C ar S cene I nvestigation: BMW 1-Series

Launched first in 2004, the first generation 1-Series was…well, odd. Proportion sizes were off, interior build quality way down south of the usual BMW expectations. With such feedback, the boffins at BMW decided to come up with something new.

· Design & Engineering:

BMW has introduced two trim lines into the chain—being the Sport and Urban lines. On the 1-Series, the two differ on the outside via the different alloy wheel designs, radiator grill colour, and so on. The 118i as tested, came with the Sport trim option. From the front, the new 1-Series sports a fierce outlook, due to the use of subtle chrome, colour differentiation from the grill to the body colour, along with a widened out bonnet, thus providing the vehicle with a lower stance. From the side, it seems as if the entire vehicle has been pushed back by the wind, due to the sculpting of sheet metal, along with the aerodynamics of the vehicle. BMW has now integrated built-in mirror indicators, making for a sleeker and classier vehicle. Obviously, being the sport version of the entry-level vehicle, the new 1-Series wears a ‘Sport’ badge on both sides of the vehicle. I for one, don’t appreciate or should I say, cannot appreciate the rear styling of the vehicle. It looks cute and cuddly—not how a Sport trim vehicle should. The rear tailgate feels as if someone has kicked its arse in. Nevertheless, the use of LED’s seems to brighten things up. On the whole, the new 1-Series is more modernized, and ready to take on the action, per say the cuddly rear.

· Interior

Love it. Live it. Like it. In relation to the first generation 1-Series, the new 2012 model features a more luxurious interior, on par with say, the current 5-Series. Take the driver’s seat for example. The drivers seat now features memory functions, electric adjustments, and contrasting leather stitching (for example, if you have a Milan red exterior, your interior stitching would be completed in the same shade of Milan red). The steering wheel seems as if it has been plucked out from the new X3, only that it too comes with contrasting colour stitching. Oodles of buttons dominate the wheel, making it ever so convenient for 21^st century drivers to be connected anywhere, and anytime. In essence, the cabin’s looks are pretty much inspired and derived from the bigger BMW models. As expected from BMW’s, everything is relatively driver oriented, with easy to read dials (also in contrasting colour outlines) and a high-resolution screen. Sitting on the top of the center console, is BMW’s latest i-Drive system, which clearly displays about everything a driver would need to know. In addition, a revised i-Drive control system makes everything easy and functional. If specified, the new 1-Series can be featured with Internet access, etc etc. Being the top of the range model, the new 118i features USB/Aux-In capabilities, as well as Park Distance Control, a superb BMW built in audio system, cruise control, Xenon headlamps, and more, all as standard features. BMW’s E-Gear also makes its debut in the new 1-Series, making driving ever so relaxing. At the rear, rear passengers will have little to complain about, due to larger dimensions (as compared to the first generation 1-Series), and therefore increased head, and legroom. Just to pamper passengers to a larger extent, the new 1-Series features a rear air-conditioning system, with manual temperature control. Rear seats can split all the way down, allowing for increased stowage space. In short, the new 1-Series flexes its muscles down to the floor, in order for passengers to be as comfortable and as pampered as possible.

· Ride & Handling

Perhaps the largest change in the new 1-Series lies underneath the bonnet. Both the 116i and 118i, feature engine’s derived from BMW’s sub acquisition, MINI. Therefore, a 1.6-liter, twin scroll turbocharger boosts the vehicle quickly, with the addition of BMW’s signature VALVETRONIC system. The 116i simply uses a detuned turbo motor, therefore being the cheaper of the two. The new 118i will reach the 0-100km/h mark in a well-paced 7.5 seconds, where the detuned 116i will achieve it in a slightly slower 9.1 seconds. As the new engines are mated to an 8-speed gearbox, shift quality is near faultless, although neither the 118i nor the 116i feature sport shift paddles. Being a rear-wheel drive vehicle, the 1-Series proves for a fun drive, with sharp handling, and a well-balanced drive, due to a near 50-50-weight distribution. The new 1-Series demonstrates its capabilities, as well as its passion to invigorate drivers and passengers alike.

· Verdict

Fantastic interior, with oodles of attention to detail. Smartest move yet BMW—to introduce twin turbos into their entry-level vehicles, proving to be a lure-worthy vehicle, apart from the styling.