BMW introduces new 1-Series three-door hatch-back

[Kowalski]

The only hatchback you can buy with rear-wheel-drive.

Facelifted 1 Series Arrives for 2007
Jan 15, 2007; BMW- Great Britain


3-Door added to the mix


The new BMW 1 Series goes on sale in spring 2007 and features a model line up that includes the most fuel efficient production vehicle BMW has ever produced. The introduction of a three-door model and a revised five-door come as a raft of new fuel-saving innovations are rolled out across the range.

Technologies such as Brake Energy Regeneration, Automatic Start-Stop function and Electric Power Steering are combined with lower rolling resistant tires and a gearshift change indicator to encourage economical motoring. These innovations are in addition to the use of variable valve technologies and High-Precision Direct Injection engines on some 1 Series models that boost power output but cut fuel consumption and emissions.

The BMW 118d, BMW’s most economical car, manages its record 60.1mpg (imp) figure courtesy of these features in conjunction with the use of further lightweight engineering. The car now has an aluminum crankcase to save weight. Aside from the BMW Hydrogen 7, the BMW 118d also posts the lowest ever CO2 emissions of any BMW recording 123g/km (putting it into the Band C category for Vehicle Excise Duty).

Other engines in the new 1 Series range record economy improvements of up to 24 percent compared to the previous model, while emissions have also been cut by up to 21 per cent. These improvements have not been to the detriment of driving pleasure. The new 1 Series is powered by a range of engines whose outputs have increased by up to 20hp with a consequential improvement in performance figures.

New fuel saving technology

Brake Energy Regeneration (iGR) makes its debut on the 1 Series. The system uses an Intelligent Alternator Control (IAC) and an Absorbent Glass Mat battery to recycle previously lost energy, in turn saving fuel. This is achieved as the IAC reduces drag on the engine by only engaging when required to charge the battery, whereas a traditional alternator is always pulling power from the engine. Additionally, the energy generated by the engine on over-run (under braking or descending a hill) was previously wasted. Now this lost energy is utilised by the IAC to charge the battery. iGR alone is responsible for a three percent improvement in fuel economy.

The new 1 Series comes with Automatic Start-Stop function to cut fuel consumption. Standard on all manual transmission models (except 130i), the system automatically switches the engine off when the vehicle is stationary and the driver puts the car into neutral. To restart the driver only need engage the clutch again before pulling away in the normal manner. Should he not want to use the Automatic Start-Stop function it can be manually switched off.

The use of Electric Power Steering results in a 90 percent energy saving compared to a conventional mechanical hydraulic steering system. Power assistance is now provided by an electric motor that works only when required, such as turning a corner. Other fuel saving enhancements have been made courtesy of various ancillary devices, such as the air conditioning power supply being disconnected from the drivetrain when not in use. Even flaps behind the kidney grille improve economy, closing up for improved aerodynamic efficiency should the engine require less airflow. The feature also improves cold starting times.


Engine changes and statistics in detail

130i: World’s lightest six-cylinder production engine with VALVETRONIC and Bi-VANOS technology achieves zero to 62mph in 6.0 seconds (five-door is 6.1 seconds) and an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. Output is 265bhp while peak torque is 315Nm. Combined fuel consumption is 34.0mpg and CO2 emissions are 197g/km.

120i: New four-cylinder engine with High-Precision Direct Injection and Bi-VANOS technology achieves zero to 62mph in 7.7 seconds (7.8 seconds for five-door) before going on to a top speed of 139mph. Output is 170hp (up 20hp) while peak torque is now 210Nm (up 10Nm). Combined fuel consumption is 44.1mpg (improves by 17 per cent), CO2 emissions are 152g/km (down 16 per cent).

118i: New four-cylinder engine with High-Precision Direct Injection and Bi-VANOS technology achieves zero to 62mpg in 8.7 seconds (8.8 seconds for five-door) before going on to a top speed of 130mph. Output is 143hp (up 14hp) while peak torque is now 190Nm (up 10Nm). Combined fuel consumption is 47.9mpg (improves by 24 per cent), CO2 emissions are 140g/km (down 20.5 per cent).

116i (five-door only): Four-cylinder engine with Bi-VANOS achieves zero to 62mph in 10.9 seconds and a top speed of 124mph. Output is 116hp and peak torque is 150Nm. Combined fuel consumption is 37.7mpg and CO2 emissions are 179g/km.

120d: Second generation common-rail diesel engine with aluminum crankcase achieves zero to 62mph in 7.5 seconds (7.6 seconds for five-door) before going on to a top speed of 142mph. Output is 177hp (up 14hp) while peak torque is 350Nm (up 10Nm). Combined fuel consumption is 57.6mpg (improves by 16 per cent) and CO2 emissions are 129g/km (down 15.1 per cent).

