2005 BMW 1 series Preview

Coming to North America?

Its hard to believe, but after years of speculation the Golf-sized BMW 1-Series is finally finished and ready for production. Well, at least we can be sure of the 5-door version being finalized.

Having been designed to fit under the 3-Series Compact in Europe as BMWs new entry-level model, it just might do some damage within the luxury hatchback market - but it wont be easy. It targets the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Audi A3, posh versions of Volkswagens Golf and a few other high-end compacts after all.

The brand marked by the blue and white propeller badge is known for standing above and going beyond its class rivals when it comes to performance and appearances, the latter obviously being up for personal interpretation since Bangle and Hooydonk have been in charge of design. But no matter what you think of the brands styling direction, its move down market into the C-segment is a bold venture.

Being a modern BMW the 1 has been penned with the brands new flaming surface design language, similar in fashion to the Z4 especially. Like it or lump it at the very least the brands key styling characteristics, such as the double kidney grille and dual headlights, are incorporated into the design. Other than the Z4, inspiration for the 1 comes mostly from the car initially designed for the segment, the CS1 concept of 2002. Much of its proportion, shapes, curves and contortions are close to identical. In addition, the long front hood with rearwards-mounted cabin, thick C-pillars and low, swooping roofline further define this car as a BMW.

Overall, the 1-Series five-door hatchback measures in a 166.54 inches in length, 9.45 inches shorter than the current 3-Series sedan, but 0.79 inches longer than the new Golf. Cargo capacity is 11.7 cubic feet with the rear seats up, and 40.6 cubic feet with the seatbacks folded, impressive for this class.

When Mercedes-Benz entered the compact hatchback market with its A-Class, it started from scratch by creating a front-wheel driven car. Though BMW has done this before, having suffered through a short stint developing the Rover 75, and then a much more successful experience with the new MINI, it chose to stick to a rear-wheel drive configuration with the new 1-Series in order to stay true to its brand identity. BMW claims that rear-wheel drive in a small car is a must, helping to create balanced weight distribution (50:50 in the 1-Series), a steering system free from drivetrain influence, and optimal traction under a full load. Whether or not other manufacturers or their customers, all of which have been born and raised on the supposed supremacy of front-wheel drive, agree with BMWs opinion, its a one-of-a-kind in the segment. Of course, being more expensive to produce a rear-wheel drive car, it makes sense that BMW is hardly trying to sell ice to the Inuit.

Though small, BMW doesnt seem to have cut any corners in engineering the 1. Up front, a complex suspension system is crafted from aluminum to reduce weight, while the rear utilizes BMWs Z-Axle five-link setup. Expect class-topping handling and ride - if for some reason you would expect anything less from a BMW.

Upon its European introduction the 1-Series will feature four engines, two being gasoline and two diesel. The car also marks BMWs return to an accurate numerical system where the second and third digits actually represent the engines displacement. The base 1 will be dubbed the 116i, and feature a very basic 1.6-liter inline-four that generates 115 horsepower and 110 lb-ft of torque. Performance is adequate, pushing the 1 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 10.8 seconds with a top speed of 124 mph. The second gasoline motor will be a 150 horsepower 2.0 liter (120i) inline-four generating 148 lb-ft of torque. Its good for 135 mph and an 8.7 second run to 62 mph (100 km/h). The official word at one point was for no inline-sixes, as the 1-Series was not designed for them, but in a recent address by Tom Purves, CEO of BMW North America, talk of a 6-cylinder version in a North American bound version has started. In the same breath mind you, its not at all certain. For that matter, neither is a North American version of the car at all.

The other two motors, which are expected to account for most of the 1-Series European sales, are turbodiesels. The first is a 122 horsepower common rail engine that creates an impressive 207 lb-ft of torque. Surprisingly, this base turbodiesel motor is quicker than the base gasoline engine, taking just 10.0 seconds to hit 62 mph (100 km/h) before reaching a top speed of 125 mph. Another surprise is that the top motor (for now) on the 1-Series will be a turbodiesel. The 120d will feature the same motor from BMWs 320d which means a whopping 163 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque. Because of the cars small size and weight, this powerhouse helps the 120d rocket to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 7.9 seconds, with a top speed of 137 mph. All motors are Euro4 emissions compliant and are mated to a six-speed manual gearbox bar the 5-speed 116i. Optional to all is a six-speed automatic.

Because the 1-Series is designed as an entry level BMW as well as a compact luxury car, it has been styled to reflect the brands top-tier image and can likewise be outfitted with the same equipment as the competitions best. Elements of recently designed BMWs can be seen in the 1-Series cockpit from the swooping door handles, minimalist center console, and dash top fold-away LCD display screen. Like as in the previous 3-, and current 5- and 6-Series cars, the center console is angled towards the driver. Instrumentation has been kept to a minimum, with two clear and easy to read gauges. The 1-Series is also equipped with BMWs - controversial iDrive system, as well as a push button starter. Depending on how deep your pockets are, the new 1 can also be equipped with Bluetooth compatibility, park assist for front and rear, xenon headlamps, a navigation system, and sports seats. Airbags all around, electronic stability control, brake assist plus two-stage taillamps should ensure a five-star safety rating.

Being BMW the miniature rear-wheel drive architecture wont be only sold in a 5-door hatchback configuration. BMW has big plans to extend the range. Come mid 2005, expect to see a slightly shorter 3-door hatchback version of the 1-Series to compete with the three-door offerings from C-Segment rivals. The 1-Series will also give way to a notchback sedan, plus a coupe and cabriolet which will take on the label 2-Series in accordance with BMWs new naming scheme. The 2-Series should arrive sometime between 2006 and 2007. Also reportedly in the works is an upcoming M2, which should pack at least 250 horsepower to set the competition straight. Considering the market, other possibilities for the 1-Series architecture exists, including a larger Touring (wagon) model, a mini-MPV people carrier, an SUV and possibly a Z2 roadster.