The new BMW 1 Series line up will feature a high mpg, low CO2 model ideal for company car drivers.
The German manufacturer promises new engines, updated styling inside and out, and more equipment – including its green EfficientDynamics technology – when the updated 1 Series goes on sale in March.
Engines – more power, less consumption
A flexible line up of engines range from the 116d EfficientDynamics Plus, with a claimed 83.1mpg and 89g/km of CO2, to the lively 326hp M135i.
This greener diesel will be the model that most appeals to company car drivers, sitting in BIK band 16 for the 2015/16 tax year, one band lower than the previous efficient model.
The standard 116d is less efficient, but still impressive, offering 78.5mpg and CO2 emissions of 94g/km, also slotting into a 16 percent BIK tax band for the 2015/16 tax year.
The 118d, 120d and 125d all use the same four-cylinder diesel engine in three different tuning set ups, ranging from 148bhp to 221bhp. As you would expect, the 118d delivers the best claimed economy, with 74.3mpg and 104g/km of CO2 (placing the 118d in a 18 percent BIK tax band for the next tax year), and the 125d promises 61.4mpg and 121g/km meaning a 22 percent BIK tax band for the 2015/16 tax year.
The petrol line-up starts with two 1.6-litre engines in 118i and 120i guise, a 2-litre for the 125i and finally a 3-litre straight six in the M135i. Claimed fuel efficiency ranges from 52.3mpg in the 116i to 35.3mpg in the hot M135i, with those engines producing 134bhp and 322bhp.
A six-speed manual gearbox is standard for most new 1 Series cars, except the 125d which features an eight-speed Sport Automatic gearbox with paddle shifters and launch control. This box is offered as an option in the 125i, M135i, 120d and BMW 120d xDrive models.
You can also have a Steptronic eight-speed auto box in the four-wheel drive 120d xDrive. This offers improved efficiency with longer gear ratios, and uses the car’s navigation system to predict gear changes.
EfficientDynamics
BMW says it has made a number of changes to improve the efficiency of its 1 Series. Aerodynamic improvements at the front end include an improved seal between the headlights and bonnet to optimise airflow.
In terms of equipment, a Brake Energy Regeneration system is now standard, as is an optimum gearshift indicator and start/stop function, plus an ECO PRO mode, which can be activated with the Driving Experience Control switch.
All auto boxes, except the 118i and 120i, now offer a coasting function, and cars with satnav feature a Proactive Driving Assistant function, which points out when you should lift-off the throttle ahead of corners, roundabouts and speed limit changes.
The new BMW 1 Series goes on sale March 28, 2015.
