BMW's new 1-Series

 

I recently had the choice of flying to Wanaka from Christchurch or driving down and back in BMW's new 1-Series.

Given my dislike of flying, especially in propeller-powered aircraft, the choice was obvious, especially given that the test car was the 2-litre diesel-engined variant.

Since its inception, industry commentators have widely praised the 1-series, especially the 120d, and after a week with the oil burner (and 1000km), I, too, was greatly taken with the model.

Its success lies partly with the engine, BMW have been building diesels for several years now and the experience shows. It is a state-of-the-art common rail unit with twin overhead camshafts working on four valves per cylinder.

Induction is force fed by an intercooled turbocharger and, as such, it has remarkable power outputs.

BMW rate the engine at 120kW (4000rpm), and with a mammoth 340Nm of torque available at just 2000rpm it is a lusty, hard working unit which thrives at low engine speed. But to add another equation in the mix, the engine is hooked to a six-speed automatic gearbox and its low and close ratios keep the engine honest, making it rev through the lower gears. Bear in mind, too, a six-speed manual is also available, but interestingly, my choice would be the auto, it is a beauty with its optional sequential shifting system. In either mode it works with smooth shifts and protocols that understand every driving situation, its own thinking patterns are well constructed so that manual operation isn't overly necessary.

If you think diesel engines are lazy and don't cut it with the power of petrol, take a close look at the acceleration figures BMW claim for the 1-series. The 2-litre manual petrol model will reach 0-100kmh in 8.7sec (9.2sec auto), the diesel equivalent will make the same speed in 7.9sec (8.2sec auto) almost a second quicker in both cases. Add to that its speed through the mid-range ? 80kmh-120kmh in 6.2sec, is indicative of that strong torque figure, while a top speed where legal of 220kmh is 7kmh faster than that of petrol equivalent.

The 120d is a rocket ship and testimony to the way modern diesels operate, they are quiet (especially so in BMW's case), strong, lively and downright fuel efficient.

According to the fuel usage readouts on my long journey through the McKenzie Country, 4.5 litres usage per 100km instantaneously at 100kmh in sixth equates at an amazing 63mpg (engine speed 1800rpm). The best of several calculated fuel usage averages was 5.21/100km (54mpg), the worst (through the Lindis Pass) was 5.91/100km (48mpg).

These figures are stunning in terms of efficiency, and are a credit given that the test car had travelled only 700km when I picked it up. It was a little tight and wouldn't have been operating at its peak efficiency, therefore, usage figures better than those I recorded could be relied on. And, if you take into account the cost of diesel at around 87c per litre (or 97c at Omarama), the monetary savings speak for themselves.

Not only is the 120d an amazing straight line charger, it is also one of the most decisive handling cars I've driven. It has poise and balance that is an absolute delight to be part of. It attacks corners with speed and surety, the velvet-like steerage so precise and its agility so nimble that it begs to be placed quickly into a corner.

Providing the grip are wide and low profile 17in Pirelli tyres (245/45). They, too, have extraordinary grip and match the chassis' characteristics. Bear in mind that the 1-series is rear-wheel-drive, built to BMW's long-standing philosophy (Mini aside), and true to that company's design parameters, weight is distributed evenly at 50:50 front to rear.

The result is impressive handling ability with little push off line and directional control unsurpassed. To top it off, BMW's comprehensive electronic stability and traction control programmes are there to save you in the unlikely event of things turning pear-shaped. I wasn't game enough to switch them off at any time, but the reality is that the car doesn't rely on them anyway; it is so accurate in a corner there is little push off line.

In terms of understeer and oversteer they can only be forced with the two-stage DTC button switched off completely.

Add to that the feel through the steering which is firm and short, in terms of lock to lock, and the 120d takes on the guise of a sports car. It is a delight and all of that on top of the elements which also make for comfortable travel on all roads.

The fully independent double wishbone front and rear multiple link set-up is supple and far from firm, but it is dampened in accordance to the role it will play in everyday motoring. Any feel of ride rigidity really stems from the stiff sidewalls of the run flat tyres, but even that is well cushioned.

As you would expect from BMW, the 1-Series has a high option list and just enough specification to warrant the diesel's $57,900 price tag. Major items of specification include dual zone climate control (manual), fully electric operating systems, remote locking, full leather trim, tilt and reach-adjustable steering column, variable intermittent wipers and a powerful audio with CD player. Sadly, though, there are no seat heaters nor cruise control, the latter might have been the ingredient to save the car from triggering a Lake Tekapo speed camera.

However, safety rates high with BMW, items fitted include five full overshoulder seat belts, no fewer than six air bags, and ABS which works in conjunction with the electronic stability control systems.

Interestingly, to get the 1-Series mobile you need to push a dash-mounted button, a smart key, just a little fatter than a credit card, is housed in the facia just left of the steering wheel.

Another point of note is the position of the headlamp switch, it sits to the right of the steering wheel and is in a position where the driver's knee can knock it on entry and exit, unknowingly, this happened to me with a flat battery the result.

Cleverly, and on consultation with the local BMW dealers, handy underbonnet connectors meant my battery charger could be used safely without fear of afflicting electronic damage to the car, and, according to BMW jumper leads can also be used safely using the same connectors.

Even though this road test focuses heavily on the 120d's performance, especially handling and speed, that's not saying it isn't a car that caters in other roles as well. It is at home in all situations and is an easy, enjoyable model to drive at all speeds.

As more 1-Series variants come on stream, and they enter the press fleet, it's my hope to bring a well rounded summation of each individual model.

Specifications:

Price: BMW 120d SE, $57,900.

Dimensions: Length, 4227mm; width, 1751mm; height, 1430mm.

Configuration: Four-cylinder longitudinal, rear-wheel-drive, 1995cc, 120kW/4000rpm, 340Nm/2000rpm, six-speed automatic; 1353kg.

Performance: 0-100kmh, 8.2sec; maximum speed, 220kmh.