New BMW 1-series bows with turbo four-cylinder power across the lineup

Meet the next-generation BMW 1-series. The upcoming baby Bimmer will sport all twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder engines burning either gasoline or diesel, hauling around a car that's grown in every dimension except height.

BMW also is expanding its use of eight-speed automatic transmissions to the 1-series lineup and making the BMW EfficientDynamics technology package standard. For the next-gen 1-series, that means automatic start/stop functionality on both manual and automatic transmissions and an eco pro mode. Activated using what BMW terms the "driving experience switch," eco pro tweaks the car's engine map, heating, air conditioning and mirror/seat heating to eke out as many miles per gallon as possible.

Add in enough electronic nanny acronyms to impress even Ford, plus BMW ConnectedDrive to manage all your infotainment needs, and you have a full-featured premium sport hatch. How that's going to translate into a more competitively priced offering for whatever models make the jump to our market remains to be seen.

Read BMW's press release below:

BMW
The new BMW 1 Series lineup will be available exclusively with four-cylinder turbocharged engines.

PRESS RELEASE: The new BMW 1-series at a glance:

• The new BMW 1-series: the second generation of this pioneering premium compact range. Still the only rear-wheel-drive model in its class. Even more sporty and fuel-efficient than before and significantly more comfortable and spacious. Outstanding interior and exclusive features, occupying a distinctive niche within its segment. Unique combination of premium-quality handling, aesthetics and innovative technology.

• Five doors. Bold, swept-back body; uniquely high-quality, sporty design with BMW's typically elegant proportions and boldly shaped surfaces. Youthful, lively image enhanced by design elements highlighting the maturity and premium status of the new BMW 1-series. BMW Sport Line and BMW Urban Line provide added scope for personalization using exclusive interior and exterior design features and equipment.

• For the first time, all the petrol and diesel engines for the BMW 1-series now feature new BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. A new generation of 1.6-liter petrol engines: BMW 116i with 100 kW/136 hp, BMW 118i with 125 kW/170 hp. Radically redesigned 2.0-liter diesel engines: BMW 116d with 85 kW/116 hp, BMW 118d with 105 kW/143 hp, BMW 120d with 135 kW/184 hp. Also scheduled for launch soon is the BMW 116d EfficientDynamics Edition, with a 85-kW/116-hp 1.6 liter diesel engine and additional fuel-saving technologies that will keep CO2 emissions over the EU testing cycle down to just 99 g/km.

• BMW 1-series still a market leader with its BMW EfficientDynamics technology: first car in the world in its segment with optional eight-speed automatic transmission, Automatic Start/Stop function in both manual and automatic transmissions. ECO PRO mode is activated using the driving experience switch (included as standard).

• Significantly improved comfort and unique handling thanks to rear-wheel drive, in-line engines, perfectly balanced weight distribution and advanced suspension technology. Double-joint cross-strut front axle; five-link rear axle; high-precision electromechanical power steering with no interference from the drive train. Optional Variable Sports Steering; DSC Driving Stability Control including DTC Dynamic Traction Control and electronically locking rear differential as standard.

• Body 85 millimeters longer, wheelbase 30 millimetres longer, front track 51 millimetres wider and rear track 72 millimetres wider than previous model; height remains unchanged, but 17 millimeters of increased width create a more spacious interior and a sportier look. 21 millimetres more rear legroom; luggage compartment expanded from 330 to 360 litres; luggage capacity expandable to a maximum of 1,200 litres with rear seats folded down (40/20/40 seats available optionally). Large number of storage compartments, shelves and cupholders in cockpit.

• Highly torsion-resistant body for increased responsiveness and passenger protection. Comprehensive range of safety equipment including front, side and head airbags.

• High-quality interior with driver-friendly cockpit and outstanding materials and finishes; optional iDrive system with integral dashboard control display using the exclusive BMW flatscreen design.

• BMW ConnectedDrive: a comprehensive and (for a compact car) unique selection of optional driver assistance systems and mobility services. High-beam assistance, Adaptive Headlights, parking assistance, reversing camera, Lane Departure Warning including Collision Warning, cruise control with brake function, speed-limit and no-passing information, Internet connectivity, increased smartphone and music player integration, real-time traffic information, and web radio, Facebook and Twitter apps.

• Model versions:

- 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/170 hp 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/136 hp 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 120d: 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: 1,800 bar), capacity: 1,955 cc, output: 135 kW/184 hp at 4, 000 rpm, maximum torque: 380 Nm at 1,750 – 2, 750 rpm, acceleration [0 – 100 km/h]: 7.2 seconds, maximum speed: 228 km/h, combined-cycle fuel consumption*: 4.5 – 4.6 litres/100 kilometres, CO2 emissions*: 119 – 122 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. BMW 116d: Four-cylinder in-line diesel engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology package, consisting of variable-geometry turbocharger with common-rail, magnetic-valve direct injection (max. injection pressure: 1,600 bar), capacity: 1,955 cc, output: 85 kW/116 hp at 4,000 rpm, maximum torque: 260 Nm at 1,750 – 2,500 rpm, acceleration [0 – 100 km/h]: 10.3 seconds, maximum speed: 200 km/h, combined-cycle fuel consumption*: 4.3 – 4.5 litres/100 kilometres, CO2 emissions*: 114 – 117 g/km, emissions standard: EU5. * EU test figures, variations due to differences in the tyres fitted

Unique driving pleasure in a premium compact car: The new BMW 1 Series.

