Internet radio draws on a database with 120 genre stations and adapts to your own personal musical taste. For customised musical enjoyment in BMW 1 Series.
Only listen to songs you like with special equipment apps, your iPhone and free app Personal Radio – AUPEO! Customisable Internet radio adapts to your taste in music. Currently, you can play tracks from musical library that carries around 1 million songs from 120 different genres. Buttons ‘Love’ and ‘Ban’ in Control Display personalise taste of music. ‘Love’ registers your appreciation for a specific song and AUPEO! adds similar songs to playlist. ‘Ban’ button deletes song and AUPEO! Would not play any other like it. Very soon you will only be listening to songs you really like. Like ‘BMW Connected’ AUPEO! is available free of charge in Apple App Store.
BMW Apps are compatible with iPhone 3GS/4/4S and requires optional equipment ‘Apps’.
BMW Connected App.
Stay better connected with apps and BMW ConnectedDrive: now you can also enjoy apps on your iPhone while driving. Simply connect iPhone to BMW via snap-in adapter or original Apple cable and browse through apps with iDrive Controller.
‘BMW Connected’, free app developed by BMW does more than just put Facebook, Twitter or your calendar on car display: with new function ‘News’ you can get updates on news from across the world while you drive – via pre-defined RSS feeds or your own favourite sources. Wiki Local gives you information about current location, destination or an address of your choice. Information appears on Control or can be read out using text-to-speech function.
‘Last Mile’ function and Vehicle Finder guide you to desired locations which are set in navigation system of BMW – even when you are out of vehicle – and help to find way back. ‘BMW Connected’ will be updated on regular basis and you can look forward to use other ‘BMW Apps ready’ applications (like AUPEO!) in car too.
BMW Online
Using internet services, BMW Online enhances your mobility by sending you up-to-date information while you are at wheel of BMW 1 Series 3-door. Breaking news, weather forecasts, travel information and e-mail are transferred directly to you.
With services such as Google Local Search as well as details of ATMs and hotels, you get exclusive, location-based information on everything you need to know about route or location. BMW Online users can also make use of BMW Route Planner to work out their journeys on a computer outside car and then retrieve them in automobile. Display latest weather information; locate nearest filling station or parking. If you wish, you can even transfer results found directly to navigation system at touch of a button.
Customizable browser apps in Applications menu offer even more information: BMW Online users can access Qype review portal, search for service facilities offered by Deutsche Post or use Wiki Local service. In future even more practical functions will be offered under Applications menu command. Here you can configure applications you wish to use for yourself. Text-to-speech allows to have information – such as latest news – read out while you still concentrate on traffic.
BMW- 1 Series Looks and style
Exterior design
A powerful character that is identifiable at first glance: its sporty proportions, long wheelbase and short overhangs lend all-new BMW 1 Series 3-door and extraordinary dynamics. Dynamics it needs to set tone on streets. Authentic, lively and vibrant – front shows its unmistakable BMW 1 Series roots. Vertical kidney slats and prominent Xenon head are instantly noticeable, while powerful lines and 3-D effects characterise dynamically-shaped bonnet and are carried through to striking shoulder line, elongated windows and slightly sloping roof line. Result is an extremely dynamic vehicle design which promises outstanding driving pleasure even when it is in stationary position.
BMW- 1 Series Interiors
Sport steering wheel
Never before has driving experience equipped so snugly into hand. With sporty steering wheel of BMW 1 Series Coupe you confidently regulate every driving situation – and with integrated multifunction keys all comfort functions as well.
Grained Nasca leather steering wheel rim lies perfectly in users’ hands and steering resolutely obeys every movement – as use comfort functions of BMW 1 Series Coupe. Using integrated multifunction keys, you securely and conveniently control devices including radio, CD player and phone.
Thanks to optional paddle switches, drivers with sporting ambitions no longer have to take hands from steering wheel. You shift quickly and accurately between gears using side-mounted paddles.
