BMW 1 Series, The Only Compact With Rear-wheel Drive On The Market
The BMW 1 Series is the most compact model in the range of the German brand and is located within the C segment. We find its second generation, which was presented in 2011 and in 2015 received a facelift. Since then, it has boasted of better design, new engines and more technology.
It is a compact with a large interior space considering its rear-wheel drive configuration. As a consequence, you lose some of this space both in the trunk and in the rear seats with a somewhat annoying center tunnel.
However, this configuration is unique in the compact segment, one of the most competitive on the market. It is a differentiating detail that, in addition, gives it extra dynamism compared to its main rivals, the Audi A3 and the Mercedes A-Class. In addition, it is available in 5 and 3-door versions , which are less and less common.
Exterior and interior design
The design of the second generation of the Series 1 continued with the line launched by its predecessor. Despite this, his front was criticized ad nauseam. Fortunately, with the restyling, BMW modified the front design to resemble the rest of the brand’s models.
The rear was also modified and includes the pilots in L – brand of the house – and they differ from the Volkswagen Polo, since saving the distances, they were similar in this view. At the same time, the Sport and Urban finishes were updated, giving the exterior a sportier and more elegant air respectively.
For its part, the interior of the BMW 1 Series has a dashboard focused on the driver, a common feature in BMW. In addition, inside the cabin we find an analog instrumentation less and less common in premium products , which can be accompanied by a central screen of up to 8 ″.
The center console also has room for the iDrive controls and a ‘real’ handbrake. If we wish, we can introduce decorative appliqués made of different materials and seats with a sportier cut than those equipped by default. All these options round off an interior design that has gone on in years.
Wide mechanical repertoire
If we get into the heart of the car mechanically speaking, the BMW 1 Series can equip a wide range of 3, 4 and 6-cylinder engines. All these options, both gasoline or diesel, range from the modest 116i with three cylinders and 109 hp of power to the M140i with six cylinders and 340 hp of power.
The latter is the only high-performance version in the range. If what you want is a compact, high-performance product, you should seriously consider purchasing a BMW M2, perhaps the most balanced and recommended sports car today.
Be that as it may, the German compact is available with a classic six-speed manual gearbox, in addition to an optional eight-speed automatic transmission signed by ZF. Finally, some versions can equip the xDrive all-wheel drive system that works so well.
Prices
In a high-volume sales model such as the BMW 1 Series, the official rates are quite variable, at the rate of several thousand euros. This depends on the time of purchase, on reduced editions on condition of certain requirements and even between different dealers.
On this last point, one of the tips for when you want to buy a new car is to visit different dealerships. This action can end up saving us a significant acquisition cost.
Without further ado, the range starts with the bare-bones 116i starting at € 26,450, 1,000 more for the diesel equivalent. On the other side of the range are the M140i and 120d, with base prices of € 50,100 and € 32,100, respectively.
