Audi, worse reliability and resale value than Lexus, and with the new 5, 7 series, X6 and this upcoming 1 series, BWM just turned half of their line-up into boring/ugly cars to boot. And on top of that all of their cars are getting bigger and heavier (so basically boats with BMW badges). So what's left? BMW's excellent handling and powerful twin-turbo engines, which doesn't mean much since 90% of the roads in America are straight and there is no Autobahn.
And yet BMW leads rivals in global premium sales:
http://www.worldcarfans.com/111060934028/bmw-leads-rivals-in-global-premium-sales
Sounds like most BMW customers care more about the badge than anything else.
usa1 says:
06:31 PM, 06/08/2011
Ugly on the outside. Plain looking in the inside. That's BMW for the last 5 years.
akitadog says:
09:05 PM, 06/06/2011
smilez,
When did I ever say I was being careful to not offend?
smilez says:
08:15 PM, 06/06/2011
akitadog -
If you don't get why it's offensive, then there's no helping you.
higcorners says:
01:32 PM, 06/06/2011
This is a very ugly car. Aren't they supposed to make newer generations better and not worse???
rlyon says:
01:28 PM, 06/06/2011
What a horrible front end. When the lights are half the size of your tires, you've made them too big.
haole says:
12:51 PM, 06/06/2011
"longer, wider"...uglier
the hatch and that red remind me of a mazda 3...and this just looks like an ugly version of it.
looks are a fail...and i dont like when cars get bigger!