BMW

BMW 1 SERIES HATCHBACK 128ti 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Professional]

Fuel

FuelPetrol

Transmission

TransmissionAutomatic

Acceleration

0 - 62 mph6.1s

WLTP - CO2 (g/km)

WLTP - CO2157 g/km

The MK3 version of BMW's 1 Series gets a new platform, a new drive layout and new engines. It's sleeker, lighter, safer, more practical and more efficient than before. And, the company reckons, it's still the most rewarding steer in the premium compact hatch sector. Big claims for an important car.

STILL THE ONE?

The third generation 1 Series looks to establish itself as the premium hatch of choice in a hotly-contested sector. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

The MK3 version of BMW's 1 Series gets a new platform, a new drive layout and new engines. It's sleeker, lighter, safer, more practical and more efficient than before. And, the company reckons, it's still the most rewarding steer in the premium compact hatch sector. Big claims for an important car.

Background

Front wheel drive and BMW. Once, it was a phrase you'd never hear. But then the Munich maker introduced a front-driven platform into its 2 Series Active Tourer MPV. And now this layout's gone mainstream with the third generation version of the brand's smallest model, the 1 Series hatch. It's not so small these days, especially inside where the switch of drive layouts has freed up more room, particularly in the boot. But will the dynamic change of heart neutralise what has previously been this model line's greatest draw - uniquely rewarding handling? BMW says not - and provides a completely fresh range of engines to further sweeten the pill. On top of that there's a smarter cabin and upgraded safety. Sounds promising.

Driving Experience

Back at the launch of the very first 1 Series model in 2003, rear wheel drive was a non-negotiable part of BMW's engineering fabric. Yet this layout practically compromised both that MK1 model and its 2011 successor. And for what? The Munich maker's own research suggests that over 85% of 1 Series customers have no idea whether the drive wheels are front or rear. And whoever complained about the handling of a front-driven BMW-engineered MINI? If you opt for the brand's xDrive 4WD system of course, none of this will matter, but availability of that depends upon the engine you select, so let's take a look at the various powerplant options, all of them re-developed for this car. BMW expects the 150hp 118d diesel to be the big seller; for black pump variants, there's also a lesser 116hp 116d three cylinder 1.5-litre derivative and a more powerful 190hp 120d 2.0-litre model, the latter only offered with the xDrive system. That 4WD set-up is also a non-negotiable part of the top petrol M135i xDrive hot hatch variant (which offers 306hp), but most customers wanting to fuel from the green pump with this car will choose the 1.5-litre three cylinder 140hp unit powering the base 118i front-driven version. Three different transmissions are on offer, depending on variant. The 116d, the 118d and the 118i get an upgraded 6-speed manual gearbox and the two base three cylinder variants(116d and 118i) can also be ordered with an optional 7-speed Stepronic auto. At the top of the range, the brand's smooth 8-speed Steptronic Sport auto transmission is optional on the 118d and has to be had on the two top xDrive models. If you like the idea of potent 2.0-litre petrol power but find yourself happy with front wheel drive, BMW will offer you the M135i's engine in de-tuned 265hp form in the front-driven 128ti sports variant.

Design and Build

The rather dumpy styling that characterised earlier 1 Series models is all forgotten now; this third generation model is much sleeker, with a more wedged shaped silhouette and a pronounced 'shark nose'. At the front, the BMW kidney grille is larger and, for the first time in this model range, the kidneys merge in the middle. The car features a shorter bonnet and significantly more space than before within a footprint almost identical to that of its predecessor. At 4,319 millimetres, the MK3 1 Series is 5mm shorter, 34mm wider and 13mm higher. The 2,670mm wheelbase meanwhile, is 20 millimetres shorter but despite that, thanks to the switch of drive layouts, there's significantly more cabin space than before. Passenger access is easier, particularly in the rear where there's an extra 33mm of knee room, 13mm more elbow room and 19mm more head room. The luggage compartment capacity rises by 20-litres to 380-litres (or 1,200-litres with the rear seat bench folded down). The minimum width of the luggage compartment has also increased by 67mm. Up-front, BMW's latest 'Live Cockpit Plus' infotainment package is standard giving you an 8.8-inch centre-dash screen and a 5.7-inch instrument cluster display. This set-up includes features such as a Touch Controller, a navigation system, two USB ports for data transfer and a WiFi interface.

