Check out the F40 BMW 1 Series; gets top performing M135i xDrive

KUALA LUMPUR: The 3rd gen F40 BMW 1 Series has finally arrived, and the car has undergone a significant redesign when compared to the 2nd-gen F20. Once launched, the car would give fierce competition to the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

This five-door model is the first in the series to feature a front-wheel-drive platform. According to the company, this move will provide “dynamic sharpness unprecedented in front-wheel-drive cars.”

The car is now 5 mm shorter at 4319 mm, 34 mm wider at 1799 mm, and 13 mm taller at 1434 mm. The wheelbase has been shortened by 20 mm and now reads 2670 mm. The new BMW 1 Series is 30 kg lighter compared to the previous generation model. All this is possible due to the use of high-strength steels and aluminium tailgate and bonnet.

At the front, the car features a conjoined kidney grille, restyled headlamps, LED daytime running lights, slimmer taillights with L-shaped graphics, and body-colored mirror caps. As for the Sport Line variant, the car features black elements on the kidney grille bars, rear apron, air intakes, and window surrounds from BMW Individual. The wheel size range from 16 to 19 inches depending on the variant opted.

On the inside are present BMW Live Cockpit Professional with two 10.25-inch displays - one acting as an infotainment screen and other an instrument cluster. The car also benefits from BMW Digital Key and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. The steering wheel design is also new, and the company is offering multiple upholstery options. Also available are backlit trim strips, panoramic roof, connected services for the infotainment system, three speaker setups, and a 9.2-inch head-up display.

The luggage capacity is also increased by 20 mm and now reads 380-litre, the figure goes up to 1200-litre once the rear seat is folded. Enhancing convenience is an electrically operated tailgate.

Lastly, let’s now talk about the engine options on offer that includes 3 diesel and two petrol mills -

• 116d with 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbo mill - 116 PS and 270 Nm
• 118d with 2.0-litre 4-cylinder mill - 150 PS and 350 Nm
• 120d xDrive with 2.0-litre mill -188 hp and 400 Nm
• 118i with 1.5-litre turbo mill - 140 PS and 220 Nm
• M135i xDrive with 2.0-litre turbo mill - 306 PS and 460 Nm