2012 BMW 1-Series - New and previous model comparison
Next-generation 1-Series is bigger than its predecessor and offers a range of exclusively BMW TwinPower turbocharged engines
BMW has released full details and images on the 2012 next-generation 1-Series (aka F20).
BMW calls this the only rear-wheel drive hatch in its class and we have no argument against that claim (Audi offers Quattro on the FWD-based A3 and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and B-Class models are FWD too). And if you thought the last 1-Series was a little too compact for your tastes, then there's good news here for you.
The 1-Series has grown. It is 85 mm longer than its predecessor with a wheelbase 30 mm longer too. The front track is 51 mm wider and the rear track is widened by 72 mm over the previous (or current-as-of-last-week) generation 1-Series.
The height stays the same but the 1-Series' greater dimensions now offer much more cabin space with 21 mm more rear legroom and trunk space going up by 30 liters to 360 liters (with the rear seats upright).
Also refreshed is the range of engine offerings - all turbocharged with BMW TwinPower turbo technology (twin-scroll turbo tech). Both the 116i and the 118i are powered by the 1.6 liter turbo unit - with respective outputs of 100 kW/136 PS (134 bhp) and 125 kW/170 PS (168 bhp).
BMW will likely add its new 2.0 liter turbo unit to the 1-Series soon enough for higher output variants.
On the diesel front are the 116d, 118d and 120d with the 2.0 liter lump configured to deliver outputs of 85 kW/116 PS (114 bhp), 105 kW/143 PS (141 bhp) and 135 kW/184 PS (182 bhp), respectively. BMW will also offer an EfficientDynamics variant of the 116d (with the same output) that features a CO2 emission quotient of 99 g/km.
Transmission options are also impressive for this class of car and include the 8-speed automatic from ZF.
EfficientDynamics technology is also featured in the entire range which includes a stop/start system even with the manual 6-speed gearbox.
For the UK market the new BMW 1 Series goes on sale 17 September 2011. Prices start from £19,375 OTR for a BMW 116i ES.
| Model | Power Hp | Torque Nm | 0 – 62mph Seconds | Top Speed Mph | Combined Mpg* | CO2 Emissions g/km* | Pricing from |
| BMW 116i | 136 | 220 | 8.5 | 130 | 49.6 (48.7) | 132 (134) | £19,375 |
| BMW 118i | 170 | 250 | 7.4 | 140 | 47.9 (48.7) | 137 (134) | £21,985 |
| BMW 116d | 116 | 260 | 10.3 | 124 | 62.8 (62.8) | 117 (119) | £20,195 |
| BMW 118d | 143 | 320 | 8.9 | 132 | 62.8 (62.8) | 118 (119) | £22,030 |
| BMW 120d | 184 | 380 | 7.2 | 142 | 62.8 (64.2) | 119 (116) | £23,480 |