Market and Model

Prices open at just over £28,000 and there's only a single five-door body style. For the 118d diesel variant many will want, think from just under £30,000. The top M135i xDrive flagship is priced from just under £41,500 and gets its own specific trim package. If you can't quite stretch to that, try the sporty 128ti, with 265hp, priced at around £37,000. For most other variants, you'll choose between the brand's familiar 'SE', 'Sport' and 'M Sport' designations. As you'd hope given the premium pricing, even the base 'SE' comes with plenty - 16-inch light-alloy wheels for instance. But you'll probably want to upgrade yourself at least to a mid-range 'Sport' model, recognisable by its high-gloss black air inlets and chrome-framed front kidney grille. The 'M Sport' versions feature aerodynamic body styling as well as satin aluminium struts in the kidney grille whilst at this level in the range, the seat upholstery is in Dakota leather with contrast stitching. Across the range, infotainment technology has been boosted by the adoption of the brand's "Hey BMW' 'Intelligent Personal Assistant' which will allow you to operate many of the car's major functions by merely speaking a command. A Head-up display is now optional and extra camera safety kit includes 'Collision & Pedestrian Warning with City Braking' and 'Lane Departure warning' with steering impulse.

Cost of Ownership

The engine changes have been virtually all about improving efficiency. As a result, the volume 118d diesel can return up to 60.1mpg on the WLTP cycle and up to 122g/km of WLTP-rated CO2. For the three cylinder 116d diesel, the figures are up to 61.4mpg and 120g/km. And for the 120d xDrive, you're looking at up to 55.4mpg and up to 135g/km. As for petrol power, well the base three cylinder 118i manages up to 49.6mpg and up to 130g/km, while the top M135i xDrive hot hatch delivers up to 38.2mpg and up to 168g/km. Specify auto transmission and this car can be particularly efficient thanks to intelligent connectivity that enables the two auto gearboxes to adapt their shift strategy according to the planned route and driving situation. If the BMW 1 Series is equipped with Active Cruise Control, both transmissions will factor in the data from this system and the standard Navigation, to avoid unnecessary gear changes in a quick succession of bends. Across the range, efficiency is also aided by coasting and Auto Start Stop functions that take their cue from the data supplied by the navigation system, the front-mounted camera and the sensors for the optional driving assistance systems. The coasting function de-couples the powertrain from the transmission at cruising speeds when the car is running in either its 'Comfort' or 'ECO PRO' driving modes.

Summary

We can't help feeling a little disappointed that BMW's MK3 1 Series has abandoned its unique rear-driven selling point. But at the same time, we can't help being impressed by the way that the Munich maker has managed to retain so much of this car's eager, dynamic character, despite the fundamental engineering changes visited upon it. Sales will also be boosted by the fact that this is the first 1 Series with really sleek looks, proper rear passenger space and a decent boot. And it's far better prepared than its predecessor in terms of media connectivity and camera-driven safety provision. About to choose a Mercedes A-Class or an Audi A3? You really ought to try one of these too. You might be surprised just how much you like it.

  • Rear window wiper
  • Green tinted heat protection glazing
  • Front and rear electric windows with open and close fingertip control, anti trap facility and comfort closing
  • Integrated front windscreen with washer jets
  • Automatic windscreen wipers and automatic headlight

  • Electrically operated hand brake including automatic hold function
  • M Sport brakes with red calipers
  • Comfort modes
  • Dynamic stability control + (DSC+)
  • Anti lock braking system (ABS) with brake assist
  • Braking readiness
  • Front and rear disc brakes
  • Brake drying
  • Cornering brake control
  • Dynamic Traction Control - DTC

  • Drive Performance Control
  • Anti roll bar front and rear
  • Twin tube gas filled shock absorbers with degressive characteristic curve
  • M sport suspension with M128i xDrive specific settings

  • Speed limit Info including no-overtaking indicator
  • Electric power steering with Servotronic steering optimised at all speed ranges
  • Front axle single joint with specific axle kinematics to minimise drive influences on steering + provide increased rigidity agile driving behaviour
  • Attentiveness assist
  • Active guard plus

  • Eco pro mode
  • Pull away assistant

  • Integrated owners handbook
  • Rigidly mounted rear subframe - Multi link construction with separate spring / damper configuration and excellent driving characteristics
  • BMW ConnectedDrive online services
  • Check Control warning system for monitoring of lights and door/luggage compartment open warning
  • Optimum shift indicator
  • Oil sensor for level and grade
  • On board computer
  • BMW emergency call
  • BMW Teleservices
  • Personal Profile

  • Body colour mirror caps
  • Automatic dimming rear view mirror
  • Heated, electrically adjustable exterior mirror aspheric on driver side, convex on passenger side
  • Folding side mirrors with auto dimming/folding wing mirrors with auto dimming

  • Double VANOS twin scroll turbocharging system
  • VALVETRONIC engine management
  • Larger fuel tank capacity (50 litres)
  • Aluminium lightweight construction
  • High precision injection
  • Petrol Particulate Filter
  • Balancer shaft

