BMW Introduces 1-Series Three-Door Hatchback

With the exception of the MINI, the 1-Series is the smallest BMW currently in production. Designed to compete with the likes of the Volkswagen Golf and Mercedes-Benz B-Class, it provides the driving dynamicsand fun-factor of a rear-wheel drive Beemer without the size. Originally offered as a five-door hatchback, the 1-Series family has just grown with the addition of a three-door variant, and a tiny midlife update for the vehicle. With a slightly sportier appearance, the new body style offers updated valances in combination with a larger double kidney grille.

Modern BMWs are as economical as any in their respective classes, but the 1-Series takes things just a bit further with some clever innovations that improve fuel efficiency and cut back on emissions. Take for example the flaps behind the grille that close up when the engine isn’t running hard, improving the vehicle’s aerodynamics.

The regenerative braking system and glass-mat battery, introduced a couple of days ago on the 5-Series, also makes its debut here, providing a 3-percent fuel consumption saving. But the newest addition to BMW’s technology arsenal is the Automatic Start-Stop system, which is standard equipment on all 1-Series vehicles equipped with a manual gearbox, with the exception of the 130i. Like most hybrids, the engine automatically shuts itself off when it rolls to a stop and when the gearbox is put in neutral. Once the clutch is depressed it starts up instantly, thanks to that high-powered starter. Unlike any other hybrid, this system can be disabled if desired by the driver via a switch.

Electrical power steering – also used on the Z4 – gets integrated into the new three-door 1-Series, and provides energy savings of up to 90-percent compared to the standard hydraulic unit. BMW claims that with these technologies fitted to the 118d (diesel) model, it emits the fewest smog contributing particles in any BMW ever made, with the exception of the Hydrogen 7, and BMW’s most economical vehicle to date, netting a highway mpg rating of 50!

More relevant to the performance enthusiast is the prospect of the sportier 130i. It doesn’t have the engine start and stop device and it consumes more fuel than any other 1-Series, but it’s a mighty quick vehicle. With 265 horsepower on tap, it can jet to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, which is 0.1 seconds faster than the equivalent five-door model. No word yet on when BMW will be bringing the 1-Series over to North America, but we think it’ll be soon. Although its diesels will most likely be left for other markets, expect to see the high-performance six-cylinder model and a couple of efficient fours targeting our market.