The second generation BMW 1-Series improves on the current 1-Series which has already sold over 1 000 000 units worldwide. It seems like all the tick-boxes have been checked for the new 1-Series, it has better fuel economy, space, performance and comfort. The styling of the car has also undergone some significant changes, whether they are an improvement or not is a matter of taste.

New BMW 1-Series gets new engine technology

What has remained the same is that the BMW 1-Series is still the only rear-wheel drive model in its class, what has changed is that for the first time, all petrol and diesel engines in the new BMW 1-Series will feature the new BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. This has improved the performance resulting in the following figures. The 116i produces 100kW and the 118i produces 125 kW. The 2-litre diesel engines have undergone a redesign and now produce the following figures: 116d produces 85 kW, the 118d produces 105 kW and the 120d produces 135 kW.

Ride-comfort and handling has also been addressed and improved, thanks to the rear-wheel drive, in-line engines, perfectly balanced weight distribution and advanced suspension technology.

New look for BMW 1-Series

As far as the dimensions go, the body of the new BMW 1-Series is 85mm longer, the wheelbase is 30mm longer, the front track is 51mm wider and the rear track is 72mm wider than the previous 1-Series model. The height of the new BMW 1-Series is still the same as the previous model but the increased width results in increased interior space. The legroom has also been increased as well as the luggage compartment, which has been expanded to 360-litres.

The new 1-Series also comes with the option of BMW Sport Line and BMW Urban Line, which offer interior and exterior equipment to further personalize the vehicle.The Sport Line includes sport seats, leather sports steering wheel, high-gloss black interior trim and more. It also comes with 16-inch star-spoke light-alloy wheels, black exhaust pipe end trim and “BMW Sport” lettering on the door sills.

The Urban Line comes with specific cloth/leather seats as well as a leather sports steering wheel, adjustable armrests and contemporary acrylic glass trim in the interior. The ambient and courtesy lights can be alternated between orange and blue, with an additional light source on the B-pillar.

Look out for more information regarding a local release later in 2011.