  • DAB Digital radio

  • Body colour door handles
  • Lightweight engineering
  • Shark fin antenna
  • Visible VIN plate
  • Front and rear bumper system with replaceable deformation elements
  • High gloss shadowline window frame, Recess cover mirror frames and B/C pillar embelisher trim
  • Black chrome tailpipe finishers
  • Chrome kidney grille frame with Satin Aluminium struts
  • Front door sill finishers in black plastic with M designation in metallic look
  • Chrome 'M' logo side designation
  • Fading support
  • Body colour roof trims
  • Matt black air guide grilles
  • Kidney frame and struts in high gloss black
  • Model designation on electric bootlid
  • BMW individual high gloss shadow line with extended content
  • Matt black wheel arch trim

  • LED eyebrow turn indicators
  • Preparation for high beam assistant
  • Rear fog lights
  • Direction indicator side lights in exterior mirrors
  • Nearside reverse light in rear light cluster
  • High level third brake light
  • LED daytime running lights
  • Follow me home headlights
  • Automatic headlight beam throw control
  • Welcome lighting
  • LED front fog lights

  • Two zone automatic air conditioning

  • Conditioned based service
  • Front and rear door pockets with bottle holders
  • Storage compartment in centre console
  • Folding rear clothes hook
  • Multi-function controls for steering wheel
  • Manual adjust steering wheel
  • Glove compartment
  • Front armrest
  • Anthracite headlining
  • Instrument panel top section , door armrests and door panels in black/red highlight
  • Three spoke M sport design multi function leather steering wheel in unique red stitching
  • Centre armrest in black/red highlight including embroidered 'ti' designation in red
  • Four grab handles integrated in roof lining
  • Front and rear side armrest integrated into door trim
  • Luggage compartment for bag hooks on left and right, foldable luggage compartment liner and two lashing eyelets
  • 12V power socket in front centre console with blanking plug
  • Two front centre console cupholders

  • Additional storage compartment pack - 1 Series
  • BMW live cockpit professional pack- 1 Series
  • Additional interior lighting pack - 1 Series
  • Additional storage compartment pack with code 493 -1 series
  • Connected pack professional - 1 Series
  • M Sport exterior styling aerodynamics pack - 1 Series
  • Interior lights pack - 1 Series

  • Seatbelt warning
  • Side impact protection
  • Warning triangle and first aid kit
  • Tyre pressure monitoring system
  • 2 tone horn
  • 3 point seatbelts on all seats, front pyrotechnic belt tensioners, stopper and belt force limiters, rear coded belt buckles
  • M Sport seatbelts
  • Child proof locking system in rear door
  • Crash sensor activating central locking release, hazard warning lights, fuel cut off, interior lighting + activation of safety battery terminal clamp
  • Driver and front passenger seat belt security check
  • Airbags - Front driver/passenger, front and rear curtain head protection, front side, manual deactivation of front passenger airbag

  • Driver and front passenger seat heating
  • Child seat ISOFIX attachment for two outer rear seats and front passenger seat with anchorage points
  • 3 rear seat head restraints
  • Height adjustable front head restraints
  • Front sports seats

  • Locking wheel bolts
  • Thatcham Cat.1 alarm and immobiliser
  • Central locking switch for all doors, fuel filler cap and luggage compartment
  • Deadlocking function system to all doors
  • Remote control with integrated key with High-gloss Black inlay and M designation and 1 button for open/ close lock, window, open luggage compartment
  • Drive away locking system on all doors and luggage compartment with de-activated in iDrive settings
  • Wheel slip limitation close to the actuator (ARB)
  • Start/stop button illuminated in centre console with keyless engine start and auto start stop deactivation button

  • Trailer stabilisation logic

  • Eight speed sport automatic transmission with gearshift paddle switches
  • Electronic differential lock

  • Sun visors with vanity mirrors and insert tab

  • Electrically powered 12V compressor
  • Reduced rolling resistance tyres

  • BMW mobility system

  • Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6
  • HC+NOx: N
  • Particles: N
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 158
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - Max: 170
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - Min: 157

  • Engine Code: B48A20T1
  • Cylinders: 4
  • Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE
  • Number of Valves: 16
  • Camshaft: DOHC
  • Fuel Delivery: TWIN TURBO
  • Catalytic Convertor: True
  • Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE
  • Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
  • Transmission: SEMI-AUTO
  • Gears: 8 SPEED
  • Cylinders - Bore (mm): 82
  • Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 94.6
  • CC: 1998

  • EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: False
  • WLTP - MPG - Comb - Min: 40.9
  • WLTP - MPG - Comb - Max: 38.2
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - Min: 6.9
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - Max: 7.4

  • Generation Mark: 3
  • Alternative Fuel Qualifying: False
  • Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: False
  • Special Edition: False
  • Special Order: False
  • Based On ID: N
  • Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 29E
  • Service Interval Mileage: 18000
  • Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24
  • Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N
  • Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N
  • NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 83
  • NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 87
  • NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 76
  • NCAP Safety Assist %: 72
  • NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5
  • Badge Power: 265
  • Badge Engine CC: 2.0
  • Vehicle Homologation Class: M1
  • Coin Series: [Live Cockpit Pro]
  • Coin Description: ti
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999
  • Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3
  • Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 6

