2012 BMW 1 Series On Sale In Australia

2012 BMW 1 SERIES

BMW's all-new 1 Series hatch is now on sale in Australia, just one month after its global debut at September's Frankfurt Motor Show.

Debuting at the new starting price of $36,900 for the 116i variant, entry into the new 1 Series line-up is now $2100 more appealing than before. 

Note: TMR's Tim O'Brien is at the launch this week of the new 1 Series. Watch for his 'first drive' review.

Mechanical Package

For Australia, the 2012 1 Series line-up will mirror the international range revealed in June: two petrol models - 116i and 118i - and the 118d diesel variant.

Both petrol engines utilise BMW's TwinPower Turbo technology, along with High Precision Injection, ValveTronic variable valve control and Double-VANOS variable camshaft control.

116i Petrol

The petrol models will come in two 1.6 litre configurations.  For the 116i, output is listed at 100kW and 220Nm of torque - on par with the previous-generation 118i entry model.

Mated to a six-speed manual transmission, fuel consumption for this model is listed at 5.7 l/100km, making for a 24 percent improvement over its entry-level predecessor. BMW's optional eight-speed auto is listed at 5.8 l/100km.

In manual form, the 116i will hit 100km/h in 8.5 seconds, with the auto only a fraction behind at 9.1 seconds. Top speed is 210km/h.

118i Petrol

Powered by a higher-tuned version of the same 1.6 litre engine, the 118i delivers 125kW and 250Nm of torque. 

Fuel consumption for this variant is listed at 5.9 l/100km when paired with the standard six-speed manual, and an even lower 5.8 l/100km with the eight-speed automatic. 

The 0-100km/h sprint is wrapped up in 7.4 seconds when equipped with the manual, and 7.5 seconds for the automatic. Top speed is 225km/h.

118d Diesel

In diesel form, the BMW 118d gets a 2.0 litre turbodiesel engine, producing 105kW and 320Nm of torque.

The 0-100km/h run is over in 8.9 seconds, and fuel consumption is a very low 4.5 l/100km. Top speed is 212km/h.

More powerful and more fuel efficient than its predecessor, the new 1 Series is also larger than the outgoing model.

The body of the 2012 1 is 85mm longer at 4234mm, and the wheelbase has been stretched by 30mm to 2690mm - giving rear passengers an extra 21mm of leg room.

It's 17mm wider at 1765mm, and height remains unchanged at 1421mm, a combination that gives the new model a more balanced look.

Storage space has also increased, with a 360-litre rear area expanding to 1200mm with the 60/40 split-folding rear seats laid flat. An optional through-loading system adds 40/20/20 split-folding rear seats.

Suspension for all three variants is managed by a double-joint spring strut front axle, with a multi-arm arrangement at the rear. Adaptive sport suspension is also available, lowering the car by 10mm and adding Electronic Damper Regulation.

The standard braking package includes vented discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. 

Features

Standard features across the range include a 6.5-inch free-standing flatscreen colour display, handsfree Bluetooth functionality including USB interface, MP3 compatible CD player and cruise control with brake function.

BMW's Driving Experience switch is also standard equipment, offering three driving modes: Comfort, Sport and Eco Pro.

On BMW Sport Line models, and on cars fitted with the optional eight-speed sports automatic transmission, Variable Sport Steering or Adaptive Suspension, there is also a fourth mode, SPORT+.

As the range-topping models (for now), the BMW 118i and 118d also offer rear park distance control, a special storage package, dual-zone climate control, anti-dazzle interior mirror, fog lights, rain sensor and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Optional for all three models are the Navigation System Business and Navigation System Professional packages - the latter including a larger 8.8-inch display and DVD drive.

As a first for the 1 Series, buyers can also add Parking Assistant, RearView Camera and Lane Departure warning - all previously available in BMW's larger models.

BMW Lines 

The arrival of the new 1 Series also marks the debut of the new BMW Lines personalisation range, including two main packages: Urban and Sport.

The BMW Lines packages have been developed to offer a range of style and equipment options, along with colour schemes, interior trims and materials, highlights and light-alloy wheels.

Among the options are unique versions of BMW's "kidney grille," along with options for the front and rear bumpers, exterior mirrors, door sills and chrome highlights, keys, interior lighting and decor trims, upholstery, steering wheels and wheel designs.

Pricing

• 2012 BMW 116i - from $36,900
• 2012 BMW 118i - from $42,800
• 2012 BMW 118d - from $43,500

Note: all prices are Manufacturer’s List Price and do not include dealer delivery or on-road costs.

Note: photos are overseas model. Australian images to come.