By Otsile Kadiege

June is set-out to be quite a busy month for BMW as the automaker will unveil three important new models to the world throughout the month. The first model to break cover is the all-new 1-Series hatchback range which adopts an exterior and interior design and styling sourced from some of its X Series stablemates, increased exterior dimensions, new tech, powertrains with 48V mild hybrid technology, and an extensively revised chassis technology.

Baby 1-Series adopts X2 design and styling

Starting off with the exterior dimensions of the new 1-Series, the length of the new BMW 1-Series has increased by 42 millimetres to 4,361 millimetres, while the wheelbase is 2,670 millimetres. The vehicle width is 1,800 millimetres, while the height has increased by 25 millimetres to 1,459 millimetres.

Exterior design and styling highlights of the M Sport derivative include angular LED headlights with ‘four-eyed’ LED daytime running lights, a newly designed BMW Kidney grille with vertical and diagonal bars, and a revised front bumper with functional air inlets on its flanks. As standard, the new 1-Series is shod with 17-inch alloy wheels. Customers can opt for bigger 18- or 19-inch alloys. Another optional extra is a contrasting black roof.

At the rear, the new 1-Series adopts BMW’s recently launched X2’s animated chevron LED taillights. It also sports an integrated roof spoiler and a redesigned rear bumper with a prominent faux diffuser. Something worth noting, BMW has ‘deleted’ the exhaust tips from non-performance versions of the new 1-Series.

The body paintwork of the new BMW 1-Series is available in two solid paintwork finishes and seven metallic finishes. Four BMW Individual paint finishes and a wide range of BMW Individual special paint finishes are also available.

Driver-focused interior, brimming with tech

Inside, the newly designed interior of the new 1-Series, which is completely leather-free as standard, offers a modern premium ambience with sporty accents. Sticking once again with the M Sport derivative, highlights include an X1/X2 sourced sporty multifunctional steering wheel, a BMW Curved Display which comprises an integrated 10.25-inch Information Display and a 10.7-inch Control Display running on BMW’s Operating System 9, and optional M Sport seats. Heated seats and a wide range of electric adjustments, including memory on the driver’s side, are available as options for all seat versions.

More highlights include reduced use of physical buttons, which means the climate control is operated on the Control Display, a new centre console design with shortcut buttons, a volume knob and a new gear selector, contrasting stitching throughout the cabin, an optional panoramic sunroof, an optional Harman Kardon sound system, and a luggage capacity of 380 litres which is expandable to 1,200 litres with the rear seats folded down (BMW 120, BMW 120d: 300 – 1,135 litres).

Advanced driver assistance systems

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 and the new BMW 120d, allowing parking and manoeuvring to be controlled by smartphone.

48V mild hybrid engine line-up

Underneath the bonnet of the new 1-Series are the latest generation of modular engines from the BMW Group. The three-cylinder petrol engine of the new BMW 120 and the four-cylinder diesel engine of the new BMW 120d are combined with 48-volt mild hybrid technology, which is said to enhance both their efficiency and their power delivery. All of the drive units transmit their power to a dual clutch 7-speed Steptronic transmission as standard.

With a maximum power output of 125 kW, the drive system of the new BMW 120 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 7.8 seconds. The new BMW 120d generates a power output of 120 kW and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 7.9 seconds. The BMW 118d, also powered by a four-cylinder diesel engine delivers 110 kW.

Availability

The new model generation will also be produced at the BMW Group plant in Leipzig. Its market launch is scheduled for October 2024. In South Africa, the model lineup at launch will comprise the three-cylinder BMW 118 and the BMW M135 xDrive, with the BMW 120 following in 2025.