BMW 1 Series 2011 Hatch Review

You can now have your hatch with radical iPod-white wheels, mirrors and trim. At the same time, BMW has been conservative by reducing the endless clutter of options and introducing trim levels like most other manufacturers.

When the German-made hatch arrives in October it will come in base trim (to which can be added an M Sport trim and aero package), Urban Line or Sport Line.

Fittingly the hatch was launched in Berlin this week (July 28) as the city approaches the 50th anniversary of the Berlin Wall (August 13) because, as dramatically as the wall tumbled in 1990, BMW has suddenly changed its attitude to endless variants.

The 1 Series hatch is the first to benefit from streamlined trim levels with the 3 Series launched in November possibly next cab off the rank.

VALUE

The streamlined trim levels should have economic advantages for BMW that should be passed down as savings to the customer.

BMW Group Australia corporate communications chief Piers Scott says pricing will be “very sharp”.

At launch there will be a 118i petrol and 118d diesel model, quickly followed by a “price-leading” 116i.

We won’t get the 116d or 120d but there could be a six-cylinder model “a long way down the track”. However it’s unlikely to be an M model, says Scott.

We also won’t be getting the three-door hatch which would conflict with the coupe. Scott says the 116i will compete on price with the Audi A3 and VW Golf.

DESIGN

The 1 Series hatch was launched in 2004 and the coupe/convertible in 2007 and the two body shapes will remain out of kilter for some time.

This second-generation hatch has little to do with the first-generation coupe, its underpinnings more closely aligned to the forthcoming 3 Series.

It is 85mm longer and 17mm wider with 21mm more rear legroom and 30-litres expanded cargo capacity.

With its wider track the hatch’s stance is more hunkered down and purposeful, its lines dramatically altered with a bulbous bonnet leading to a pointed shark nose like the recent 6 Series coupe.

At the rear the wider taillights and lateral design lines give it a broader look and the hatch door is lower and wider for better access. This will be appreciated by women who will buy more of this model than any other BMW says Scott.

The Urban is distinguished by its white and silver kidney grille and accents, while the Sport retains conventional alloy wheels and dark grille.

TECHNOLOGY

Ironically it will arrive with more powerful twin-scroll turbo-charged petrol engines than the naturally aspirated and supposedly sporty coupe and convertible 1 Series. The 116i has the same amount of power as the current 118i hatch, but 40Nm more torque, much better fuel economy (5.5L/100km compared with 7.5L) and much lower emissions (129g/km versus 174g/km).

The 118i is 25kW more powerful, with 70Nm more torque, better economy (5.9L/100km) and lower emissions (137g/km).

This is despite the petrol models being slightly heavier because of the bigger body dimensions and stiffer and safer chassis.

Power and efficiency gains are much lower with the new diesel 118d (same power, 20Nm more torque, 0.1L/100km better economy and 4g/km lower emissions). The manual transmission retains six speeds, but the six-speed auto has been replaced by the new eight-cog job.

The cabin gets standard height-adjustable front seats, a BMW Business CD radio with six speakers and aux connection, and a “driving experience” switch on the central console that adjusts the car’s set-up to the driver’s preferences by modifying the engine programming, stability settings and shift characteristics of the auto.

Even though the trim levels have been trimmed down, there is still a range of options available including two-zone airconditioning, electrically adjustable and heated seats, a multifunction steering wheel, rear-view and exterior mirrors with automatic anti-dazzle function, fog lights, an electric glass sunroof.

BMW ConnectedDrive options include adaptive headlights, rain sensor, auto driving lights, high-beam assistance, parking sensors, rear-view camera, parking assistance, cruise control with braking, and lane departure and collision warning. There are also iPhone connectivity and internet capability options.

SAFETY

The new chassis has high-strength load-bearing elements and large crumple zones. The hatch comes standard with six airbags, a tyre defect indicator and dynamic brake lights that flash to warn following drivers if you hit the brakes hard or the ABS system intervenes.

DRIVING

The old East Berlin and East Germany served as the backdrop to the road test for the new 118i and 120d hatch. There was no 116i or 118d available for test. The old Soviet territory provided a mix of high-speed modern autobahn driving, heavily trafficked city roads and bumpy old rural lanes.

The engineers have tweaked the suspension to suit the new stiffer chassis and defied physics to produce a plush ride from the runflat tyres.

On a particularly nasty stretch of road, the car rode better in “sport plus” setting on the models with optional adaptive M suspension than in “comfort” setting with the dampers screwing it down and preventing bounce.

More importantly they have tuned out the sharp hits of the first generation 1 Series. Steering has also sharpened up and can be further tuned to a razor-like finish with adaptive drive that also attenuates the throttle and quickens the transmission response.

On a few laps of the Linthe proving ground, the adaptive M suspension was put through its paces with stunning results.

It changes direction with a minimum of fuss and keeps the rear-wheel power down while providing plenty of feedback through the seat of the driver’s trousers or skirt. It’s a car you can drive with gusto and reap the rewards with safety.

The cabin feels airy and fresh with a less domineering dashboard and a large, high-mounted, freestanding info/satnav screen.

VERDICT

BMW have been adventurous with the 1 Series hatch design and those dazzling but hard-to-keep-clean white wheels, while being conservative with the rational trim levels.

The former will attract younger drivers and the latter will simplify the buying process, get cars to owners quicker and alleviate dealer overstocking. It’s a win for all concerned.

BMW 1 Series hatch

On sale: October
Prices: about $40,000-$45,000
Engines: 100kW/220Nm (116i), 125kW/250Nm (118i) 1.6-litre twin-turbo 4-cylinder petrol; 105kW/320Nm 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel
Transmissions: 6-speed manual and auto
Economy: 5.5/5.6L/100km (118i man/auto), 5.9/5.8L/100km (118i), 4.4L/100km (118d) CO2: 129g/km (116i), 137g/km (118i), 115g/km (118d)
Dimensions: 4324mm (L), 1765 (W), 1421mm (H), 2690 (WB)
Weight: 1290/1365kg (116i manual/auto), 129/1370kg (118i), 1320/1395kg (118d)