From：Greg Kable 2019-05-27 07:00:01
Switch to front wheel drive brings greater interior space without any compromise in handling, says BMW.
BMW is taking renewed aim at the hatchback class with its new third-generation 1-series.
Pictured here in a series of official photographs ahead of a planned public debut for the new five door model at the 2019 Frankfurt motor show, the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-class and Volkswagen Golf rival has been comprehensively re-engineered in a move that brings the 1-series' mechanical layout into line with each of its premium brand competitors for the very first time.
Gone is the rear-wheel drive platform that has formed the basis of the 1-series since its introduction to the BMW line-up in 2004. It is replaced by a more contemporary front-wheel drive platform known internally as the FAAR architecture.
Already used by BMW-owned Mini for its latest line-up of models, the new platform has been developed to support conventional combustion engines, plug-in hybrid drivelines and pure electric drive systems.
The long anticipated switch from rear wheel drive to front wheel drive also sees the new 1-series forgo the longitudinal engine mounting used up until now for a transverse engine mounting that BMW says has allowed it to amend two of the major weakness of its predecessor, namely its lack of accommodation and luggage capacity.
Despite the change in engineering philosophy for its most affordable model, BMW claims the new front-wheel drive 1-series delivers a driving experience that is every bit as sporting as its rear-wheel drive model it replaces. “Dynamic sharpness is unprecedented in front-wheel drive cars, with which it sets new standards in the premium compact class,” says the German car maker.
Alongside standard front-wheel drive, the new entry-level BMW will also be offered with four-wheel drive in selected models, including a powerful new 225kW turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder powered M35i xDrive model that will crown the initial third-generation 1-series line-up.
As well as underpinning the new 1-series, the FAAR platform is also planned to form the basis of a new 2-series GranCoupe model recently previewed by BMW in an official sketch.
Other BMW models set to take the new platform include a successor to the Chinese market 1-series sedan and replacements for the 2-series ActiveTourer and 2-series GranTourer sold in selected markets.
Set for European sale from September, the new 1-series also receives a new exterior design featuring a fresh interpretation of BMW’s signature kidney-shaped grille, heavily tapered headlamps, a higher waistline and new look rear end dominated by L-shape tailamps that extend across the tailgate to emphasis its width.
In line with its new underpinnings, the proportions have altered as well with a shorter bonnet among other changes. The new car runs on a range of wheels, starting at 16-inch in diameter and increasing through to optional 19-inch items
Dimensionally, the new BMW is shorter but wider and higher than the second-generation 1-series introduced in 2011. Length is reduced by 5mm at 4319mm, width increases by 34mm at 1799mm and height is up by 13mm at 1434mm. The new 1-series also uses a wheelbase that is 20mm shorter than that of its predecessor at 2670mm.
By comparison, that existing Volkswagen Golf measures 4258mm in length, 1790mm in width and 1452mm in height.
Inside, there is an all-new dashboard housing digital instruments and a central touch screen display featuring BMW’s latest 7.0 operating system and over-the-air software upgrades. Among the options is a head-up display unit, gesture control and a digital key function that allows entry via smart phone.
BMW says the adoption of the new front wheel drive platform has led to greater interior accommodation, including a 33mm increase in rear legroom compared to the second-generation model. Luggage capacity is also up by 20-litres to 380-litres, increasing to 1200-litres when the spilt fold rear seat is stowed.
Among the standard driving assistant systems is collision and pedestrian warning with city braking function as well as a lane departure warning function.
The new 1-series hatchback, known internal under the codename F40, will be sold with a choice of two petrol engines and a pair of diesel powerplants from the start of European sales later this year. All engines comply with the latest EU6d-TEMP emission regulations; the petrol units receive a particulate filter while the diesels run a particulate filter in combination with a NOx catalyst and SCR (Selectric Catalytic Reduction) technology.
BMW confirms the initial five model line-up will be broadened with further petrol engine options and a new plug-in petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain in an upcoming 125e xDrive model once production is ramped up towards the end of the year.
A turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine developing 103kW and 220Nm of torque in the entry-level 118i provides the starting point to the new range with a claimed 0-100km/h time of 8.5sec, 213km/h top speed along with average consumption and emissions of 5.0L/100km and 114g/km respectively.
At the other end of the line-up is the rapid new Mercedes-Benz A35 4Matic rivalling M135i xDrive. It runs the same turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine as the recently introduced X2 M35i with 225kW and 450Nm. Sold as standard with BMW’s four-wheel drive xDrive system, the new range-topping 1-series model boasts an official 0-100km time of just 4.7sec in combination with an optional M Performance package that BMW says will be available from November together with a limited top speed of 250km/h, combined cycle consumption of 6.8L/100km and average CO2 emissions of 155g/km.
The entry point for the diesel models is the 116d, which runs a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine. With 85kW and 270Nm, it boasts a claimed 0-100km/h time of 10.3sec and 200km/h top speed in combination with combined consumption of 3.8L/100km and CO2 emissions of 100g/km.
Further up the line-up is the 118d and 120d xDrive – the latter of which is offered as standard with four-wheel drive. They run a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine delivering 110kW and 350Nm in the 118d and 140kW and 400Nm in the 120d. Respective consumption and CO2 emissions are put at 4.1L/100 and 108g/km and 4.5L/100km and 117g/km.
The gearbox varies depending on the engine; the 118i, 116d and 118d come with a standard six-speed manual while the 120d xDrive and M135i xDrive receive an eight-speed torque converter equipped automatic, which is optional on the 118d. A seven-speed dual clutch gearbox is also available as an option for the 116d and 118i.
