New BMW 1 Series gets new, faster engines

The new 2017 BMW 1 Series will arrive in Australian showrooms toward the end of 2016, with the rear-wheel-drive hatch primarily getting new, faster engines.

Only the 118i ($36,900) and 118d ($40,300) base models are mechanically unchanged.

Every other model is either tweaked, or radically changed, under the bonnet.

Across the range, an eight-speed automatic is standard fare, though a six-speed manual gearbox remains available as a no-cost option.

The 120i ($41,900) is beefed up, moving from a 1.6-litre turbo four to a 2.0-litre unit. Power is bumped 5kW to 135kW, while the 270Nm of torque is up 20Nm from last year’s car. The improvements are incremental, cutting 0.1 seconds from the 120i’s 0-100 sprint (now 7.1 seconds), while delivering 5.8L/100km.

Also included in the 120i’s price is satellite navigation, 17-inch wheels and dual-zone climate control – plus the more aggressive Sport Line styling outside.

The next engine up is the 125i ($48,900), which sees the 120i’s two-litre four uprated to 165kW and 310Nm. Like the 120i, the 0-100 sprint is improved by 0.1 seconds (to 6.1 seconds), but the big gains are in fuel consumption, which falls 10% to 5.9L/100km.

The $7,000 step to the 125i doesn’t just cut a second from the 0-100 time. It also adds 18-inch M whels, parking sensors at the front and back, and Alcantara inserts for the cloth seats.

Priced at $64,900, the M140i caps the 1 Series range, with a new three-litre turbocharged inline six producing 250kW and 500Nm – figures that are 10kW and 50Nm improvements on the old car.

The extra shove is adequate to cut the 0-100 sprint to 4.6 seconds from 4.9, while fuel consumption also sees a 5% bump in the downward direction to 7.1L/100km.

The availability of a six-cylinder engine is unique in this class to the 1 Series, but the M140i adds other attractive features – including a premium 12-speaker sound system, leather seats, and keyless entry and go.

2017 BMW 1 Series Australian price

• 118i: $36,900
• 118d: $40,300
• 120i: $41,900
• 125i: $48,900
• M140i: $64,900