BMW’s 1-Series has been with us for 21 years, which seems an appropriate time to unveil a “coming-of-age” update to the popular model line-up. However, all the changes might not be to die-hard fans’ liking.
The new model, launched at the same time as the 2-Series Gran Coupe (of which more later), has the underpinnings of the Mini and also continues the previous generation’s use of front wheel drive, at least for the 118 models, while the 135 models gain all-wheel-drive.
Fans of the Munich-based marque will also be left cold at the disappearance of the sublime inline six-cylinder engine for the 135, being replaced by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine of two litres displacement, which is punchy enough with its 233kW and 400Nm, but that is a rather large 50Nm less than the previous 135 model. This is felt on the road as it just doesn’t feel as quick as before, although the suspension and chassis remain as brilliant as they always were, thanks in part to the adaptive damping.
Ignoring what has been before, there’s no complaint about the performance overall for the new flagship M135 xDrive, with a 0-100km/h time of 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h. The 118 gets a three-cylinder, 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, driving the front wheels, developing 115kW and 230Nm, giving performance of 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 211km/h. Both models now feature a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
What can’t be disguised, even by artificial enhancement through the car’s audio system, is the rather soulless engine and exhaust note of the 135, which becomes less pleasing the higher up the rev range you press the engine. In the 118, this isn’t much of a problem as you won’t be driving it like that, but the 135 misses the turbine howl of the old six-cylinder engine.
Exterior dimensions of both models in the 1-series range are slightly larger than the previous model, being longer by 42mm and 25mm taller. That hasn’t contributed significantly to interior space, including boot capacity, and the wheelbase remains the same.
The exterior styling is best described as evolutionary, not revolutionary, which is no bad thing, as the 1-Series was always a good-looking car. There is slightly more angularity to the lines, and, thankfully, the traditional BMW grille has retained restrained dimensions.
In typical BMW manner, when sitting in the car, you could be forgiven for not realising which BMW model you are in, the company sticking fairly rigidly to a one-style-fits-all policy. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing as it’s an attractive interior, with the now-familiar wide screen incorporating all relevant driver and road information and navigation/entertainment displays.
I maintain my suspicion of virtually eliminating physical controls and moving them to the touch screen, for adjustment of the temperature and fan speed of the air conditioning especially, as I deem it an unnecessary distraction for the driver to poke a finger at a screen in the hope that you’re hitting the right spot and eventually taking your eyes off the road to complete the adjustment. There is some voice control functionality, but there are too many menus to be scrolled through for too many operations.
It seems, however, as if my misgivings will fall on deaf ears if the number of modern cars that adopt such screens is anything to go by.
The seats are very comfortable, and the steering wheel is a thing of beauty to both look at and use. Rear seat passengers, however, might not thank you for taking them on too long a journey, as leg room is distinctly on the mean side for taller passengers.
The 2-Series Gran Coupe is, in essence, a 1-Series with a boot. The 2-Series models follow the same pattern as the 1-Series; 218, 218 M-Sport and 235. They are, therefore, mechanically identical, as is the performance. Perhaps the styling of the 2-Series is a little bland and doesn’t really shout “BMW”, but it’s certainly not ugly.
Build quality is typically solid, interior noise is well muted, and there are some interesting colours available that haven’t seen the light of day since the late-1960s/early-1970s muscle car era in the USA; metallic plum, anyone?
If forced to choose which model to go for, naturally, cost comes into focus, with the 118 costing R713,395, through R753,395 for the 118 M Sport and on to R982,768 for the M135 xDrive.
The 2-Series Gran Coupe prices are similar – R733,559 for the 218 GC, R773,559 for the 218 M Sport GC and the M235 xDrive breaking through the million Rand mark at R1,043,099.
While the M135 models are slightly less convincing as performance models than previous generations, the base 118 and 218 Gran Coupe models hit the mark with impressive accuracy, being stylish and entertaining driving machines without shouting about it, which is what many owners are looking for.
For more information, visit – www.bmw.co.za
