|
By
ALISTAIR KENNEDY
19 May 2008
BMW has completed the release of its 1 Series small-medium
range with a two-door convertible joining the hatchback, here
since 2004, and the coupe that was launched recently.
Although technically a full size smaller than the current BMW 3
Series, the 1 Series certainly isn’t small in absolute terms,
being around the same dimensions as earlier versions of the 3
Series. Like most models the ‘3’ has grown steadily over the
years, leaving a gap that is now occupied by the 1 Series.
The BMW 1 Series convertible comes in three models: 120i, 125i
and 135i. The original BMW naming system where a car’s model
name equated to engine size is now a thing of the past because,
while the four-cylinder 120i does have the expected capacity of
2.0 litres, both the 125i and 135i have six-cylinder 3.0-litre
engines. Indeed the engine in the 135i is marginally smaller than
that in the 125i.
BMW’s explanation is that it’s all about performance rather
than simply engine capacity and in that regard the 135i does
indeed stand head and shoulders above the 125i. Its
twin-turbocharged engine generates 225 kW and 400 Nm compared with
the 160 kW and 270 Nm of the 125i.
Unfortunately we weren’t able to drive the 135i convertible
during our initial testing, there being a delay in its arrival, so
we’ll have to wait a little longer for what should be a very
enjoyable driving experience if our recent test of its sibling
135i coupe is anything to go on.
We were able to drive both the 120i and 125i models over a
250-kilometre route to the south of Adelaide. While capable enough
the four-cylinder 120i is a little down on power and is designed
more for moderate cruising than for out on the open road.
Serious drivers without the $78,400 needed to buy a 135i
convertible can save $15,000 and still get excellent performance
from the 125i convertible. There’s more than enough power and
torque from the in-line six engine for the driving enthusiast.
The 1 Series is the only rear-wheel-drive car in the small
convertible market and it shows with its genuine sports car feel.
It’s beautifully balance and steering response is almost
instantaneous making it the sort of car that will appeal to the
dedicated driver.
All 1 Series convertibles come with the choice of six-speed
manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The six-cylinder
models also come with steering-wheel mounted gear shift paddles.
BMW has bucked the trend towards retractable hardtops and
retained the traditional soft fabric roof for the 1 Series. The
smaller dimensions of the car are seen as the limiting factor, it
not being large enough to conveniently house the extra size of a
folding hardtop. The roof can be raised or lowered in 22 seconds,
at speeds of up to 40km/h.
Unlike many of its competitors the A-pillar and front
windscreen are relatively short and don’t extend over the heads
of front seat occupants. While there’s still plenty of
protection from the elements it does provide a nice open-air feel
that’s missing in similar convertibles.
The A-pillar is reinforced for added safety while there are
roll-over bars built into the rear seat headrests that extend if
required. Other safety equipment includes six airbags, stability
and traction control, hill-start assist and a number of brake
enhancements.
Good-looking, affordable and a Beemer – this latest 1 Series
variant is sure to make an impact in the drop top market.
The complete BMW 1 Series range, with prices (excluding on-road
costs) is:
120i 2.0-litre: $52,900 (manual), $55,500 (automatic)
125i 3.0-litre: $63,400 (manual), $66,200 (automatic)
135i 3.0-litre twin-turbo: $78,400 (manual), $81,200 (automatic)
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
|
