BMW 1 SERIES 118i 170 HP (2012)

Safer, more comfortable and more sober. These three adjectives fit for the new BMW 1 Series. Only drive in its class, it is now offering small petrol engines of quality, like the 1.6 Turbo 170 hp. 

The figure speaks for itself: 1,042,875 BMW 1 Series have been produced worldwide between 2004 and 2011. For a new foray into the compact sedan segment - the career of the BMW 3 Series Compact was stopped in 2004 - is a masterstroke. And despite the image and Premium prices of the firm in Munich. 

BMW 1 SERIES 118i 170 HP (2012)  

The bet, however, was not a foregone conclusion. With his style shifted somewhat, its habitability, and average finish improved, the small BMW was not necessarily the best position in the comparative tests. 

But did not count on its road and its exciting engines at once more powerful and more fuel-efficient than its competitors. 

A TRAIT MORE CHARISMATIC 

A TRAIT MORE CHARISMATIC 

If, in broad terms, the design of the new BMW 1 Series is close to that of its predecessor, this 2012 vintage is growing in personality. Including the front-type "Shark Nose", more nervous. Moreover, the adjective good summary of the general line of the German Compact. 

The look is more severe, the wheels fill the arches better and the silhouette is more compact. Finally, a little amusing detail, the rear lights look just like those of a Volkswagen Polo! 

If the style changes subtly, ratings, they, rose quite significantly. 

The new BMW 1 Series earns about 8.5 cm in length (4.324 m) and 1.7 cm in width (1.765 m) it is currently ranked - in size, of course, deal with the new Citroen C4. 

Tests on auto news and Turbo.fr: The test of the BMW 1 Series 118i 170 bhp (2012). 

A TRAIT MORE CHARISMATIC 

Livability is progressing, but ... 

Another weak point of the previous generation, its lack of rear-seat roominess. According to BMW, with a wheelbase greater than 3 cm (2.69 m now), space to grow by 2.1 cm. 

In fact, the BMW 1 Series 2012 Home of the best passenger seat, in particular through the design of seats and good headroom. But if the leg room and elbow actually earns a few points, it is still less than what is proposed eg the Volkswagen Golf. 

Fortunately, Munich is progressing well in terms of boot space, with a gain of 30 liters (360 to 1,200 liters by folding down the seat very easily). What consider going on holiday to calmly 4. 

DISCOVER AN ENGINE 

At launch, the major new mechanics of the new BMW 1 Series is to be found in the range "essence". The German-barter because its 4-cylinder air for a whole new generation of TwinPower Turbo, a technology inherited from the six cylinders.

DISCOVER AN ENGINE 

These small engines of a cylinder 1.6-liter receive a twin-scroll turbocharger, direct injection, variable valve timing and variable camshaft. No less! 

By 118i on the test, the 1.6 Turbo delivers 170 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque between 1,500 and 4,500 rev / min, a system far more extensive than that of a diesel. 

At startup, the BMW 118i is virtually inaudible. A quality that is also found in steady speed, which is especially based on long journeys. 

Mated by the new 8-speed automatic transmission (an option to € 2,200), the 4-cylinder BMW is particularly soft and supple with use. For comfort, it is indeed very linear and lacks a bit of character. 

In contrast, the 4-cylinder gasoline fishing. It accelerates hard (0 to 100 km / h in 7.5 seconds and kilometers standing start in 28.1 s), despite typing "comfort" of the automatic transmission. We regret, however, that BMW does not offer the paddles on this version (only on 120d). 

In addition to his strong performance against the timer, the BMW 118i BVA8 consumes very reasonable. The new BMW 1 Series is innovative in effect with the presence of three driving modes (Comfort, Sport and Pro Eco) - in addition to the traditional Auto Start-Stop, the recovery of braking energy ... If the first two modes are pretty standard, the final is worth a look. It does indeed play both on the management engine, gear changes and throttle response to maximize consumption. By adopting a cruising speed, our average has hovered around 7 l/100 km, with peaks at 8.3 l/100 km with heavier right foot. Really not bad for a car equipped with a 170 hp automatic transmission 

ON RAILS 

The BMW 1 Series (2012) can claim to offer an ideal weight distribution, as almost equal to 50/50. In addition, this new generation has a lighter drive train and of course a string of electronic aids to conduct. 

This is most striking at the wheel of the BMW 1 Series is its ride comfort. Even equipped with 17-inch wheels with low profile, the compact sedan German is particularly comfortable. Our test site located in the region requiring Albi highlighted its excellent dynamic qualities. 

Placed on the rails, the 1 Series is comfortable on all types of coatings. Its front end is placed on the finger and the eye and the traditional kick the rear axle are controlled. So the typical character of propulsion is somewhat blurred in this new model in favor of security. Regrettably as a blur of electric steering in sporty driving. Certainly, nothing can replace the old hydraulic steering! 

EXPENSIVE BUT WELL EQUIPPED 

Our trial was conducted at the wheel of the BMW 1 Series 118i (BVA8) Lounge with the new line of equipment Urban Life. € 34,600 sold (box car is a € 2,200 option), it has the 16-inch alloy wheels, white inserts on the mirrors, grille ... the chrome exhaust, sports steering wheel leather , the upholstery fabric / leather, cruise control, automatic climate control 2 zones, the parking aid front and rear of the car radio CD/MP3 ... that the customer can add a device of their choice: the Access comfort, the rear view camera or the Park Assist. For comparison, an Audi A3 Sportback Ambition 1.8 TFSI 160 PS S-Tronic is sold € 32,490.