The premium compact BMW 1 Series is already synonymous with driving pleasure. Now, the second generation offers state-of-the-art engine and suspension technology, further improvements in fuel efficiency, significantly more space and an innovative range of features and equipment.

Still the only rear-wheel-driven car in its class, it builds on the strengths of its predecessor, which has already sold more than one million units worldwide. With its outstanding handling and design, innovative technology and premium image, the new BMW 1 Series has consolidated its position as a pioneering individualist in the competitive five-door segment.

BMW's entry-level model has achieved maturity, offering an even better balance between sportiness and driving comfort, improved functionality, and numerous driver assistance systems previously available only in higher segments. This is also apparent in its size. The body of the new BMW 1 Series is 85 millimetres longer than its predecessor, at 4,324 millimetres, while the wheelbase has widened by 30 millimetres to 2,690 millimetres. The car also looks more powerful because its overall width has increased by 17 millimetres to 1,765 millimetres (due to an increase in track of 51 millimetres at the front and 72 millimetres at the rear), whereas its height remains unchanged at 1,421 millimetres. The rear seats have 21 millimetres more legroom, and the luggage compartment has expanded by 30 litres to 360 litres.

The design of the new generation is a powerful expression of the latest technological advances. The model's fresh, youthful image has been stylishly updated, with precision-moulded body surfaces and a modern, functional interior both underlining its premium status. Another innovation is the BMW Sport Line and BMW Urban Line, two ranges of interior and exterior design features and equipment that provide exclusive personalization opportunities.

All engines in the new BMW 1 Series are four-cylinder models using BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The petrol engines are part of a new generation, combining an impressively sporty feel with exceptionally low fuel consumption and emissions. The 1.6-litre engines have twin-scroll turbochargers, direct injection, VALVETRONIC and Double-VANOS. The new BMW 116i achieves 100 kW/136 hp, and the new BMW 118i 125 kW/170 hp. These represent increases of 10 kW and 20 kW on the previous versions, with fuel consumption reduced by up to 10 per cent. The 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel models have been radically redesigned, featuring variable turbine geometry and common-rail direct fuel injection. The new BMW 116d (85 kW/116 hp), the new BMW 118d (105 kW/143 hp) and the new BMW 120d (135 kW/184 hp) have further consolidated the BMW 1 Series' record of superior fuel efficiency in the compact segment.

The new BMW 1 Series is the first and only car in its class to be optionally available with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Like its predecessor, it also incorporates the extremely wide-ranging BMW EfficientDynamics technology package as standard. This includes the Automatic Start/Stop function, available with both the manual and automatic transmissions, and ECO PRO mode, activated using the driving experience switch (included as standard), for even better environmental performance. There are also plans to expand the range with the BMW 116d EfficientDynamics Edition. This will have an output of 85 kW/116 hp, but additional fuel-saving and emission-reducing technologies will enable it to achieve fuel consumption of 3.8 litres per 100 kilometres and a CO2 emissions figure of just 99 grams per kilometre over the EU combined cycle (provisional figures).

Also unique to this segment is ConnectedDrive, the new BMW 1 Series' optional package of driver assistance and mobility services. This includes high-beam assistance, Adaptive Headlights, parking assistance, reversing camera, Lane Departure Warning including Collision Warning, cruise control with brake function, and speed-limit and no-passing information. BMW ConnectedDrive also features Internet connectivity, increased smartphone and music player integration, real-time traffic information, and web radio, Facebook and Twitter apps.

Exciting, elegant, innovative design

The drive-train layout, with a longitudinally mounted in-line engine at the front and rear-wheel drive, is unique within the compact segment. This improves the new BMW 1 Series' handling, and is also reflected in its design, with BMW's typical proportions: long bonnet, wide wheelbase, swept-back passenger cell. The new BMW 1 Series is the embodiment of responsiveness and innovative elegance in a compact car, with a youthful, lively design and high-quality features adding to the excitement.

The front of the car is dominated by the large BMW kidney-shaped radiator grille, boldly shaped headlight units and three-section air intake. The grille is tilted forwards, adding emphasis to the challenging stance of this most sporty of compact models, while the surrounding areas catch the light and create a strong sense of three-dimensionality, with four contour lines on the bonnet forming a V that points towards the grille. The typical BMW double-round headlights have accent trim across their tops. In combination with the optional bi-xenon headlights, this creates a strongly focused look, powerfully enhanced by the direction indicators set into the inner light rings of the headlights and an LED accent light. In another innovation for BMW, the side indicator lights are integrated in the exterior mirrors.

From the side, the proportions of the new BMW 1 Series are even more strikingly apparent. The slightly sloping roof line, sporty, angled rear windscreen and flat side windows give the car a coup

By Andrew Stoy