BMW 1
External differences between the versions of Urban Line and Sport Line are reduced to the color and number of plates in the “nostrils” of the false radiator grille (1), the design of the air intakes in the bumper (2), the finish (chrome or black) of the side mirror housings (3) External differences between the versions of Urban Line and Sport Line are reduced to the color and number of plates in the “nostrils” of the false radiator grille (1), the design of the air intakes in the bumper (2), the finish (chrome or black) of the side mirror housings (3)
The new BMW 1 Series hatchback has noticeably grown: it is 85 mm (4324 mm) longer than its predecessor, and 30 mm (2690 mm) larger than its wheelbase, its width has increased by 17 mm (1765 mm). Trunk volume increased by 30 liters - up to 360 liters. The back of the rear seats is divided into three unequal parts in the proportion of 40:20:20, and, having folded it completely, the capacity of the cargo compartment can be increased to 1200 liters.
BMW 1
Now BMW will offer the first series in two versions - Sport Line and Urban Line. The first version was equipped with sports seats and a steering wheel, and the radiator “nostrils”, the air intake in the bumper and the exterior mirror housings were made black. A more glamorous version of Urban received a metal finish on the false radiator grille, matching the lining on the front and rear bumpers and chrome side mirrors.
BMW 1
Ghost in the studio
Looking at the second generation of the “penny” BMW, there is an irresistible desire to appeal to its designers with the unforgettable phrase of Ostap Bender: “Do you know how to draw?” Although, in fairness, we note that the new Bavarian “unit” is not able to compete in, say, “non-triviality” design with a range of BMW 5-10 years ago.
BMW 120i 2005
"Penny" of the first generation "Penny" of the first generation
Well, tell me: why, why is this car big, like the eyes of an insect, the headlights? They, in my opinion, spoil the good overall appearance of the Bavarian hatchback. It is not otherwise the vengeful ghost of the resigned Chris Bangle sneaked into the design studio at night and worked on the appearance of the novelty. Moreover, he only had time to redraw only the head optics … After all, the rest of the car is quite harmonious, has hereditary proportions of the previous “unit”, and it looks quite attractive to itself from the side and the back. However, seriously speaking, the look of the new “penny” was conceived, even when Chris Bangle himself remained as chief designer, and he could personally help the ward with practical advice. But enough about design, let's talk better about technology.
This is a classic
As before, the “unit” has a classic rear-wheel drive, which stands out among the host of front-wheel drive classmates. Layout solutions can also be considered classic: a motor shifted into the wheelbase, providing close to perfect weight distribution along the axles, a MacPherson front suspension, and a multi-linkage at the rear.
The new BMW 1 Series comes with TwinPower Turbo gasoline and diesel engines. So, the modifications of the BMW 116i and BMW 118i are equipped with a 1.6-liter unit with a capacity of 136 and 170 hp. A 2-liter diesel engine is offered in three versions of different power: 116, 143 and 184 hp. - for models 116d 118d and 120d respectively. All motors can be aggregated with either a manual or automatic transmission. By the way, for the first time in a car of this class, an 8-speed “automatic” is used.
In Germany, the new hatchback will be priced from 23, 850 euros for the base version 116i. The most powerful diesel option is priced at 29, 250 euros. The Russian price list is not yet known, but given the price difference with its predecessor in Germany, we can assume that our most affordable "pennies" will cost less than a million.
BMW 1
Drawings by K. Vasiliev Drawings by K. Vasiliev
This time, the Bavarians managed to trick the “predictors” of the appearance of their new model and arrange a surprise. Both foreign publications and we were inclined to believe that the headlights of the new “unit” will be narrow in accordance with new-fangled trends. However, either BMW slept this trend, or decided to do it in spite - “not like everyone else”, or simply tried so hard to arrange this very surprise that they outwitted themselves. Also, we did not quite correctly guess the outline of the taillights, which now resemble VW Polo rather than the previous “penny”. Otherwise, our forecasts came true: both about the number and shape of the air intakes in the bumper, and about the longitudinal ribs on the hood, and about the radius and inclination of the stampings on the sidewalls … Even the shape of the side mirrors was determined correctly.
