BMW reveals all-new F20 1 Series hatch

After seven years in the market, the controversial but largely successful BMW 1 Series has moved into the second generation of its model cycle. Details of the all-new F20 1 Series has just been published, though there has yet to mention of its official market release as of now.

Launch line-up of the all-new 1 features a 1.6-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre diesel offered in various states of tune. A 1.6-litre diesel will be rolling out at a later date, and we wouldn’t put it past BMW to shoehorn one of its straight six motors someday, even though the 3.0-litre N55 engine might be a bit of an overkill. A safe bet would be on the eventual appearance of Munich’s new 2.0-litre twin-scroll turbo four-pot that recently debuted on the X1 xDrive28i.

BMW F20 1 Series

Petrol power is offered in the 116i and 118i, both featuring a 1,598cc four-cylinder engine armed with a twin-scroll turbocharger, direct injection, Valvetronic and Double VANOS. One notable source on the internet claims that this is actually the MINI’s Prince engine rotated 90 degrees for the 1 Series’ north-south engine mounting architecture. That claim has yet to be substantiated, and BMW’s literature is keener to highlight how the engine’s internals are in fact based on the award-winning N55 instead.

The engine shares bore and stroke measurements with the Prince, but its output figures are vastly different from the MINI’s. In the 116i, fireworks start at 1,350rpm, where maximum torque of 220Nm is generated and remains constant until 4,300rpm. At 4,400rpm, maximum power of 136hp is delivered. The 118i has a similarly beefy mid-range, with 250Nm on tap from 1,500 to 4,500rpm, and maximum power of 170hp generated at 4,800rpm.

Diesel power, meanwhile, is delivered by the 2.0-litre N47D20 engine offered in three states of tune: 116hp/260Nm in the 116d, 143hp/320Nm in the 118d, and the 184hp/380Nm setup that we’ve grown familiar with in the 120d. A confirmed future addition to the range is the 116d EfficientDynamics edition that features a 116hp 1.6-litre diesel engine with a claimed fuel consumption of 3.8 litres/100km. All versions of the F20 1 Series will come with the choice of a 6-speed manual transmission and the new ZF-sourced 8-speed torque converter auto that is gradually replacing the old 6-speeder.

Amidst rumours that BMW are developing front-wheel drive models for its future line-up, the F20 will continue with the firm’s trademark rear-wheel drive architecture with 50:50 weight distribution. Suspension is independent all-round, and the front MacPherson struts are constructed largely of aluminium, contributing to reduction in unsprung mass. As with Munich’s most recent offerings, the F20 utilizes electric power steering as standard, with speed-dependent assist available as an option.

BMW Urban Line trim

The electric steering is but one of many BMW EfficientDynamics technologies offered as standard in the new 1 Series along with Brake Energy Regeneration and Auto Start/Stop. Depending on model, other features offered under this eco-friendly umbrella include a high efficiency rear differential, low rolling resistance tyres and on-demand ancillaries.

Two distinct trim levels are on offer, ‘Sport Line’ and ‘Urban Line’, both newly developed for the 1 Series and used for the first time in BMW’s line-up. Both trim lines come with distinct design touches inside out that separate them from each other. The new F20 1 Series rolls out from BMW’s Regensburg plant, which is also responsible for the 3 Series, M3, and Z4.

BMW Sport Line trim

KON

Pictures: Official BMW release

See also:
– BMW 1 Series – First Pix!
– BMW 120i Test Drive
– BMW 130i – The ONE for me!
– BMW Malaysia Launch New and Improved BMW 1 Series
– BMW 1 Series Coupe Revealed