BMW 1 Series more affordable

Bearing nomenclature 116i, 118i and 120d, all of them feature four-valve technology with engines derived from the BMW 3 Series.

As is the case for all BMW 1 Series, the standard equipment for all the new models include 16 inch tyres with emergency runflat properties, tyre pressure monitor, two-stage brake lights, Stop/Start button, DSC drive stability system including emergency brake detection, electronic differential lock and traction control as well as cornering brake assistant.

The 1 Series has a five star Euro NCAP crash test rating.

The BMW 116i engine is based on the BMW 120i high-tech power unit.

With a displacement of 1 596 cc, the four-cylinder engine develops an output of 85 kW at 6 000 r/min and a maximum torque of 150 Nm at 4 300 r/min.

It has VANOS infinitely variable camshaft control and reaches a top speed of 200 km/h while accelerating from 0-100 km/h in just 10.8 seconds.

Claimed fuel consumption is 7.5 litres/100 km (combined cycle). The 116i is exclusively available as a five-speed manual.

The BMW 118i makes its debut as the 'middle' of the model range.

With 95 kW from two litres capacity, the BMW 118i possesses the same technical attributes as the 120i top petrol model including the fully variable valve train without throttle valve (double Vanos with Valvetronic).

The 118i is available with a choice of transmissions: a quick shifting six-speed automatic or the standard five-speed manual.

The manual version accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.4 seconds and top speed is 208 km/h. BMW claims fuel consumption on the 5-speed manual is 7.3 litres/100 km.

The diesel engine featured in the BMW 120d has a displacement of 1 995 cc, and produces 115 kW at 4 000 r/min with 330 Nm at 2 000 r/min.

It sprints to 100 km/h in just 8.2 seconds, while top speed is 218 km/h. The 120d is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, with a six-speed auto available as an option.

The 120d uses a new generation of turbochargers with variable turbine geometry, electric adjustment, optimised blade geometry, intercooler technology and the use of ultra-rigid, lightweight materials.

It is claimed to be one of the cleanest and most economical diesels in its segment, and BMW says it has a low fuel consumption of just 5.7 litres/100 km for the six-speed manual.

As with all BMW automatic transmissions, the driver of a BMW 1 Series can also shift gears manually via the Steptronic function. The gear currently engaged is displayed in the instrument cluster.