118d: Second generation common-rail diesel engine with aluminium crankcase achieves zero to 62mph in 8.9 seconds (9.0 seconds for five door) before going on to a top speed of 130mph. Output is 143hp (up 21hp) while peak torque is 300Nm (up 20Nm). Combined fuel consumption is 60.1mpg (improves by 19 per cent) and CO2 emissions are 123g/km (down 18 per cent).

Rest of the article: http://www.mwerks.com/artman/publish...cle_1173.shtml

[PontiacBixler]

kinda reminds me of a Z4 hatchback..... not bad. kinda like it. really like the numbers on those fuel economies....

[big swede]

I'm still not sure if americans will pay a high premium for what is still percieved to be an entry level car. I can't believe the engine options available in this car, pretty incredible actually.

[powervette]

what a joke, it reminds me a fish, moreover it's expensive as hell.
Someone who put it on the main page must have been tired with watching beauties as Camaro for the last 2 weeks, that's why he decided that GMiers will see something ugly for a change today.
Oh ,I see that Big Swede has a nice hatch in his avatar, so do I

[JVal14]

Sounds like an impressive little car. You have to hand it to BMW: there engineers know what they're doing. I wonder if we'lll see it in the States now that the Mini has been redesigned.

I'm still not sure if americans will pay a high premium for what is still percieved to be an entry level car. I can't believe the engine options available in this car, pretty incredible actually.

The Audi A3 is wicked expensive for an entry level car, and I see quite a few around where I live; although I can't speak for their total sales numbers. Some people might pay the price if they think they'll save at the pump, and some might pay up because it's the only sport-hatch with RWD. And of course, there's always those people who want to get into a Bimmer any way they can. I'd say it has a chance.

[kmacleod]

Notice the use of electric power steering. Hmmmnnn...

As much as I am a Die-Hard GM fan, The Five Door 120d is the only BMW that I am truely interested in. No i-drive to gum up the driving experience...

Ken

[ScottS]

I don't know how anyone could rag on these cars. The price may not be as economical as the car is on gas and emissions, but no one can fault the technlogy, design and progress BMW has made.

[VCDJ]

60 mpg diesel, bring it over here i will buy one.

[TaHoE]

If it's anything like the 5-Door, you can keep it.

[komododave]

Originally Posted by big swede

I'm still not sure if americans will pay a high premium for what is still percieved to be an entry level car. I can't believe the engine options available in this car, pretty incredible actually.

They'll pay 25 to 30 for a mini cooper, 25 for a VW GTI, nearly 30 for an Audi A3 with a 4 banger no less, whats so different about this? In fact, it has a real big thing going for it: It's rear wheel drive. The only rear drive in the segment or any segment close to it. Thats going to give it fantastic driving dynamics and give it a real leg up for enthusiasts like myself who want a small economic car but don't want a lump of coal like the corolla.

[Bvonscott]

Notice that the hybrid system it is going to use is almost exactly like the GM BAS system. What gives? Is BMW licensing it? Stealing?

[Saturn69]

Perhaps a BMW I could afford? I like it. It's nicer than the 318ti hatch they sold before. What is wrong with people and hatchbacks? Afraid of a little utility in your car? Sheesh.

[VibenPontiac]

Originally Posted by Bvonscott

Notice that the hybrid system it is going to use is almost exactly like the GM BAS system. What gives? Is BMW licensing it? Stealing?

I would guess since BMW worked on the 2-Mode hybrid with GM and DC they got to use the BAS system too. Guessing don;t know for sure though.

[Kowalski]

Originally Posted by powervette

Someone who put it on the main page must have been tired with watching beauties as Camaro for the last 2 weeks, that's why he decided that GMiers will see something ugly for a change today.

If the moderators allowed this thread to feature at the GMI news ticker, that's because it is an interesting piece of news and not at all a trollish thread.

[throwback]

Originally Posted by komododave

They'll pay 25 to 30 for a mini cooper, 25 for a VW GTI, nearly 30 for an Audi A3 with a 4 banger no less, whats so different about this? In fact, it has a real big thing going for it: It's rear wheel drive. The only rear drive in the segment or any segment close to it. Thats going to give it fantastic driving dynamics and give it a real leg up for enthusiasts like myself who want a small economic car but don't want a lump of coal like the corolla.

I agree being rear wheel drive gives it a segment of one. I think there are plenty of people in the USA that would jump at the chance to drive a small rear drive car. I'm one of them. I have fond memories of driving an Opel Kadett in the late 70's. My buddy had a Datsun (for you youngsters, that was Nissan's name) 510. Both were great drivers, I miss those types of cars. Hopefully Caddy will make a true 3 series rival with the next BLS.