TODAY 18 JUN Exclusive BMW News

...percent reduction in the entry price-point to the badge. To sweeten the deal, the price-leading 116i, featuring an entirely new 1.6 litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, boasts the same power output of the previous entry model, the 118i, despite using 24 per cent less fuel (5.7 litres/100km). The new-generation turbo engine also accelerates the 116i from zero to 100 km/h in just 8.5 seconds - compared to 9.4 seconds for the previous 118i. The highly-specified BMW 116i is also packed with standard features, delivering exceptional customer value. Highlights inlcude a 6.5-inch free-standing flatscreen colour display, handsfree Bluetooth functionality including USB, MP3 compatible CD player, cruise control with brake function, auto Start/Stop function, keyless engine start, 6-speaker stereo system, iDrive controller, favourite buttons and stylish 16-inch alloy wheels. BMW Group Australia Managing Driector, Phil Horton said the new BMW 1 Series will attract customers that may not have previously considered a BMW.

“The 1 Series is widely recognised as the category benchmark in driving dynamics and in terms of value it is now more competitive than ever before,” said Mr Horton.

“The car’s dimensions have increased and its position as the most refined and dynamic vehicle in its class has been underlined,” he said.

The new BMW 1 Series builds on the success of its predessecor’s driving dynamics, combining characteristic rear-wheel drive sportiness and precision with significantly enhanced comfort.

It is the most enjoyable car to drive in its class, especially when cornering, thanks to rear-wheel drive, 50:50 weight distribution, sophisticated suspension technology and a centre console which is focussed on the driver in every respect.

Fitted as standard, and new to the 1 Series, is Driving Experience Control. This technology adjusts the car’s set-up to suit the driver’s personal preferences. All models offer a choice of three modes, COMFORT, SPORT and ECO PRO.

Building on the already extensive BMW EfficientDynamics technology programme the all-new ECO PRO mode assists in optimising fuel consumption. When activated, the heating/air conditioning systems for example use less energy and the accelerator pedal’s control map in particular is adapted accordingly. ECO PRO illustrates the possible potentional for fuel economy improvement through a number of driver aids in the instrument cluster.

The new BMW 1 Series is also the only car in its segment to offer an optional eight speed automatic transmission with the Automatic Start/Stop function. The engine is automatically shutdown during stops and restarted when the brake is released.

Three engines will be availabe from launch. The BMW 116i (100 kW) and118i (125 kW) feature a brand new turbo-charged four-cylinder, petrol engine. The 105 kW four-cylinder turbo-charged diesel-powered 118d completes the line-up.

The petrol engines are part of a new generation of BMW engines, combining a high power output with exceptionally low fuel consumption and emissions.

Technologically, the engines are based on the familiar BMW TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder in-line powerplant – a multi-award-winning engine that captured the “Engine of the Year Award” in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

The technology used in the larger BMW engines is now also being introduced in the four-cylinder class, setting new industry benchmarks for dynamic performance and fuel consumption.

Key design characteristics of the new four-cylinder petrol engines (internal designation N13):

Highly efficient TwinScroll turbocharging system:

two separate exhaust gas streams, each fed by two cylinders, enter the turbocharger; direct customer benefit: faster build-up of pressure, for a very immediate response to the accelerator pedal and superlative revving ability.

Precisely controlled High Precision Injection with innovative solenoid valve injectors for increased efficiency.

Double-VANOS: infintely variable camshaft control for the inlet and outlet valves, for higher torque at low and high revs.

Optimised VALVETRONIC infinitely cariable inlet valve lift control.

All-aluminium crankcase.

The BMW 1 Series also sees the debut of BMW Lines allowing greater personalisation and a simplification of the ‘specification’ process.

The new BMW 1 Series is now offered in an Urban and Sport Line, each Line having its own, ummistakable character through specific materials and exclusive design features.

The Lines comprise the kidney grille, air intakes, front bar, rear bar, exterior mirror housing, doorsills, chrome braces, keys, additional interior light elements, colour switch, exclusive decor trims, exclusive upholstery, sports steering wheel, the Lines badge and exclusively designed alloy wheels.

We have listened to our customers and their desire to personalise their cars and the introduction of the BMW Lines now means the level of individualisation has been significantly raised,” said Mr Horton.

The new BMW 1 Series is 85mm longer, inlcuding a 30mm longer wheelbase, for improved rear seat comfort and 10 per cent more luggage capacity (360 litres).

For the first time the BMW 1 Series will also be optionally available with Parking Assistant, Rear-View Camera and Lane Departure warning, which until now have only been available in upper-range BMW vehicles.

The all new BMW 1 Series will be avaliable in Australian showrooms in October 2011.

Further specification details, including prices for the 118i and 118d, will be announced closer to the vehicle’s launch in Australia.

*Manufacturer’s Recommended List Price is shown and includes GST and Luxury Car Tax (LCT) but excludes dealer charges, stamp duty, statutory charges and on-road charges which are additional and vary between dealers and States/Territories. Customers are advised to contact their nearest BMW dealer for all pricing inquiries.