Robert Barry checks out BMW’s newly minted front-wheel-drive 1-series, which is released in NZ next month to take on the Volkswagen Golf and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class in the five-door premium hatch market.
The entry-level 118i Sport Line Edition kicks off at $49,900, followed by the 118i M Sport from $53,900. Both are powered by a 103kW/220Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to a 7-speed automatic.
For more performance the new all-wheel-drive M135i XDrive lobs in at $83,500, offering a sub-5-second dash to the open road speed limit thanks to its 225kW/450Nm 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine and 8-speed automatic.
The new 1-series offers more interior space than before, and the car is jam-packed with the latest automotive technologies such as BMW Connected Drive, BMW Connected App, wireless smartphone charging, driving assistant, parking assistant, and intelligent emergency call.
A Digital Key function allows up to five Samsung Smartphone users to unlock the vehicle and start it using the BMW Connected App. New 1-series buyers can also option a $2500 Visibility package or the $1200 Comfort package, and there are additional extra-cost options for the alloy wheels if the standard units don’t suit customer’s needs or taste.
Recognising a niche market in New Zealand, the BMW iDrive interface in the 1-series offers a simplified Chinese language version with English available as an alternative.
Test Drive the new BMW 1-series at Auckland City BMW, 7 Great South Rd, Newmarket, Auckland. (09 524 3300)
