(continued from above)
BMW's entry-level 2012 1 Series 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
3.3 inches (85 millimeters) longer than its predecessor, at 170.2 inches (4,324
millimeters), while the wheelbase has widened by 1.2 inches (30 millimeters) to
105.9 inches (2,690 millimeters). The car also looks more powerful because its
overall width has increased by 0.8 inches (17 millimeters) to 69.5 inches (1,765
millimeters) (due to an increase in track of 2 inches (51 millimeters) at the
front and 2.8 inches (72 millimeters) at the rear), whereas its height remains
unchanged at 55.9 inches (1,421 millimeters). The rear seats have 2 inches (21
millimeters) more legroom, and the luggage compartment has expanded by 30 liters
to 360 liters.
All engines in the 2012 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-liter engines have twin-scroll
turbochargers, direct injection, VALVETRONIC and Double-VANOS. The new 2012 BMW
116i achieves 136 hp, and the new 2012 BMW 118i 170 hp. These represent
increases of 16 hp and 27 hp on the previous versions, with fuel consumption
reduced by up to 10 per cent.
Unique to this segment is ConnectedDrive,
the 2012 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.
2012 BMW 1 Series' 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
2012 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.
The design
quality of the 2012 BMW 1 Series, which is unique in the compact segment, is
particularly evident in the distinctive BMW lines and dramatically curved
surfaces. The characteristic BMW swage line starts at the front sidewall and
rises continuously to the rear lights, its boldness giving powerful emphasis to
the shoulder area, with the door openers neatly integrated into the swage line.
BMW 118i Sport Line: Review (2/2)