Sunday, July 5, 2009

The BMW 1-series


For the BMW 1-series, 2010 model year will feature the addition of two new entry level models for the coupe, and two special edition models for the hatch. This is in addition to the 116i and 116d hatches launched in Spring 2009. Both new variants of the coupe feature two-litre inline-4 engines, but consume different fuels. The petrol-powered BMW 120i gets the N43B20 engine which produces 170hp @ 6,700rpm and 210Nm @ 4,250rpm. Equipped with High Precision Injection (BMW-speak for direct injection), this 1,995cc motor is claimed to sip only 6.6 litres/100km when mounted in the BMW 1-series coupe.
The N47D20 of the 118i similarly displaces 1,995cc, but produce far more impressive figures than the BMW 120i. Power is rated at 143hp @ 4,000rpm, but like all diesels, the figure to watch out for is the torque, and the 118d generates 300Nm in that useful range of 1,750 to 2,500rpm. This allows the 118d to dispatch the century sprint at nine seconds flat before maxing out at 210kph. While that sounds pretty average in today’s terms, its claimed FC of 4.5 litres/100km is less than what even Kancil drivers are accustomed to.
To help both the BMW 120i and 118d meet the stringent Euro 5 emission standards, BMW has equipped both of them with various EfficientDynamics technlogies such as brake energy regeneration, auto start/stop, gear shift point indicators and on-demand only activation of ancillary units as standard. These goodies are also fitted in the 116d hatch, allowing it to achieve an impressive 4.4 litres/100km fuel consumption figure in the EU test cycle. Not to be confused by the badge, the 116d actually draws its propulsion from a two-litre engine, as does the 116i.
Two new special editions for the hatch has also been introduced, namely the Lifestyle Edition and Sport Edition Model. Both these trim levels can be specified for all engine options available on the hatch. The Lifestyle Edition comes in an exclusive Marrakesh Brown Metallic paint complemented with a matching colour scheme for the interior. Additional goodies for this edition includes 17″ lightweight alloys, chrome tails, multifunction leather sports steering wheel, and anthracite-colour roof lining.

Where the Lifestyle Edition consists primarily of cosmetic enchancements, the Sport Edition Model comes with a full M Sports Package which includes the M Aerodynamics Package and a sports suspension setup. Seventeen-inch alloys come as standard, but buyers of the BMW 123d and BMW 130i can opt for 18″ lightweight rims finished in Ferric Grey colour. The M touch continues inside with the footrest, the sports steering wheel, and the gear shift lever all bearing the magical logo. To complete the sporty tone, the dashboard is finished in the funkily named Aluminium Glacier Silver.
Finally, for the 2010 model year, the BMW 1-series will feature the new generation iDrive featuring an 800 × 480 pixel LCD screen, and can be optionally packaged together with BMW’s Business navigation system.

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