2012 BMW 1 Series Revealed

Update: June 5 - Variants detailed below.
Update: June 6 - Confirmed for Australian launch in Q4 2011.

Goodbye guesswork, hello 2012 BMW 1 Series. Shown here in five-door hatch form, BMW has revealed details of its new small car ahead of its Frankfurt debut in September.

Spy photos in recent months have shown that the styling of the new 1 Series would be more about evolution than revolution: you could be forgiven for confusing the 2012 1 Series with an update of the current model.

This is no mere facelift, however. While the standout features are a new headlight and tail-light design (the saggy centre is also gone), the 2012 1 Series' wheelbase is also longer than its predecessor by a whopping 85mm.

Overall and interior dimensions haven't been revealed, although the seats-up rear cargo space has grown from 330 to 360 litres. 

Inside, the 1 Series gets a completely redesigned interior that draws inspiration from the brand's larger vehicles, including a new dash and centre console and a new three-spoke steering wheel design.

Engines

In Europe, the new 1 Series range will get a brand-new turbocharged 1.6 litre petrol engine, producing 110kW in 116i form and 125kW in 118i form, with a 184kW version is also expected sometime after launch.

On the diesel front, a turbocharged 2.0 litre diesel will also be offered in varying outputs, including 85kW, 105kW and 135kW.

All models in the 2012 1 Series line-up will benefit from BMW's EfficientDynamics technology, including a start/stop system and regenerative brakes.

Transmissions will include a six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic.

When it launches globally over the next year, the new 1 Series will square off against the upcoming next-generation models in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Audi A3 line-ups, along with the Lexus CT 200h.

The premium small-car segment is heating up.

Update: Variants detailed below.

BMW 118i

Four-cylinder in-line petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology package, consisting of twin-scroll turbocharger, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC and Double-VANOS variable valve control,

• capacity: 1, 598 cc, output: 125 kW at 4,800 rpm,
• maximum torque: 250 Nm at 1,500 – 4,500 rpm,
• acceleration [0 – 100 km/h]: 7.4 seconds,
• maximum speed: 225 km/h,
• combined-cycle fuel consumption*: 5.8 – 5.9 litres/100 kilometres,
• CO2 emissions*: 134 – 137 g/km, emissions standard: EU5.

BMW 116i

Four-cylinder in-line petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology package, consisting of twin-scroll turbocharger, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC and Double-VANOS variable valve control,

• capacity: 1,598 cc, output: 100 kW at 4, 400 rpm,
• maximum torque: 220 Nm at 1,350 – 4, 300 rpm,
• acceleration [0 – 100 km/h]: 8.5 seconds,
• maximum speed: 210 km/h,
• combined-cycle fuel consumption*: 5.5 – 5.7 litres/100 kilometres,
• CO2 emissions*: 129 – 132 g/km, emissions standard: EU5.

BMW 118d

Four-cylinder in-line diesel engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology package, consisting of variable-geometry turbocharger, common-rail, magnetic-valve direct injection (max. injection pressure: 1,600 bar),

• capacity: 1,955 cc, output: 105 kW/143 hp at 4,000 rpm,
• max. torque: 320 Nm at 1,750 – 2, 500 rpm,
• acceleration [0 – 100 km/h]: 8.9 seconds,
• maximum speed: 212 km/h,
• combined-cycle fuel consumption*: 4.4 – 4.5 litres/100 kilometres,
• CO2 emissions*: 115 – 118 g/km, emissions standard: EU5.

Australia

Speaking with TMR, BMW Australia's Lucy McLellan confirmed the new 1 Series will go on sale in Australia toward the end of 2011, with pricing and specifications to be revealed closer to launch.