Expressive body shape BMW 1st Series emit car on a background class brothers. True, creating a small hatchback, the designers influenced by marketing experts abandoned the revolutionary style that is characteristic of some previous models of BMW. Down to earth silhouette (the roof line on the 55 mm lower than the VW Golf V), a slender nose with nostrils typical of BMW, back out of the cab, short front and rear suspension, curved convex side lines that produce muscle relief – it is impossible not to notice that many will design the 1-series borrowed from the sports roadster Z4, although his philosophy is completely different cars. And it is not just designer fashion – thus achieved excellent aerodynamics of the body (Cx = 0.29), which allows a better understanding of the nature of sports cars, and at the same time provide satisfactory fuel economy.

BMW is positioned between the Mini and the novelty third series – its wheelbase (the longest in the compact class), only 65 mm shorter than those of older relatives. However, it is interesting that the machine itself has turned out only some 23 mm longer than its main competitor, VW Golf, and the height is significantly behind the five-door version of the Audi A3 and Mazda 3.

BMW 120d Saloon
The interior looks familiar – designed in the typical style of BMW, beautiful, business, ergonomically adjusted, with a neat finish in German. Hence the conclusion: it can not be cheap. And the truth …

Longitudinally placed powerplant, coupled with the classical scheme of the drive in such a small car still occupy a significant portion of the space cabin. Although the Bavarian 1-series is similar to other classmates is considered a Five, BMW specialists acknowledge that in fact it is – four-car, thus reducing to a minimum the discussion of rear-seat roominess. Adult second-row passengers minimal amenities are possible only if seated in front of good will and shifted his seat so that the rear did not have to bend his legs behind his ears.

Driver’s seat BMW 120d
Ahead of all very different – the maximum comfort and safety. Traditionally, hard seats, comfortable, with excellent lateral stability and an incredibly wide range of adjustment – already on the seven parameters! In adjusting the depth, height, and tilt the seat and backrest is nothing unusual, the possibility of variations of the bending of the torso, too, we already know, but here, in addition you can change the width of the backrest and side extension pads for resting on your thighs. But the most perfect place, of course, is the front left side, because it, like its big brothers, it is typical of Driver’s Car.

Pleasant of minivenovskih everyday again plunge into the sporty-low seat. Embarkation and disembarkation, however, require a little more skill, but little difficulty for the sake of such experience can bear. Three-spoke steering wheel, adjustable over a wide range and height, and depth – conveniently fits in your palm lever right hand, goes easily and accurately. The front panel looks like a few small copy panel 5-series. Indeed, why reinvent the wheel, and discard the tested values? In the instrumentation unit symmetrically mounted two round, surrounded by aluminum rings scale with the traditional on-board computer screen between them. Remote control as the central console, frankly aimed at the driver. All the levers and switches in the right places and easily accessible.

Proceedings BMW 120d

Bavarians have always been road performance and handling. This newcomer was typical of the traditions kind, so there is no doubt that he is destined to be the benchmark for the compact class, as well as elder brothers in their categories.

In addition to rear-wheel drive, small BMW 120d inherited from them, and symmetrical (50:50) weight distribution between the axles. Not only the body but also the supporting structure with a drivetrain built with the expectation of a perfect balance of the car. The suspension is specially designed for lovers of the active riding style and at first it seems harsh, but it works flawlessly. Progress in the car hard, stable and predictable. Precise steering response, clutch and gearbox are amazingly well. Even flying along the highway at speeds around 200 mph, the car retains just fantastic stability, which boasts not everyone his brother bigger.

Two-liter turbodiesel – the sweetest berry range of engines BMW 1-series. The power unit is very flexible and able to not only develop but also easy to keep the maximum 220 km / h. According to the manufacturer’s technical data, such a motor car accelerates from zero to a hundred for 7.9 seconds.