BMW’s long awaited compact-class 1 Series cats will be available here later this year, shortly after its European launch.
The five-door sports-hatch is 24 cm shorter than the 3 Series saloon, and features a front mounted engine driving the rear wheels. Customers in Europe will have an immediate choice of four four-cylinder engines – two petrol burners, generating 85 and 110 kW of power, and two diesels offering 90 and 120 kW. Depending upon the model, the cars will use five or six speed manual transmissions, or a six speed auto to deliver drive to 16″ alloy wheels. Equipment levels will be high, with Bluetooth cellular phone interface, Park Distance Control and BMW’s iDrive being options.
Prices are expected to be announced soon, and the South African launch of the first petrol model will be in September this year, followed by the diesel a few months later.