SYDNEY: BMW’s updated 1 Series hatch, introduced in January, will land in Australia this month with new looks, new features and a revised model spread.
With refreshed styling penned by Sydney-born Calvin Luk, the 1 Series update’s standout visual tweaks include new headlights, new tail lamps and new bumpers at both ends.
For the 2016 model year, the 1 Series again kicks off from $36,900, but there’s a twist: the 116i and 118i names of the previous range have been replaced by new 118i and 120i badges.
That means that while the 118i name continues, it is now the entry model, offering the same price point and 100kW/220Nm 1.6 litre turbo engine previously listed with the 116i.
Likewise, the previous $43,000 118i is now the more affordable $41,900 120i, and power from its 1.6 litre turbo petrol engine is boosted by 5kW to 130kW. Torque is unchanged at 250Nm.
The 118d carries on with the same familiar name, driven again by a 2.0 litre turbo diesel offering 110kW and 320Nm. It also benefits from a price cut, dropping from $43,000 to $40,300.
The more powerful 125i likewise continues with the same name and 160kW/310Nm 2.0 litre turbo engine, although its price has increased $900 to $48,900.
The 125i’s price rice brings a handy upgrade, however, with the M Sport kit now standard. In the previous range, the 125i M Sport was priced at $51,000.
The upgrade means the 125i is now equipped with M Sport brakes, suspension, aerodynamics package and 18-inch alloy wheels.
The M135i remains the 1 Series flagship, and its price remains unchanged at $64,930.
Again available in eight-speed auto and six-speed manual form, the M135i benefits from a 5kW boost to 240kW, while torque holds steady at 450Nm.
Standard kit has been enhanced across the range, while a rear-view camera and the Sport Line trim package is now included with BMW 118i, 118d and 120i.
The updated 1 Series launches this month. Watch for TMR’s review to come next week.
Feature Breakdown
BMW 118i & BMW 118d
16-inch alloy wheels
Sport Line
Cloth upholstery
Eight-speed Steptronic transmission
Navigation Business
Rear View Camera
Rear Park Distance Control
Sport steering wheel
Rain sensor
ConnectedDrive Lifestyle
ConnectedDrive Real Time Traffic Information
BMW 120i (in addition to BMW 118i, BMW 118d)
17-inch alloy wheels
Interior mirror w/ anti-dazzle function
Storage package
Fog lights
Extended climate control
Interior lights pack
Extended Smartphone connectivity
Driving Assistant
Extended instrument cluster
Sensatec upholstery
BMW 125i (in addition to 120i)
18-inch alloy wheels
Eight-speed sport automatic transmission
M Sport package
M Sport brakes
Variable sport steering
Exterior mirrors w/ anti-dazzle function and fold
LED headlights
Front and Rear Park Distance Control
Alcantara/Cloth upholstery
BMW M135i (in addition to 125i)
18-inch M alloy wheels
M Performance
Adaptive M Suspension
Adaptive LED headlights
Navigation Professional
DAB+ Digital Radio
HiFi loudspeaker system
Leather upholstery
PRICING (excludes on-road costs)
BMW 118i – $36,900
BMW 118d – $40,300
BMW 120i – $41,900
BMW 125i – $48,900
BMW M135i – $62,900
