• 120i arriving October this year with a sub $40,000 price tag
• 118i arriving in the first quarter of 2005
• BMW 1 Series debuts at Paris and Sydney International Motor Shows
• Choice of five or six speed manual, and six speed automatic gearboxes
• Rear-wheel drive, precise steering, stability and agility define class-leading dynamics
• Push-button start, optional iDrive, Memory Key, runflat tyres
• Cd of 0.31 and long wheelbase gives sporty profile
• Comprehensive safety engineering, dynamic chassis control suggest 5 Star Euro NCAP result

BMW will introduce quality and driving dynamics to a younger audience with the arrival in Australia of the all-new 1 Series in October.

The opportunity of providing a new generation of drivers with sporty BMW performance, dynamism and quality has been met by the outstanding new 1 Series.

Pure, powerful driving provided by BMW’s famed rear-wheel drive chassis and its advanced, high-output, VALVETRONIC four-cylinder 2.0-litre engine, means the new BMW 1 Series sits astride the prestige small car market.

Heading the 1 Series range is the 120i complete with 110kW 2-litre engine.

BMW Group Australia is delighted to announce it has been able to secure the feisty 95kW 118i model as its entry to BMW motoring.

The 118i joins the 120i in the first quarter of next year, the first BMW of recent times to come to market below $40,000.

With its superior mix of sporty driving, distinctive looks and European finesse, the 118i brings a new level of excitement to the prestige market entry-point.

Never before have buyers in this class been offered so much technology, innovation and driving excitement. The 1 Series adopts BMW’s distinctive athletic character, brilliantly packaged.

Equipped with the longest wheelbase in its class, and ideally-balanced weight distribution for perfect handling response and ride comfort, the five-seater 1 Series delivers a sporting drive backed by BMW safety, traction and ergonomic excellence.

In the 120i, a free-revving 2.0-litre 16-valve engine produces 110 kW at 6,200 rpm and 200 Nm of torque at just 3,600 rpm. The engine features Double VANOS variable valve timing in addition to VALVETRONIC valve control. Balancer shafts improve smoothness of the longitudinally mounted engines and encourage full use of its impressive abilities.

The 120i delivers strong acceleration throughout the rev range. The 2-litre engine is mated to either a short-shifting close ratio six-speed manual or six-speed three-mode Steptronic automatic gearbox. In all cases the BMW 120i delivers effortless, powerful and exhilarating performance.

The 0-100 km/h acceleration run takes just 8.7 seconds with a top speed of 217 km/h. Mid-range overtaking from 80-120 km/h takes just 8.4 seconds in fourth gear. Average combined cycle fuel consumption is a mere 7.4-litres per 100 km.

The 1 Series’ chassis employs a stiff aluminium front suspension with optimised weight-saving steel five-link set-up at the rear, essentially an enhanced double wishbone set-up.

Latest generation electronic chassis controls include Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with a driving dynamics mode (DTC), Automatic Stability Control (ASC), Electronic Differential Lock, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), and the most powerful brakes in the class.

In addition, the 1 Series features BMW’s latest Brake Force Display two-stage brake lights that warn following cars of emergency braking conditions ahead.

With rear wheels driving and front wheels steering, drivers enjoy unparalleled levels of precision response to input as well as accurate feedback. Directional stability and secure handling in high-speed cornering is assured by the 50/50 weight distribution, another BMW hallmark. A 10.7 metre turning circle is a further benefit for city drivers.

With a light and airy five-seater cabin, ergonomically ideal driving position, and up to 1,150-litres of loading space, the 1 Series blends dynamic driving with versatility. Up to 500 kg can be carried, while plentiful storage includes a compartment hidden under the load floor.

Standard features include a multi-function steering wheel adjustable for rake and reach, climate control air conditioning, and CD equipped sound system.

Passive safety systems include two-stage front airbags, front side airbags and head airbags for front and rear passengers. The pedal box swings away in a crash to reduce potential lower limb injury.

All BMW 1 Series cars feature runflat tyres with Tyre Defect Indicator, and constant wear indicators for key service items, including brake pads. The 120i runs 16-inch light alloy wheels with 16-inch steel rims for the 118i.

Key available features include sports seats with pneumatic backrest width adjustment, heated seats, keyless easy access with push button start, Bluetooth mobile phone interface with hands-free kit and operation via multi-function steering wheel, iDrive with voice activated controls, satellite navigation, illuminated entry system and leather interior.

Park Distance Control makes life easier in busy cities, while a vast range of audio systems is available up to a 10 speaker HiFi system.

The BMW 1 Series dispenses with the messy oil level check. Drivers now push a button to display the current oil level on the instrument cluster. Additionally, the oil service interval has been extended to 30,000 km - depending on driving conditions - thanks to the Condition Based Service system, pioneered on the 7 Series.

The BMW 1 Series is assembled in the world-class Regensburg plant in Eastern Bavaria. Robots mate gearbox to engine, and while the cockpit is hand-assembled as a module it is installed into the car on the production line by a robot.

Australian deliveries of the BMW 1 Series will commence in October 2004.

Final Australian specification and pricing will be announced closer to launch.

“The 1 Series is fully equipped with state-of-the-art features and luxuriously appointed. Most important of all, it drives like a true BMW, delivering strong performance, agile handling and precise steering,” says Franz Sauter, Managing Director of BMW Group Australia.

“The 1 Series gives BMW a genuine driver’s car with which to entice and enchant a new generation of buyers.”