Visually, too, Sport steering wheel is perfectly matched to BMW 1 Series Coupe. Contemporary 3-spoke design and decorative trim in Alpine White make steering wheel into such a perfect instrument for your driving delight that you would not want to let it leave your hand.
Colours and materials
In BMW 1 Series Coupe, you do not have to start engine to set pulse racing. High-quality materials and perfect craftsmanship create a thrilling interior which inspires from the moment you get into the car.
All colours and materials of BMW 1 Series Coupe have been carefully matched to its sporting appearance by BMW designing department. Chrome applications on controls and large selection of interior trims made of precious materials set user accents in cabin.
From elegant and stylish looks in high-gloss black or genuine wood to sportingly temperamental in Alpine White or aluminium – you decide and add you own personal style to interior of BMW 1 Series Coupe.
Comfort
When you get inside BMW 1 Series Coupe, you will think of nothing else but fast bends, long straights and unbridled driving pleasure – and there is no need to either. A wealth of comfort functions allow to focus on important tasks.
There are several good reasons why you will feel comfort in BMW 1 Series Coupe from very first second. Every surface and every line, every switch and every display in cockpit of BMW 1 Series Coupe is perfectly navigated towards driver and is fixed exactly where you expected.
Ergonomically arranged controls allow operating all comfort, entertainment and communication functions easily, swiftly and intuitively. And while doing so, anti-glare Control Display means that you have all important information exactly in view at all times.
To make sure you never miss your destination, navigation system keeps telling you the way if required. During journey, automatic climate control provides a pleasant interior and with comfortable seats, which can be adjusted perfectly according to seating position, you are guaranteed to arrive in a relaxed mood so you can focus on what is really important – perfect driving experrience.
Rear passenger compartment
2 + 2 equals four times driving pleasure. BMW 1 Series Coupe brings inspiration wherever you sit. Ergonomically shaped rear seats guarantee 2-passenger in back a driving experience almost like being in cockpit.
Pulses race not only when you are behind the wheel. In BMW 1 Series Coupe, passengers will certainly enjoy every kilometre. Whether sporting or relaxed, your driving style alone decides. Ergonomic rear seats offer a secure, comfortable support and practical storage compartment between them provides a quick and secure space for stowing travel accessories. If required, optional folding headrests make journey even more comfortable and for larger objects transportation, rear seat backrest can be divided in a 60:40 ratio and folded down individually.
BMW- 1 Series Exterior
Exterior design
High energy manifested in uncompromising shapes. With short overhangs, powerful shapes and compact rear, exterior design of BMW 1 Series unites genes of sporting dynamics.
Your gaze follows front apron, continues over extended bonnet, wanders along shoulder line and short overhangs until it reaches rear.
Corona rings of front headlight draws attention, LED lamps of accent and rear lights illuminate uniquely. Frameless doors and characteristic Hofmeister kink set additional sporting accents. Long wheelbase and muscular flanks make it unmistakably clear that only one direction is conceivable for BMW 1 Series.
Light design
With each curve, distinctive headlights of BMW 1 Series drive darkness out of way. In hot pursuit are innovative LED rear lights with high-performance LED light rods, glowing elements which trace outline in dusk.
Xenon headlights combined into Corona rings and optional LED accent lights positioned above headlights beam with athletic temperament. Look full of energy with unmistakable focus of BMW. When required, Adaptive Headlights perfectly illuminate crucial areas of road and daytime running lights contribute to your safety by improving visibility.
Rear lights too, each with two high-performance LED light rods, turn BMW 1 Series into a real eye-catcher. Lighting strips shaped to body underline sporting design of rear and especially fast-responding brake lights make their mark – at any point of time.
M sport package
Appearance alone is impressive – yet even more so is the experience of driving with M sport package. All components are perfectly conjoined to BMW 1 Series and noticeably improve driving dynamics.
With perfect combination of athletics and aesthetics, M sport package could have been created for BMW 1 Series. Optional M sport chassis is 15 mm closer to ground and supplies exact feedback in every nook while M light-alloy wheels keep BMW 1 Series firmly on road.
