The 120i has become a familiar sight on South African roads since the littlest BMW was launched last year, but good news is that the 1 Series line-up has been significantly strengthened by the addition of the 116i, 118i and 120d models to the range.

The 120i has become a familiar sight on South African roads since the littlest BMW was launched last year, but good news is that the 1 Series line-up has been significantly strengthened by the addition of the 116i, 118i and 120d models to the range.

Continuing with BMW’s rear-wheel drive formula, each powerplant uses four-valve technology derived from its bigger 3 Series sibling. The in-line engines, with their centre of gravity behind the front axle line, make for an almost ideal weight distribution. So the future addition of the 192 kW 130i, launched at the Geneva Motor Show last week, is an exciting prospect for enthusiastic drivers. And the scorching little M1 is rumoured not to be too far off…

Standard equipment on the available models is extensive and includes 16-inch run-flat tyres, a tyre pressure monitor, two-stage brake lights, a stop/start button, DSC (stability control) with emergency brake assist, an electronic differential lock, traction control and cornering brake control.

The four-cylinder 116i power-unit is based on the 120i engine and produces 85 kW at 6 000 r/min and maximum torque of 150 N.m at 4 300 r/min. Accelerating from zero-to-100 km/h takes 10,7 seconds and the top speed is 200 km/h – quite swift for an entry-level car. Fuel consumption is relatively low at about seven litres per 100 km on a combined cycle. The 116i is available only with a five-speed manual gearbox.

The 118i uses the same two-litre engine as the 120i and enjoys many of the same characteristics such as the d-o-h-c valvetrain, but without the double Vanos with Valvetronic throttle valve. It is available with a choice of six-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmissions.

The manual version accelerates to 100 km/h in 9,4 seconds and clocks a top speed of 208 km/h. BMW claims fuel consumption for the five-speed manual is an acceptable 7,3l/100 km.

The 120d’s diesel engine is a modified version of the engine first used in the 3 Series. It displaces 1 995 cm3 and produces a useful 115 kW at 4 000 r/min and meaty torque peak of 330 N.m at 2 000 r/min. Mated with a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox, this state-of-the-art engine is quite capable as a robot-racer too; rocketing the five-door hatch to 100 km/h in 8,2 seconds. The 120d has a top speed of 218 km/h, which BMW claims is unrivalled for a car in its segment.

The second-generation Common Rail system used has a pressure of 1 600 bar and is in compliance with EU 4 emission regulations. Responsible for rapid acceleration and above-average economy, the system facilitates faster fuel injection for increased performance and lower fuel consumption (5,7 litres per 100 km for the six-speed manual).

Regardless of the engine chosen, BMW says the 1 Series is largely maintenance-free except for filter and oil changes. A service interval display informs the driver when the replacements and changes are required.

Prices:

116i - R190 000

118i* - R200 000

120i* - R215 000

120d* - R235 000

*Steptronic – R16 000

Original article from Car