Okay, the 120 version tested, with a 170 hp three-cylinder engine with 48V mild hybridization, is not the sports car in the range. But that’s not the only reason. First of all, this Series 1 follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, which had already given up on rear-wheel drive (except on the xDrive 4×4 versions of course), which had already taken away part of its charm. And now, only automatic transmissions are offered. The 7-speed robotized one of our test car is perfect for everyday use, but erases the gear changes too much in “active” driving, smoothing out the performance of a very linear turbo engine a little more when it revs up. . And this is even more the case for the management which reacts to the finger and the eye, but no longer communicates with its driver, not providing him with information on the grip or the surface. The performance is therefore there – 7.8 s to go from 0 to 100 km/h – as is the efficiency. Less emotion.
Other arguments to convince
However, today, how many buyers at this level of the range still consciously choose BMW for its claimed dynamism? Especially in our country, where it is the companies that praise the Bavarian brand, “ordinary” users will prefer to know that their Series 1 is now equipped with two curved screens as a dashboard, with multimedia for once rather intuitive, it must be emphasized. And connected of course: an applications store will allow you to directly enrich the on-board system if you do not replicate your smartphone via Apple Caprlay or Android Auto, wirelessly. Perhaps they will also be more interested to know that their Series 1 is packed with assistants designed to make their lives easier, by automating driving on the motorway, or parking alone, possibly remotely by controlling it with their smartphone. Finally, they will undoubtedly prefer to know that they will be able to easily carry four adults on board, and take 380 liters of luggage in a regularly shaped trunk, extendable via a three-part folding bench seat. Finally, they will surely be delighted to know that the interior is still very neat and well finished, with real aluminum inlays in particular.
Verdict
The new BMW 1 Series is still part of the dynamic compact elite, that’s undeniable. But she erases some of her emotions through her choices and technical settings. Some of them (the automatic gearbox, the fairly ordinary engine) are obviously dictated by the hunt for the slightest gram of CO2. The most pragmatic will say that it is more versatile, technological and secure than ever. But for our part, we hope that the 300 horsepower M135 version which tops the range will be more “emotional”.
Let us also point out that the range will also include two other petrol engines (116: 3-Cyl 122 hp and 123: 4-cyl 218 hp), and two diesel engines (4-cyl 150 and 163 hp) will complete the offer at launch.
Its good sides:
– Its more dynamic and muscular line
– The latent dynamism perceptible in his behavior
– Its technological content
BMW 120
Engine: Gasoline; 3 cylinders; 170 hp; 280Nm
Transmission: to the front wheels
Transmission: 7-speed automatic
L/l/h (mm) : 4.360/1.800/1.459
Empty weight (kg): 1,425
Trunk volume (l): 380
Tank (l): 49
0 to 100 km/h (sec): 7.8
V-Max (km/h) : 226
Mixed consumption (l/100km): 5.3-6
Consumption of the test (l/100km): NC
CO2 (g/km) : 121-135
Base price (€ incl. VAT): €36,800
