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.June 02, 2004
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This Week:

• Jaguar Introduces New 2005 Jaguar X-Type Sport At The Birmingham International Motor Show

• DaimlerChrysler GEM Electric VehiclesTo Transport World Leaders at June G8 Summit

• Holden To Wind Down GM Daewoo In Australia

• Toyota Prius Hybrid Synergy Drive System Dominates 2004 International Engine of the Year Awards

• BMW announces UK prices and specifications for 1 Series

• Retrofit for third row of seats in Touran - more flexibility for the five-seater

• Nissan Names Two New Vice Presidents

• Chance To Play Golf With Tiger Woods Among Items Up For Bid In Buick Open Charity Auction

• Change at the top of Rolls Royce Motor Cars

• Mazda's RENESIS Rotary Engine Honoured for a Second Year

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BMW announces UK prices and specifications for 1 Series

Photo: BMW
 

Munich - Offering unsurpassed driving dynamics courtesy of the only front-engine, rear-wheel-drive set-up in its class, the all-new BMW 1 Series goes on sale in September with prices starting from just £15,690 OTR. Powered by a choice of four engines from launch, the 1 Series will be available as three different models - Base, SE and Sport. Buyers will also be able to choose eight different body colours, three of which are unique to the BMW 1 Series.

Model 116i

• Base £15,690

• SE £17,640

• Sport £17,640

Model 120i

• Base £18,32

• SE £20,270

• Sport £20,170

Model 118d

• Base £17,340

• SE £19,290

• Sport £19,290

Model 120d

• Base £18,850

• SE £20,800

• Sport £20,700

For those looking to buy a new BMW 1 Series via a finance package provided by BMW Financial Services, a deposit of £2,762 and monthly payments of just £229 will get them behind the wheel of a 116i. After 35 months the owner will have the option to buy the car by paying a final payment or hand the vehicle back.

The BMW 1 Series is available in three different models with the Base variant offering a vehicle which has remote central locking, six airbags (driver, passenger, front side and front head) and Dynamic Stability Control combined with Dynamic Traction Control as standard. Run-flat tyres, front electric windows, engine starter button, adjustable steering column along with passenger seat height adjustment and BMW Business CD player also feature.

Moving up a model level the SE brings with it a host of specification enhancements. Automatic air-conditioning, leather-clad multi-function steering wheel and rear Park Distance Control are all standard. An auto-dimming interior mirror counters the glare from other motorists' headlights, while the armrest ensures relaxed driving. Front fog lights help when visibility is bad and the 16-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels give the car an air of distinction.

Sport is the final model offered. All Sport models come with 16-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, automatic air-conditioning, sports suspension, sports seats, sports steering wheel, front fog lights and Black Gomera trim. For buyers of the 116i and the 118d who select a Sport model, the standard features list also includes colour-coded exterior bodywork.

A range of optional equipment can be specified to further enhance the appeal of 1 Series ownership. BMW's Business navigation system, which includes the fitment of the iDrive controller, can be added as can full leather upholstery, all round Park Distance Control and Xenon headlights. A Comfort Package is another option that includes rain-sensing wipers, a Storage Package, cup holders, front armrest, interior auto-dimming mirrors and rear Park Distance Control. A six-speed automatic gearbox is also offered for buyers of 120i and 120d models. Comfort Access (keyless entry), Extended Voice Control and Professional navigation systems will appear some time after the model launch.

To complement the choice of specification, four engines are provided to suit each individual buyer's requirements. The entry-level 116i has a 115bhp 1.6-litre Bi-VANOS petrol engine capable of a zero to 62mph time of 10.8 seconds and a top speed of 125mph, while still posting a 37.7mpg consumption figure. Power being transmitted to the road via a five-speed manual gearbox. The other petrol engine to be offered is the VALVETRONIC 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit in the 120i with 150bhp on tap. This car achieves a zero to 62mph time of 8.7 seconds and maximum speed of 135mph and, like the two diesel-powered cars offered, comes with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard.

The current flagship of the 1 Series range is the 120d. Powered by a 163bhp 2.0-litre common-rail diesel engine this car achieves 49.6mpg but still records a 7.9 second zero to 62mph time and a 137mph top speed. Those who want to retain the driving dynamics of the 1 Series but be powered by a slightly tamer diesel can opt for the 118d and its 122bhp 2.0-litre engine. Averaging 50.4mpg this car promises to be frugal yet still achieve a zero to 62mph time of 10 seconds and reach a top speed of 125mph.

(May 24, 2004)