BMW 120i - a car of true genius | Canterbury News | Local News in Canterbury

It's been a busy time of late for BMW New Zealand, in the last year or so they have been bombarded with a wealth of new models, fresh from the parent company.

Topping the list is the 7 Series, the new 5 Series is well on stream, the X3, and now the 1 Series are all in the dealers' showrooms.

The latter is BMW's mass market hatchback; whereas once the 3 Series Compact touched there, its three-door design was restrictive, and sales have predominantly been slow, although steady. The 1 Series on the other hand is a five-door, a car of true genius with its compact proportions yet satisfying internal space.

Sure, three-door and other derivatives are bound to be on the drawing board, but for now the 1 Series arrives here in three hatchback versions, each dependent on engine size.

Four-cylinder 1.6-litre, 2-litre petrol and 2-litre diesel variants are now available, with a 1.8-litre model scheduled to arrive next month.

At present the range starts at $38,900 and ends at $57,900 for the six-speed automatic 2-litre (both petrol and diesel). The petrol 2-litre SE was made available for evaluation and it gave me the impression that it is the best handling BMW yet.

Even though BMW have retained the front engine (longitudinal), rear-wheel-drive concept, they have given the car good balance with an almost 50:50 weight split front to rear. Consequently, it steers and turns with precision and directional accuracy unsurpassed. If you add in the grip supplied from the low profile 205/55 x 17in Bridgestone Potenza rubber and the safety elements such as dynamic stability control, corner braking control and traction control, it's easy to see why it is so nimble.

Providing the performance is a 1995cc twin-camshaft engine which has 16-valves, variably timed. BMW claim power outputs of 110kW (6200rpm) and 200Nm (3600rpm). Together these figures provide a broad spread of power, the car isn't electrifyingly quick, but with engine flexibility, speed is ushered in constantly but without a rush.

According to BMW, the 120i will reach 0-100kmh in 9.2sec (8.7sec manual), while a 6.1sec to make 120kmh from 80kmh isn't too shabby. BMW's reputation for efficiency hasn't been compromised in the 1 Series either.

It is a fuel-thrifty model which, according to the on board computer, will return figures of 9.7 litres usage per 100kmh on average (29mpg). Instantaneous figures of 7.2l/100km (39mpg) while cruising at 100kmh in sixth (engine speed 2200rpm), give an indication of its thrift.

Major items of specification include dual zone climate control (manual), fully electric operating systems, full leather trim, tilt and reach-adjustable steering column, variable intermittent wipers (also automatic), automatic lights and a powerful 10-speaker hi-fi audio with CD player.

Safety is far from forgotten on the 120i. Heading the list is no fewer than six air bags, five full overshoulder seats and ABS.

Interestingly, to get the 120i mobile you need to push a dash-mounted button to start it, while a smart key is housed in the facia just left of the steering wheel.

The 1 Series fits well into BMW's sports sedan concept, catering well for five adults and providing rewarding motoring at all speeds.