BMW’S FIRST PREMIUM COMPACT CONVERTIBLE FOR 30 YEARS
16 March 2008 - BMW

The only rear-wheel-drive car in the compact segment.

BMW said this week when it was launched in 2004 the BMW 1 Series five-door hatchback was unique. It was the only rear-wheel-drive car in the compact segment.

BMW’s aim for their ‘baby’ 1 Series range was uncompromised driving dynamics and a product aimed at a new generation of customers that could join the brand for the first time because of its relatively affordable price. The range has since expanded to include a three-door Hatchback and a two-door Coupé.

On 5 April 2008, the 1 Series family will be completed with the launch of the first premium compact convertible by BMW for three decades. Prices range from £22,335 up to £32,415.

BMW UK admit that with each additional new model and the progressive upgrades throughout its short life the 1 Series has evolved and has just got better in quality and refinement.

The BMW 1 Series range has also been an ideal showcase for BMW’s EfficientDynamics fuel saving, CO2 lowering technology and the new Convertible continues that theme. Blending BMW’s renowned driving dynamics and performance with class-leading economy and emissions, the BMW 1 Series Convertible delivers driver enjoyment and low running costs in equal measure.

The new two-door, four-seat Convertible range is initially available as BMW 120i and 125i models, but will be joined a few weeks later by three other engine derivatives, the 118i, 120d and 135i. Two Hams Hall, Birmingham, derived four-cylinder, 2.0-litre powerplants the 118i and 120i offer an affordable way into BMW 1 Series Convertible ownership, while the 2.0-litre 120d four-cylinder diesel engine is the most economical in the range. The four-cylinder engine models have BMW’s fuel and CO2 saving Stop and Start system as standard. Two 3.0-litre, six-cylinder engines, powering the 125i and 135i, BMW said this week balance performance and refinement to offer the best in open-air driving dynamics. The 218hp engine in the 125i Convertible is a first for the 1 Series model range. The 306hp engine in the 135i is the current International Engine of the Year holder and powers the range flagship.

BMW’s smallest four-seat convertible might be compact in dimensions, but it features the same technology as some of the marque’s larger luxury models. One such key feature of the 1 Series Convertible is that all leather-upholstered cars come as standard with BMW’s innovative SunReflective leather technology. This helps keep the surface temperature of the upholstery on a hot day up to 20 degrees centigrade lower than a normally upholstered leather seat. The BMW 1 Series is also ahead of the competition as, unlike some competitors, it has a completely electric-powered roof that can be raised or lowered at speeds of up to 30mph.

Why no folding metal roof as with the 3 Series Convertible? BMW designers said this week that it is all to do with packaging and weight saving. The relatively compact length of the car means it is easier to stow a fabric roof and its mechanism within the upper section of the luggage boot and still leaves enough practical luggage space of 260-litres and with the roof up this increases by another 45-litres. The compact stowage allows for a flat rear deck to the body which is better for style but more importantly better for rearward visibility. Self actuating roll-over safety hoops for rear passenger protection are also incorporated but are hidden out of site.

Last year BMW sold 23,190 1 Series cars in the UK This year their target is 30,000 and of that 3,000 will be for new Convertible models. The main competitor models BMW think will of course be the yet to be launched new-generation Audi A3 with deliveries starting in May this year at prices from £20,750, the VW Eos costing from £19,990 and the Volvo C70 priced from £25,750

BMW UK estimate that 35 per cent of 1 Series Convertible sales will be accounted for by the price leading 118i version, 25 per cent of customers will go for the 120i variant and a minimum of 23 per cent will opt for the 120d diesel and this model could well become the main seller for business users following the latest increase for future Vehicle Excise Duty rates. The 1.25i version, BMW think, will achieve between 12-15 per cent of 1 Series Convertible sales while the flagship 135i will attract an expected 3 per cent of customers. A high proportion of buyers, or company car users, opt for the M Sport specification and again BMW UK think the 50-50 split between retail and business/fleet customers will be maintained by the new Convertible models.

In total BMW will sell around 13,500 Convertible models in the UK this year from their 1, 3, and 6 Series and Z4 ranges. A M3 Convertible with a retractable hard-top and V8, 420hp engine joins the line-up in May priced at £54,655 and the new seven-speed M-DCT Double Clutch automated manual transmission can be specified for an extra £2,590.

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Depending on the engine size option chosen the 1 Series Convertible is available with ES, SE and M Sport levels of specification plus a whole host of other extras cost options. Prices start at £22,335 for the 118i ES and rise to £32,415 for the 135i M Sport variant.