  • Engine Power - KW: 195
  • Engine Power - RPM: 4750
  • Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 295
  • Engine Torque - NM: 400
  • Engine Torque - RPM: 1750
  • Engine Power - BHP: 265
  • Engine Power - PS: True
  • 0 to 60 mph (secs): False
  • 0 to 62 mph (secs): 6.1
  • Top Speed: 155
  • Engine Torque - MKG: 40.8

  • Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP
  • RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

  • Alloys?: True
  • Space Saver?: False
  • Wheel Style: M Y SPOKE 553M
  • Tyre Size Rear: 225/40 R18
  • Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT
  • Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY
  • Tyre Size Front: 225/40 R18

  • Width (including mirrors): 2081
  • Height: 1434
  • Height (including roof rails): N
  • Length: 4319
  • Width: 1799
  • Wheelbase: 2670

  • Minimum Kerbweight: 1445
  • Gross Vehicle Weight: 2000
  • Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 50
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 380
  • No. of Seats: 5
  • Max. Towing Weight - Braked: N
  • Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: N
  • Max. Loading Weight: 555
  • Max. Roof Load: 75
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1200
  • Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.4

  • Sun protection glass: £300

  • City braking function: Included

  • Floor mats with red binding: Included
  • Floor mats in anthracite velour with contrasting colour seam to match contrast stitching on instrument panel: £0

  • Bluetooth / WiFi interface for wireless connection of mobile terminal devices and audio streaming: Included
  • Enhanced bluetooth with wireless charging: £350

  • Front and rear parking sensors: Included
  • Lane departure warning system: Included
  • Cruise control with brake assist: Included
  • Park assist including reversing assistant, lateral parking aid and reversing assist camera: £350

  • Electric bootlid: £500

  • Head up Display: £750

  • Illuminated Berlin interior trim: £0
  • Illuminated Boston interior trim: Included

  • Stereo speaker system with 2 mid range speakers in the front door trims and rear parcel shelf + 2 central bass speakers underneath the front seats: Included
  • BMW gesture control: £300
  • Harman/Kardon surround sound audio system with 464W amplifier power, 9 channels and 16 speakers: £750

  • Air inlets in front left and right with highlight clasp in black: £0
  • Differentiated side design including 'ti' foilwrap finish in black: £0
  • M Sport spoiler: Included
  • Deletion of specific exterior design contents: £0
  • Air inlets in front left and right with highlight clasp in red: Included
  • Differentiated side design including 'ti' foilwrap finish in red: Included
  • BMW individual lights shadow line: £150
  • M Sport rear spoiler removal: £0
  • Individual metallic paint: £560
  • Metallic paint: £560
  • Solid paint: Included
  • Electric panoramic glass sunroof: £1,000

  • LED Headlights: Included
  • BMW adaptive LED headlights: £500

  • Nivala cloth/Sensatec leather upholstery: Included
  • Dakota leather upholstery with perforation and contrast stitching: £800
  • Luggage compartment separating nets: £150
  • Heated steering wheel: £150

  • Comfort pack 2 - 1 Series: £1,500
  • Driving assistant pack - 1 Series: £1,000

  • Metallic - Mineral grey: £560
  • Metallic - Black sapphire: £560
  • Metallic - Misano blue: £560
  • Metallic - Melbourne red: £560

  • Solid - Alpine white: £0

  • Individual metallic paint - Storm Bay: £560

  • Manual adjust driver/passenger seats: Included
  • Split folding rear seats: £150
  • Electric front seat adjustment - drivers with memory: £750
  • Driver + front passenger electric lumbar support: £150
  • Rear seat backrest with manual 60:40 split folding with 3 top tether clips integrated on rear of seat panels: Included

  • Comfort access system: £500

  • Dakota leather - Black with grey highlight: £800
  • Dakota leather - Magma red with grey highlight: £800

  • Nivala cloth/Sensatec leather - Anthracite with red highlight: £0

  • 18" Burnished M light Y spoke Bi-colour alloy wheels finished in orbit grey - style 553M: Included
  • 18" Burnished M light Y spoke Bi-colour alloy wheels with performance tyres finished in orbit grey - style 553M: £0
  • 19" Burnished M double spoke Bi-colour alloy wheels finished in Jet black - style 552M: £595

Whilst every effort is made to verify and ensure the accuracy of the data, the information should only be used as a guide and no purchasing decision should be made without verification of the data from either the manufacturer or franchised dealer. Our offers may be on a different model year to that represented by this data and so specification may differ accordingly.

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