Powerfully shaped side skirts together with front and rear aprons create exclusive and exciting exterior for BMW 135i even without M sport package included. Reduced lift and improved aerodynamic balance bring more performance on road and noticeably improves driving characteristics. With M sport package, you have choice of six different paint finishes, among them Le Mans Blue metallic, which is exclusively available for M sport package.
Shadow Line equipment impresses with its window surrounds and roof railing in high-gloss black and shaped sport-seats in exclusive cloth/Sensatec Flashpoint Black mixture offer secure side support even at high lateral accelerations. Other equipment includes aluminium glacier silver interior trims, M entry sills, M footrest and gear lever knob, Individual anthracite roof liner and M leather steering wheel, which users can obtain with combined multifunction buttons on request.
BMW 1 Series Coupe Editions
BMW 1 Series combines powerful shapes and elegant lines to form a unique overall picture: Limited Edition Lifestyle, Edition Sport and Edition Exclusive adopt particular character of exterior and underscore it with selected design elements – to meet highest demands and provide a maximum in individuality.
Adaptive Headlights
Adaptive Headlights in BMW 1 Series allow users to see bends in a new light. Sensor-controlled Xenon headlights mated to driver’s steering movement follow the angle of bend when wheel turns and provide optimum illumination for road and kerb.
Information on speed and steering is frequently recorded during journey and transferred to electromechanical control unit for xenon headlights, where it is automatically converted into corresponding movement. Your headlights thus follow course of road and ideally illuminate every bend.
During slow drives, additional cornering light is activated and brings light into dark when parking and turning. At speeds below 40 km/h, if you activate indicator lever or turn steering wheel, it automatically lights up an area of up to 80° to side of direction of travel and so even at night you always have a clear view of car’s immediate surroundings.
BMW- 1 Series Safety
Lane Departure Warning
Driving with instinct: BMW 1 Series 3-door provides discreet support and active assistance to avoid dangerous situations. A camera watches surroundings and warn driver of lane changes and vehicles coming too close.
Camera placed at the front of car steers Lane Departure Warning system. While travelling above 70 km/h, system monitors road markings and their position versus car as well as edge of road or lane. The system is activated whenever car leaves its current lane unintentionally and alerts driver by making steering wheel vibrate. Indicating deactivates this technology from BMW ConnectedDrive while driver is turning off or changing lanes.
Special equipment Lane Departure Warning includes a combines camera-based collision warning. As soon as system detects distance to vehicle in front is too short, it warns driver by means of a sign displayed on instrument panel and an acoustic signal.
Traffic Sign Recognition
Front view camera on interior mirror keeps track of traffic signs. In combination with Professional navigation system, Speed Limit Info including no overtaking display recognises speed restrictions and overtaking bans – both on signs at side of road and mounted above carriageway.
Information recorded by camera is integrated with data from other devices such as navigation system, clock and rain sensor before any restrictions are depicted on instrument panel. Use of camera means additional signs such as those which apply on wet roads, can also be taken into consideration.
For the first time BMW ConnectedDrive is supplying a no overtaking display as part of this function for BMW 1 Series. Any overtaking ban tracked or speed limit is depicted on instrument panel in form of a traffic sign until restrictions is changed or lifted. System stores all data temporarily so that when you resume journey after a short break, speed and overtaking ban signs which were last valid are immediately displayed again.
BMW- 1 Series Features
Adaptive Headlights
Adaptive Headlights with variable light distribution and digital High Beam Assistant: BMW lighting systems share thinking – on winding roads at high speeds or for oncoming traffic.
A winding road at night: Xenon headlights adapt to angle of curve ahead and headlight beam of new BMW 1 Series remains on road.
To calculate the course of road, sensors track cornering angle and driving speed. Adaptive headlights guarantee optimum vision on dark roads, earlier recognition of course of route and possible dangers. Higher speeds require driver to look farther ahead in order to react in time – front headlights are therefore raised. In urban traffic, they are lowered automatically and illuminate road directly in front of vehicle even more efficiently without any risk of dazzling oncoming traffic.