Air conditioning is standard on all models as are electric windows, alloy wheels and automatic headlights and wipers. The electric-powered convertible roof is available in classic black, beige or, as a world first, an innovative anthracite silver fleck; a fabric material interwoven with fine shiny metallic fibres.

All BMW 1 Series Convertibles have six airbags as standard – two dual stage front airbags, two side airbags and two head airbags. Brake Force Display on the rear lights highlights any emergency braking to following traffic. Run-flat tyres provide stability in the event of a sudden deflation, support weight distribution, free up storage space and avoid the need for a spare wheel. The car’s Tyre Puncture Warning System gives the driver an early indication of any loss of tyre pressure.
Dynamic Stability Control is standard on the 1 Series Convertible and acts as an electronic safety blanket for the driver. A further function of DSC is Dynamic Traction Control (DTC). When activated by a button on the dashboard it permits a greater degree of wheelslip for more spirited driving. DTC also allows for a degree of forward motion with limited wheel spin on slippery surfaces such as snow and ice. In these situations, the near instantaneous interruption of full traction control would prevent the car from pulling away. DSC can be completely disengaged should the driver so choose.

This week the UK’s motoring press had their first chance to put two of the new 1 Series Convertible models through their paces in the sunnier climate of Southern Spain, far better for roof down motoring than gale swept Great Britain.
In tandem with the delivery schedule of models to the UK, we were able to try two petrol versions, the four-cylinder, 170hp, 120i unit and the six-cylinder, 218hp 125i version both used in conjunction with slick six-speed manual transmissions.
The current most sensible engine option is the 2.0-litre 120i with 170hp and 210Nm of torque. This provides for a top speed of 137mph and 0-62mph is covered in 8.4 seconds. Average fuel economy is officially 42.8mpg but our test car returned 26.6mpg using typical town and country roads. Emissions are 158g/km which as of 1 April now means a road tax bill of £145 a year due to the new Budget VED rating putting it in Band G. This unit is a lively yet refined powerplant, ideal for this size of convertible and for most people the ideal choice. Those customers with a smaller budget will opt for the 118i and for higher mileage business users the only model that makes sense will be the 120d diesel which returns 55mpg with a road tax bill of £120 a year.

We also had the opportunity to try the new to the range 3.0-litre, six-cylinder 125i unit with 218hp and 270Nm of torque. This gives the Convertible a top speed of 148mph and 0-62mph takes 6.8 seconds. Fuel economy is officially 34.9mpg but 23.5mpg was returned during our 100 mile test over ‘interesting’ mountain roads in Southern Spain. CO2 emissions are 196g/km which means a new VED Band J rating costing £210 a year.

This engine loves to be driven hard. It thrives on high revs. Drive it lower down the rev range and it feels short of traditional six-cylinder ‘grunt’ so drive it hard. If sporty driving is your style this is the best engine for you without committing running-cost suicide by going for the twin turbocharged 135i petrol engine.

Whichever engine is chosen the move from the 1 Series having a sold roof to a Convertible has been done well. Sometimes when this conversion in design is done the Convertible suffers in the handling department due to the lack of torsional rigidity. Yes there is some ‘scuttle shake’ or body wobble if you hit a bump or pothole hard at speed. But that is a rare occurrence as the suspension has been set on the softer side to absorb the bumps better giving a more controlled and less harsh ride. The handling is not as pin-sharp as the 1 Series Hatchback or Coupe models and the steering lacks feedback and I think BMW see their latest Convertible appealing more for its looks, style and compact size rather than having sporty aspirations. By choosing an M Sport derivative the 1 Series Convertible customers can always add back in a firm ride and better driving dynamics.

MILESTONES. BMW 120i SE Convertible. Price: £25,215. Engine: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol 170hp, 210Nm at 4,250rpm. Performance: 137mph, 0-62mph 8.4 seconds, 42.8mpg (26.6mpg actual), CO2 158g/km, VED new Group G £145 a year. Dimensions: 4,360mm long, 1,1748mm wide, 1,411mm high. For: Classy looks, high quality, nice cabin layout, low wind noise roof up or down, comfortable for front seat occupants, compact size but still seats four people (just). Against: Pricey as standard and must-have options make it more expensive, limited rear seat room for adults, steep rear seat back angle is uncomfortable, no needle sharp handling.

Miles Better News Agency

http://www.bmwgroup.com

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