Sheer Driving pleasure now also to be found in the compact class: The new BMW 1 Series soon to be launched.

In the autumn of 2004 BMW will unveil for the very first time a compact
class automobile - the BMW 1 Series with five doors and a length of
4.23 metres, making this new model series precisely 24 centimetres
shorter than a 3 Series saloon. The typical BMW drive concept, powerful
engines, high-grade equipment and the experience of sheer driving fun
offer a new and unique alternative in this particular market segment.
Right from the very first glance there is no doubt that this new
five-door sports-hatch is a BMW through and through: The long wheelbase
with a short front overhang, the lower roof line with the typical
C-pillar kink and the characteristic front end with the 'kidney' grille
and double headlamps give the 1 Series a face that stands out in a
crowd. The practical hatch opens to reveal a variable luggage
compartment that offers the driver and passengers 330 to 1150 litres of
storage space for even larger items of sports equipment for a variety
of leisure activities. With the BMW 1 Series, the BMW Group is laying
an important cornerstone for further profitable growth. Market
researchers see the premium segment of the compact class as the market
with large potential worldwide. Thanks to its unique vehicle concept,
the BMW 1 Series will gain a disproportionately large share of the
market and contribute to a further sharpening of the BMW brand profile.
Prices for the BMW 1 Series are shortly to be announced. The market
launch is planned for the autumn of 2004. The BMW 1 Series will
celebrate its auto show debut at the Paris Motor Show. Unique agility
and steering precision. Whether loaded or not, the 1 Series is always
sheer pleasure to drive: The seating position offering long-distance
driving comfort and the exemplary, clearly structured cockpit provide
the driver with perfect ergonomics during his 'driving experience'.
After starting the engine at the push of a button, one immediately
senses that typical driving pleasure only a BMW can induce. Thanks to
its agility and steering precision unique in the compact class, the BMW
1 Series not only ensures sporty but smooth handling of winding country
roads, but also facilitates effortless urban driving pleasure. This is
because - like all other BMW automobiles - the 1 Series has a
front-mounted engine and rear wheel drive. Even in the tightest of
bends there is no torque steer to be felt, the rear wheels having
optimal traction when transferring the engine's power onto the tarmac.
Moreover, this concept offers an ideal balance of weight between the
technically elaborate aluminium front axle and the five-link rear
suspension. Together all of these characteristics facilitate further
advantages such as optimal traction even when fully loaded and on
hills. The drive and suspension concept is further enhanced by a
particularly stiff body and excellent aerodynamics with a drag
coefficient of just 0.29. On the whole no other vehicle in the compact
class offers such a distinctively harmonious symbiosis of sporty
driving characteristics and suitability for long-distance travel as the
BMW 1 Series. Four engine variants from 115 to 163 bhp. When the car is
launched customers will have an immediate choice of four four-cylinder
engines. The models 116i (85 kW / 115 bhp) and 120i (110 kW / 150 bhp)
feature further developed and refined BMW petrol engines. The two diesel
versions, the 118d (90 kW / 122 bhp) and the120d (120 kW / 163 bhp) are
equipped with high-torque diesel engines. Needless to say, all BMW 1
Series cars meet with EU4 emission standards. A smooth-shifting manual
six-speed gearbox (five-speed on the 116i) or, optionally, a
comfortable six-speed automatic deliver power to large-size 16-inch
wheels with emergency running properties, thereby contributing to the
most dynamic performance available in this segment. Furthermore, the
BMW 1 Series is one of the most economical in its class. Active and
passive safety at the highest level. Robust, large disc brakes provide
supreme stopping power in any situation. By means of two-stage brake
light clusters the BMW 1 Series indicates to vehicles behind whether
the brakes are being applied normally or hard. And the extensive range
of standard safety equipment, which includes DSC Dynamic Stability
Control, DBC Dynamic Brake Control, Electronic Differential Lock as well
as a complete airbag system comprising head airbags for all seats,
complies with the most stringent safety requirements. These safety
features and an exemplary protective body structure are the best
prerequisites for achieving five stars in the Euro NCAP crash test.
Equipment options normally associated with more luxurious classes. In
addition to the wide range of basic equipment, there are a myriad of
possibilities to individualize the BMW 1 Series with optional equipment
available in the usual high BMW quality. Many of these have previously
only been seen in higher vehicle segments. These include: Convenient
keyless access, Bluetooth mobile interface, sports seats with backrest
width adjustment, acoustic PDC Park Distance Control at the front and
the rear, Bi-Xenon headlights and a choice of high-performance audio
and navigation systems, which can also be operated centrally or by
voice control utilizing the BMW state-of-the-art iDrive operating
concept. With its unique concept, the BMW 1 Series is intended to
target customers who have always appreciated the practical aspects of
previously available compact vehicles but have, until now, searched in
vain for an automobile that takes into consideration their increased
demands in terms of driving pleasure and individuality. Whilst fully
meeting these customer requirements, the BMW 1 Series offers in
addition high-quality product substance wrapped up in a modern and
attractive design. Overview of specifications 116i 85 kW /115 bhp at
6000 rpm; 150 Nm at 4300 rpm; cubic capacity 1.6 litres; 0-62 in 10.8
s; top speed 200 km/h (124 mph); fuel consumption 7.5 ltr/100km 120i
110 kW / 150 bhp at 6200 rpm; 200 Nm at 3600 rpm; cubic capacity 2.0
litres; 0-62 in 8.7 s; top speed 217 km/h (135 mph); fuel consumption
7.4 ltr/100km 118d 90 kW / 122 bhp at 4000 rpm; 280 Nm at 2000 rpm;
cubic capacity 2.0 litres 0-62 in 10.0 s; top speed 201 km/h (125 mph);
fuel consumption 5.6 ltr/100km 120d 120 kW / 163 bhp at 4000 rpm; 340
Nm at 2000 rpm; cubic capacity 2.0 litres; 0-62 in 7.9 s; top speed 220
km/h (137mph); fuel consumption 5.7 ltr/100km