Confused? You will be. Contrary to some evidence, I’m not daft but I am flummoxed by our friends at Munich who produce some very fine cars – the Ultimate Driving Machines, as we are told.
It all comes down to the labelling of BMW’s now extensive range. Historically, and sensibly, they’ve avoided giving them names which could sometimes not only lead to misunderstandings but could also create an international diplomatic incident.
However their system of numbers is quite a challenge to a simple soul like me.
Getting my hands on the first UK versions of their latest 1 Series Sports Hatch, I tried to get to grips with what was available in the range of four petrol and five diesel engine variants.
The main change is that the old 116i is now the 118i and the old 118i is now the 120i. So far so good. But both the new 118i and 120i have a 1.6 litre petrol engine, developing 136hp and 170hp respectively while the 125i has a 2 litre unit with 218hp. At the top of the petrol range is the M135i with a 3 litre straight-six churning out 326hp.
So it seems that the numbering bears little or no relation to the engine size or output….until you get to the diesels.
The 1.5 litre three-cylinder 116d generates 116hp, so there is a link but from that point on there is no direct relationship between the numbering and the engine size or power.
For example, the 118d has 150hp; 120d has 190hp and the 125d has 224hp.
Ah, says the man from BMW, the numbers are only there to give an indication of the relative outputs of each model, not the actual output. In other words, it simply shows that the 118i is less powerful than the 120i.
Which is all very well, but like all these things it only makes sense if you speak the language and I’m sure many BMW buyers who are not technically minded, will, quite understandably, mistakenly believe their 118i has a 1.8 litre engine.
Does it matter? Probably not but automotive life is confusing enough with adding to it.
Talking of which, the new 1 Series has a dazzling array of available technology in addition to a vast list of standard equipment such as DAB radio – and from later this year all BMWs will have navigation fitted as standard.
The Efficient Dynamics features have been expanded. As well as Brake Energy Regeneration, Electric Power Steering, Optimum Gearshift Indicator and Auto Start Stop, standard equipment also includes ECO PRO mode which can be activated through the Driving Experience Control switch and now has a coasting function for extra fuel saving. On the 8-speed steptronic transmission there are faster gearchanges, shift paddles on the steering wheel and a Launch Control function for even quicker getaways. Predictive Shift combines with the satnav to anticipate bends and roundabouts so the best gear is selected in advance.
Many of the communications options are associated with their Connected Drive programme which links the car to the rest of the world. Standard equipment includes a SIM card embedded in the car, as a mobile phone connection is needed for the Intelligent Emergency Call – which is to become compulsory in the EU – and BMW’s own TeleServices functions as well as the optional internet-based services.
These include an online internet portal, 24 hour personal information concierge services and real time traffic information which updates map data using a mobile phone connection through the SIM card. The system will also give access to a music library of more than 25 million songs.
Added to that there’s what you’d expect in Parking Assist, Active Cruise Control, Rear View Camera, High Beam Assistant, Lane Departure Warning and Collision Warnings systems.
Without doubt this car is clever, but I can’t help feeling that some owners – and not just mature ones – might begin to feel that like having a simple mobile phone that only handles calls and takes the occasional picture, they just want a car that drives and handles well, without doubling as a mobile mission control centre.
Fortunately, that’s exactly where the new car excels, especially in the form of the featured test car, the top-of-the range, turbocharged and formidable M135i.
Don’t be misled. This is not a full-blown M version, but it has been considerably tweaked to get the most from the straight-six, three litre engine along with significant aerodynamic improvements with a newly-designed front apron and better seals between the headlamps and bonnet to optimise airflow.
All round the car feels very athletic with power increased to 326hp and a time of just 6.2 seconds from a standing start to 62mph. At the same time, average consumption is claimed at around the mid-30s mpg.
I loved the lively performance and its sure-footedness around the bends bolstered by a beautiful rasp from the large twin exhausts at the back end.
Outwardly, there are just a few subtle design changes in the new model.
At the front, the new lower apron with larger air intakes and a horizontal bar combines with reshaped BMW kidney grilles and headlamps with LED daytime driving lights as standard on all models. For the first time, full LED headlamps with low and main beam have been added as options. New wider tail lamps also have LED technology.
The cockpit is familiar with only a few minor changes to the design and materials and fabrics used. Every model in the BMW catalogue will soon come with a 6.5-inch high definition screen, iDrive controller and Traffic Message Channel. The £1,890 Professional Navigation which was in the test car added a larger 8.8-inch screen with iDrive Touch controller, Real Time Traffic Information and BMW Online.
Although prices across the range have gone up slightly, BMW say that each model gives added value because of the extra equipment…. and residual values have gone up by around 5%.
Almost two million 1 Series models have been sold since the introduction of the first generation ten years ago and more than a third of owners have the car as the main one in the household. It’s still seen as the entry level car into the BMW brand and around 65% of sales come from drivers moving from other makes, the so-called conquests.
These latest changes are a mid-life update to the Series 1….and they’re going to give German competitors Audi and Mercedes something to think about.
CAR: BMW M135i 5-door Sports Hatch
PRICE: £31,370 (£40,195 as tested)
POWER: 3.0 6 cyl  326hp TORQUE: 450 Nm
PERFORMANCE: Top speed 155 mph (governed)Â 0-62 mph 5.1 secs
MPG: 35 mpg combined
CO2 EMISSIONS: 175 g/km
TT Rating: 