Advanced Emergency Call
In BMW 1 Series, you can trust on a comprehensive range of high-level safety devices. Nevertheless, something unforeseeable can always happen and Advanced Emergency Call from BMW Assist is available so that you receive immediate help.
Crash sensors automatically activate an emergency call via an accident-proof telephone unit permanently installed in car that instantly reaches BMW Assist Call Centre – independently of your mobile phone. A call-centre agent then contacts directly and enquires about the condition of occupants. Same connection transfers the position of automobile to nearest metro together with other relevant information for rescue services such as risk of injury, number of passengers as well as model and colour of car. These data are used to alert and inform nearest emergency control centre without delay. As a result, rescue services are additionally able to prepare required medical care for those involved in accident in advance. Assistance is also available from afar: while travelling in different location. You will be connected with BMW Assist Call Centre of your home country. There you will receive bilingual support – both in your mother tongue and that of country where you are travelling.
You can obviously trigger emergency call manually as well. Exact position of your BMW is also transmitted at press of a soft button. Help is instantly send – regardless of whether you yourself or someone else needs it.
BMW- 1 Series Engine
BMW- 1 Series Engine is equipped with Cylinders / valves: 4 / 4, Capacity in ccm: 1,598, Stroke/bore in mm: 85.8 / 77.0, Max. Power output in kW (PS) at 1/min: 75 (102) / 4,000, Max. Torque in Nm at 1/min: 180 / 1,100, Compression ratio : 1 - 10.5, latest auto technologies, innovative concepts and many more. All these features of BMW- 1 Series Engine automatically team up with each other when needed so this car delivers unbeatable performance on city roads as well as on faster highways.
BMW- 1 Series Fuel Economy
Mileage rate of BMW- 1 Series is not high but proves best in comparison with other cars of its segment. Fuel consumption ratings of BMW – 1 Series are Urban in l/100 km: 7.4 - 7.1, Extra-urban in l/100 km: 4.7 - 4.5, Combined in l/100 km: 5.7 - 5.5, CO2 emissions in g/km: 132 – 127, Tank capacity, approx. in l: 52. This mileage configuration of BMW – 1 Series is quite laudable as you do not need to spend big bucks as running cost of this car.
BMW- 1 Series Performance
Performance of BMW- 1 Series stands it in range of high-performance cars as it runs at Top speed in km/h of 195, Acceleration 0–100 km/h in just 11.2 seconds, Acceleration 80–120 km/h in 4th/5th gear in mere 11.7 / 14.8. This car can really run on thrilling speed thus it is not a toy for rough boys.
BMW- 1 Series Front Suspension
Adaptive M suspension of BMW- 1 Series is made with latest auto technologies so you definitely enjoy smooth ride in this car. Optional Adaptive M suspension allows sports tuning of BMW 1 Series to be increased as required without compromising on comfort. Lowering chassis by 10 mm generates improved agility. Using driving experience switch, driver can also choose between a setting geared towards sports trait and one with an emphasis on comfort. During travel, sensors continuously calculate data and control shock absorber valves in Adaptive M suspension according to driving situation and road profile. This takes place for each wheel individually so that optimum road holding is guaranteed at all times.
BMW- 1 Series Rear Suspension
Adaptive M suspension of BMW- 1 Series is also made to support rear wheels while driving. Like front wheels, rear wheel suspension is also powerful enough to keep bumps away. Thus, you guaranteed enjoy smoother drive on roads.
BMW- 1 Series Braking and Handling
Electronic driving aids abound in BMW 1 Series including antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and cornering brake control, dynamic traction control, dynamic stability control, and a switch that can disable DSC system for track days or generally more involving driving through woods. Besides, handling of BMW – 1 Series is quite laudable as it comes with power steering and other recently developed steering technology. Obviously, it is a better car to buy.
