BMW 1 Series test: radically change its ways

BMW 1 Series test: radically change its ways

 

Certainly, the new 1 Series looks just like water to its predecessor. However, the small BMW radically change its ways. His suspension comfort, quality finishing and increase its habitability appear as small revolutions. 

BMW 1 Series test: radically change its ways

To compare the style of the new Series 1 with that of its predecessor, one wonders: BMW does not he would make a big facelift for something new? In profile, nothing looks more like an old one that the new series. The designers were content to erase the last reliefs of the influence of Chris Bangle, the controversial former head of the style of the brand. The two lines convex rocker disappear in favor of a more traditional route. There is little that the front face changing significantly. It is distinguished by its new optics and a beveled edge grille trying to recreate an effect "shark nose" typical of BMW 80s. The rear lights redrawn adopt a more mundane forms. 

This apparent shyness stops there. Spread the word: the 1 Series is a new car. This is obvious as soon as we moved on board. First surprise, the quality of finish, finally worthy of the brand. The assembly is rigorous, plastics flatter the eye and touch. The buttons show pleasant to handle and ergonomic appears flawless. In this environment padded few glitches remain, however: the handle of glove box or some plastic console contrast in appearance uninviting. 

Digital technology makes a big splash in the cockpit, always drawn around the conductor. Thus, analog meters are now embedded in an LCD screen capable of displaying the full width of the combined information of GPS information on the audio system or consumption. The display floating Central, from Series 6, is available in two sizes: 6.8 inches or 8.8 inches. According to BMW it will equip more than 90% of models sold. Comfortable enough to display all the latest refinements of "Connected Drive" Series 1 which has naturally straight. Examples include a new traffic information system in real time called "rtti" which calculates the speed of traffic through the information provided anonymously by mobile phones for drivers caught in traffic jams. 

Series 1 remains true to the habits of BMW. Sitting low, the driver enjoys a perfect driving position thanks to the wide range of adjustment offered by the seat and steering wheel. 

At the rear, the new Series 1 treats its passengers a little better than before. The headroom and knee space grew significantly. However, an adult of more than 1, 80 m is a little cramped and even feel a sense of confinement caused by the C-pillar that remains thick enough. Similarly, the central passage, forced to place his feet on either side of transmission tunnel will be in trouble. 

Copernican revolution 

From the first ride, the little BMW surprised by the quality of screening offered by its suspension even in our version "sport". Flexibility slice firmly with the firmness that characterizes contemporary Germanic productions. To think that the directors at the point of BMW were inspired by the Peugeot of the great era, combining soft suspension and "feel" the road to none. It is true that this bias was already evident on the new 5 Series, part of the most comfortable of its class. Note that to take full advantage of these qualities, it is necessary to avoid the 18-inch wheels optional. As always, they alter some comfort through the fault of tire size lower. 

The flexibility of suspension does not affect the quality of handling, excellent. While lying on his Bridgestone tires, the car offers a level of adhesion simply exceptional. Those who fear the attitude of propulsion oversteer can be reassured. Even in extreme situations the ESP disconnected, the back is properly bolted to the road. This shows that BMW owners can listen to a current series, 80% are unaware that this is a propulsion ... (survey by BMW). 

However, the car does not lose its agility and precision. The small steering wheel falls perfectly in the hand, acts on a very direct and precise steering. The most demanding may be criticized for assistance a small excess of sweetness. 

A powerful engine, but without character 

Once will not hurt, we chose to try the new BMW compact petrol engine. For this reason: it Strenna a new four-cylinder 1.6 turbo, 170 hp strong on our 118i version. Contrary to appearances, this engine has nothing in common with the Mini 1.6 of shared PSA. Its design is similar, however: because it uses direct injection, variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust as well as a turbo "Twinscroll" whose turbine is driven by a double flow of gas the exhaust. 

This engine is distinguished by its great flexibility and perfect linearity. With maximum torque of 250 Nm available from 1500 r / min, it offers raises very convincing. Unfortunately, this engine like other 4-cylinder turbo that abound on the market - fishing by his lack of character. Its sound trite and lack of enthusiasm in the high revs seem perfectly prepared the ground for electric motors. Like them, it becomes a simple accessory that is asked first to be forgotten. 

Our model was equipped with the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission (option charged € 2,200), a unique model as compact. On board the Series 1, she demonstrated the same efficiency as the Series 5 and 7. The sensation of speed crossing over is equivalent to a dual clutch transmission even if they are a little slower in reality (200 milliseconds against 8 for DSG6 of Volkswagen). However, the ZF surpasses the DSG for its smoothness, exemplary. Only regret the unavailability of the paddle on the petrol models. 

In terms of consumption, 5.9 liters per 100 km announced by BMW are obviously quite theoretical. We found our share of the scores closer to 8 liters per 100 km on average, or 10.5 liters driving very active, which is reasonable for a turbo petrol 170 hp coupled to an automatic transmission. 

Can be seen, the 1 Series is a revolution, but not in its rates. It remains an expensive car. The 118i is so charged from € 28,000 for finishing Premiere Access and € 32,400 in our version of Urban Life. It appears, however well equipped with rain sensor, parking aid front and rear, the Start Stop, cruise control, the radio "Professional" screen with 6.5 inches. However, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 offers a 170 hp version equipped with navigation and leather for € 2,400 less.