A new version of the BMW 1 Series is set to make its way to Ireland later this year, but without the option of a diesel engine.
The German hatchback, now in its 20th year, will instead only be offering a 170hp three-cylinder petrol engine that works in tandem with a 48-volt mild hybrid system integrated into the gearbox.
Both the 120 and M135 xDrive drive units transmit their power to a seven-speed Steptronic transmission with dual clutch as standard. The new BMW 120 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds. Fuel consumption is quoted as 5.3 litres/100km.
Outside, BMW has given the new 1 Series a slight refresh, which includes a long bonnet, a passenger cell set well back, a dynamically flowing roofline and a new rear design. The dimensions of the five-door model have also changed only slightly compared to its predecessor. The exterior length of the new BMW 1 Series has increased by 42 millimetres to 4,361mm, while the wheelbase is 2,670mm. The vehicle width is 1,800mm, while the height has increased by 25mm to 1,459 mm.
The body paintwork of the new BMW 1 Series is available in two solid finishes and seven metallic finishes, while four BMW Individual paint finishes and a wide range of BMW Individual special paint finishes are also available. The new BMW 1 Series is the first model in the brand's range to be available with an optional contrasting roof paint finish, with a high-gloss black finish.
There is also an M Sport model offered in Ireland, available at market launch. This adds large air intakes on the front apron, pronounced side skirts and a three-dimensional diffuser element in the rear apron. The BMW M model is powered by a 300 hp four-cylinder engine, features an Adaptive M Chassis with sport steering and intelligent all-wheel drive as standard. It also accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.
Inside, the new BMW 1 Series is completely leather-free when 'Sport' trim is selected. These new seats feature covers and upholstery made from recycled polyester. Sport seats are offered as standard in M Sport trim, or optionally available on Sport models. Heated seats are standard across the 1 Series line-up, while lumbar support can be added to the sport seats and M Sport seats. Boot space is 380 litres but can be increased to 1,200 litres by folding down the rear seats.
The new 1 Series gets a fully digital display system. The system comprises a 10.25-inch Information Display and a 10.7-inch Control Display, which also offers new functionality such as controlling the air conditioning digitally via an always-visible array of controls. As an alternative to the standard sport steering wheel, a similarly redesigned M leather steering wheel is offered as standard on M Sport models, featuring shift paddles for manual gear changes.
The new BMW 1 Series offers a significantly extended range of automated driving and parking systems as standard or optional equipment. Standard features include the Driving Assistant with front collision warning, Lane Departure Warning, Exit Warning and Traffic Sign Recognition, as well as the Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant.
Highlights of the optional range include Steering and Lane Control Assist, Automatic Speed Limit Assist and route guidance when using Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function. Parking Assistant Professional is also available for the new BMW 120, allowing parking and manoeuvring to be controlled by smartphone.
Irish pricing for the BMW 120 starts at €40,330, while the M135 is priced from €64,740. Both models are available to order from today, with first deliveries expected this October.