BMW- 1 Series Wheels
BMW- 1 Series rests on Tyre dimensions front: 195/55 R 16 87H, Tyre dimensions rear: 195/55 R 16 87H, Wheel dimensions and material front: 6,5 J x 16 inches, steel, Wheel dimensions and material rear: 6,5 J x 16 inches, steel. All these features of BMW- 1 Series perfectly work as a proficient team so this car guarantees perfect control and stability on roads.
BMW- 1 Series Accessories
Original BMW Accessories
Consumers will find immense products in Original BMW Accessories range to support dynamic character of BMW 1 Series 3-door. Thanks to robustness and stability, e-bike carrier for trailer tow hitch is ideal for transporting two e-bikes. New, high-quality BMW design makes it easy to install and allows it to be folded down to a very small size.
Roof box with basic carrier offers spacious room for even more cargo. With Urban Line ski and snowboard bag you can transport up to 4-pair of skis or 3 snowboards securely in rear of your vehicle. Fitted with carrying handles and straps, it also makes an ideal travelling companion outside BMW 1 Series.
Offering extra storage capacity of 20 litres for food, clothing or toys, Urban Line storage bag is secured to rear seat bench using centre seatbelt. It is made of durable material and features an insulated bottle holder. Dirt-repellent and water-resistant all-weather floor mat, high-quality leather Urban Line handbrake grip and 19” light-alloy wheels round off selection of products from Original BMW Accessories.
BMW- 1 Series Driving Impressions
Apply brakes, turn wheel for perfect control. The centrifugal force inevitably brings smile on face and you accelerate out of apex, your pulse races against engine. Driving dynamics is perfect interplay between innovative auto technologies, accurately tuned for excellent driving pleasure.
Untamed forward thrust of BMW 135i with direct petrol injection, TwinPower Turbo and 7-speed Sport automatic transmission with double clutch impresses even during very first metres. By the time, you have taken first corner there is no further doubt that BMW 1 Series only fully unveil its outstanding driving dynamics on winding roads.
This is where ideal axle load distribution optimised aerodynamics rear-wheel drive and low centre of gravity of BMW 1 Series Coupé unite to give unique agility. Result is perfect road holding and outstanding handling. Active Steering adapts perfectly to your speed, making every corner an opportunity to gain fresh momentum.
7-speed Sport automatic transmission
7-gear, 2-clutch and uninterrupted acceleration of BMW 1 Series powers you forward without any interruption. Two clutches switch between two drive trains in milliseconds without slightest jolt and interrupting traction.
Power alone does not determine dynamic experience of driving – available force also has to be applied effectively to road. Optional 7-speed Sport automatic transmission for BMW 135i does not waste a single millisecond of power. Even and uneven gears are distributed on two power trains each with its own clutch. When one gear is disengaged next is already engaged. This stupendous feature minimises shift times but maximises precision. No jolting, no interruption in traction.
All this is possible due to switch paddles, you can also keep hands on wheels during manual changes, and if you prefer to avoid shifting all together, you will always drive in right gear with 7-speed Sport automatic transmission and save petrol fuel. It allows you to enjoy impressive driving dynamics with low fuel consumption and acceleration figures approaching sports car level.
Pros
Breath-taking appearance
Brawny manufacturing
Laudable ground clearance
Powerful engine
Plush interior
A treat to drive
Cons
Extremely high price and low mileage rate
Requires lots of care as maintenance
Glossy finish is more prone to get disorted
Verdict
There has been a long debate on whether BMW India would ever launch 1 Series in India. Adding fuel to fire was introduction of 1 Series Coupe which resulted in speculation of a 4-door sedan based on 1 Series, however to lay all rumours and visionary stories to rest, BMW India has confirmed that it is 1 Series hatch will be making Indian debut in 2013.
