2012 BMW 1 Series coming to Australia in Q4 this year

BMW’s revised 1 Series has been revealed ahead of its Frankfurt Motor Show debut, and will be hitting Australian shores this year.

As the images show, the new BMW 1 Series has fallen into line with the new corporate face, echoing the new 6 Series and 7 Series. The front has the greatest change with smoother lines and a more cohesive look, while the back is similarly styled to the outgoing model but receives wrap-around tail lights.
It has grown by 85mm in length and receives a 30mm longer wheelbase. Interior space has been improved as well, with 21mm more legroom and an extra 30 litres of boot space.

Under the bonnet, impressive new engines will feature. All 1 Series models will have four-cylinders from launch, each using BMW’s Twin-Power Turbo technology.
The petrol models will be 1.6-litres in capacity, however will be distinguished by their power; The 116i makes 100kW and 220Nm, while the 118i will produce 125kW and 250Nm. The diesel model, the 118d will be powered by a 2.0-litre which makes 105kW and 320Nm. (Full details at the bottom of the page).
An eight-speed automatic will be available as an option, a first in class. BMW’s EfficientDynamics programme will be used on every 1 Series, meaning automatic start/stop, brake regeneration and things like electric steering will all keep fuel use down.

BMW is making a big thing about the 1 Series’ suspension, highlighting the fact that it is equipped with a double-joint cross-strut front axle as well as a five-link rear axle. It says that it sets the standard in the segment, not least because it’s the only car in the segment which is rear-wheel-drive. Additionally, the 1 Series gets an electronically locking rear differential as standard.
Helping the handling stakes is the huge increase in track – the front has been widened by 51mm and the rear track increased by a whopping 72mm.
The new 1 Series also gets a revised interior with higher quality plastics, better sat-nav integration and a much cleaner look.
A choice of 6.5-inch or 8.8-inch screens is available, all controlled with iDrive.
Two new specifications are on offer: BMW Sport Line, and BMW Urban Line. These differ with regarding to exterior trim detailing and interior finishes (notably seat coverings, stitching and lighting differences in each).

BMW’s ConnectedDrive functionality will be offered, giving drivers a choice of assistance systems and mobility services. The list is extensive: High-beam assistance, Adaptive Headlights, parking assistance, reversing camera, Lane Departure Warning including Collision Warning, cruise control with brake function, Internet connectivity, increased smartphone and music player integration.
Speaking with CarAdvice today, BMW Australia’s Lucy McLellan says we will see the car launch in the fourth quarter of this year.

Pricing and local specification will be announced closer to the car’s launch.

BMW 118i:
Four-cylinder in-line petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology package, consisting of twin-scroll turbocharger, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC and Double-VANOS variable valve control.
Capacity: 1, 598 cc, output: 125 kW at 4,800 rpm
Maximum torque: 250 Nm at 1,500 – 4,500 rpm
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h]: 7.4 seconds
Maximum speed: 225 km/h
Combined-cycle fuel consumption*: 5.8 – 5.9 litres/100 kilometres
CO2 emissions*: 134 – 137 g/km, emissions standard: EU5.
BMW 116i:
Four-cylinder in-line petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology package, consisting of twin-scroll turbocharger, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC and Double-VANOS variable valve control.
Capacity: 1,598 cc, output: 100 kW at 4, 400 rpm
Maximum torque: 220 Nm at 1,350 – 4, 300 rpm
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h]: 8.5 seconds
Maximum speed: 210 km/h
Combined-cycle fuel consumption*: 5.5 – 5.7 litres/100 kilometres
CO2 emissions*: 129 – 132 g/km, emissions standard: EU5.
BMW 118d:
Four-cylinder in-line diesel engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology package, consisting of variable-geometry turbocharger, common-rail, magnetic-valve direct injection (max. injection pressure: 1,600 bar).
Capacity: 1,955 cc, output: 105 kW/143 hp at 4,000 rpm
Max. torque: 320 Nm at 1,750 – 2, 500 rpm
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h]: 8.9 seconds
Maximum speed: 212 km/h
Combined-cycle fuel consumption*: 4.4 – 4.5 litres/100 kilometres
CO2 emissions*: 115 – 118 g/km, emissions standard: EU5