1 Series will be manufactured at BMW India's Chennai assembly line which currently makes 3 Series and 5 Series sedans, X1 compact SUV and diesel X3. Assembled units attract lower duty than CBUs and this will allow BMW India to price new 1 Series rather aggressively. Keeping that in mind, plant currently has capacity for 11,000 units per annum however with demand on 1 Series expected to soar, there is going to be a certain need for a boost in plant capacity.
Car itself is a premium hatchback and boasts best of BMW's DNA. For car enthusiasts who are planning for a pure driving, 1 Series fits perfectly. It is small, powerful, well kitted, agile and touted to handle like its on rails. The icing on cake however is the fact that it is rear wheel drive!
As far as engines are concerned, BMW 1 Series is offered with two engine choices which boast various states of tune. 1.6 petrol unit is available in both a 136 PS and 170 PS output while 2.0 diesel unit is capable of producing 116 PS, 143 PS and 184 PS depending on variant. While all these choices would be welcome by BMW aficionados in India, company is most likely to bring in 136 PS petrol and the 143 PS diesel but we are keeping fingers crossed for high end output variants as well.
Based on all-new 3 Series platform, 1 Series might be smallest BMW but it is still a relatively big car. It comes with well-appointed interiors and exteriors follow in family style of a long sleek hood narrowing down to a sharp snout, a setback passenger cabin and sharply chiseled rear. BMW Motors is looking at pitting this car right up against new Mercedes-Benz A Class. It is going to be quite a duel, for these cars are not only premium marques, they also usher in a whole new price point which makes them more accessible to wider audience.
Adaptive M suspension of BMW- 1 Series is made with latest auto technologies so you definitely enjoy smooth ride in this car. Optional Adaptive M suspension allows sports tuning of BMW 1 Series to be increased as required without compromising on comfort. Lowering chassis by 10 mm generates improved agility. Using driving experience switch, driver can also choose between a setting geared towards sports trait and one with an emphasis on comfort. During travel, sensors continuously calculate data and control shock absorber valves in Adaptive M suspension according to driving situation and road profile. This takes place for each wheel individually so that optimum road holding is guaranteed at all times.
BMW- 1 Series Rear Suspension
Adaptive M suspension of BMW- 1 Series is also made to support rear wheels while driving. Like front wheels, rear wheel suspension is also powerful enough to keep bumps away. Thus, you guaranteed enjoy smoother drive on roads.
BMW- 1 Series Braking and Handling
Electronic driving aids abound in BMW 1 Series including antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and cornering brake control, dynamic traction control, dynamic stability control, and a switch that can disable DSC system for track days or generally more involving driving through woods. Besides, handling of BMW – 1 Series is quite laudable as it comes with power steering and other recently developed steering technology. Obviously, it is a better car to buy.
BMW- 1 Series Wheels
BMW- 1 Series rests on Tyre dimensions front: 195/55 R 16 87H, Tyre dimensions rear: 195/55 R 16 87H, Wheel dimensions and material front: 6,5 J x 16 inches, steel, Wheel dimensions and material rear: 6,5 J x 16 inches, steel. All these features of BMW- 1 Series perfectly work as a proficient team so this car guarantees perfect control and stability on roads.
BMW- 1 Series Accessories
Original BMW Accessories
Consumers will find immense products in Original BMW Accessories range to support dynamic character of BMW 1 Series 3-door. Thanks to robustness and stability, e-bike carrier for trailer tow hitch is ideal for transporting two e-bikes. New, high-quality BMW design makes it easy to install and allows it to be folded down to a very small size.
Roof box with basic carrier offers spacious room for even more cargo. With Urban Line ski and snowboard bag you can transport up to 4-pair of skis or 3 snowboards securely in rear of your vehicle. Fitted with carrying handles and straps, it also makes an ideal travelling companion outside BMW 1 Series.
Offering extra storage capacity of 20 litres for food, clothing or toys, Urban Line storage bag is secured to rear seat bench using centre seatbelt. It is made of durable material and features an insulated bottle holder. Dirt-repellent and water-resistant all-weather floor mat, high-quality leather Urban Line handbrake grip and 19” light-alloy wheels round off selection of products from Original BMW Accessories.
BMW- 1 Series Driving Impressions
Apply brakes, turn wheel for perfect control. The centrifugal force inevitably brings smile on face and you accelerate out of apex, your pulse races against engine. Driving dynamics is perfect interplay between innovative auto technologies, accurately tuned for excellent driving pleasure.
Untamed forward thrust of BMW 135i with direct petrol injection, TwinPower Turbo and 7-speed Sport automatic transmission with double clutch impresses even during very first metres. By the time, you have taken first corner there is no further doubt that BMW 1 Series only fully unveil its outstanding driving dynamics on winding roads.
This is where ideal axle load distribution optimised aerodynamics rear-wheel drive and low centre of gravity of BMW 1 Series Coupé unite to give unique agility. Result is perfect road holding and outstanding handling. Active Steering adapts perfectly to your speed, making every corner an opportunity to gain fresh momentum.
7-speed Sport automatic transmission
7-gear, 2-clutch and uninterrupted acceleration of BMW 1 Series powers you forward without any interruption. Two clutches switch between two drive trains in milliseconds without slightest jolt and interrupting traction.
Power alone does not determine dynamic experience of driving – available force also has to be applied effectively to road. Optional 7-speed Sport automatic transmission for BMW 135i does not waste a single millisecond of power. Even and uneven gears are distributed on two power trains each with its own clutch. When one gear is disengaged next is already engaged. This stupendous feature minimises shift times but maximises precision. No jolting, no interruption in traction.
All this is possible due to switch paddles, you can also keep hands on wheels during manual changes, and if you prefer to avoid shifting all together, you will always drive in right gear with 7-speed Sport automatic transmission and save petrol fuel. It allows you to enjoy impressive driving dynamics with low fuel consumption and acceleration figures approaching sports car level.
Pros
Breath-taking appearance
Brawny manufacturing
Laudable ground clearance
Powerful engine
Plush interior
A treat to drive
Cons
Extremely high price and low mileage rate
Requires lots of care as maintenance
Glossy finish is more prone to get disorted
Verdict
There has been a long debate on whether BMW India would ever launch 1 Series in India. Adding fuel to fire was introduction of 1 Series Coupe which resulted in speculation of a 4-door sedan based on 1 Series, however to lay all rumours and visionary stories to rest, BMW India has confirmed that it is 1 Series hatch will be making Indian debut in 2013.
1 Series will be manufactured at BMW India's Chennai assembly line which currently makes 3 Series and 5 Series sedans, X1 compact SUV and diesel X3. Assembled units attract lower duty than CBUs and this will allow BMW India to price new 1 Series rather aggressively. Keeping that in mind, plant currently has capacity for 11,000 units per annum however with demand on 1 Series expected to soar, there is going to be a certain need for a boost in plant capacity.
Car itself is a premium hatchback and boasts best of BMW's DNA. For car enthusiasts who are planning for a pure driving, 1 Series fits perfectly. It is small, powerful, well kitted, agile and touted to handle like its on rails. The icing on cake however is the fact that it is rear wheel drive!
As far as engines are concerned, BMW 1 Series is offered with two engine choices which boast various states of tune. 1.6 petrol unit is available in both a 136 PS and 170 PS output while 2.0 diesel unit is capable of producing 116 PS, 143 PS and 184 PS depending on variant. While all these choices would be welcome by BMW aficionados in India, company is most likely to bring in 136 PS petrol and the 143 PS diesel but we are keeping fingers crossed for high end output variants as well.
Based on all-new 3 Series platform, 1 Series might be smallest BMW but it is still a relatively big car. It comes with well-appointed interiors and exteriors follow in family style of a long sleek hood narrowing down to a sharp snout, a setback passenger cabin and sharply chiseled rear. BMW Motors is looking at pitting this car right up against new Mercedes-Benz A Class. It is going to be quite a duel, for these cars are not only premium marques, they also usher in a whole new price point which makes them more accessible to wider audience.