BMW just lifted the veil off their F20 1 series 3 door hatch which replaces the E81 1 Series 3-door . As with the previous version, the F20 1 Series 3-door aims to provide a more sporting car than the four door hatch. Given its unique front engine rear wheel drive “drivers car” lay out of the 1 series, BMW has proven its commitment to a providing a true enthusiast car in this compact segment and puts a new M135i as the exclamation mark on it!
BMW has added two unique variants the 114i and the M135i, not present in the E81 1 series chassis. The M135i marks the first time BMW has added an M Performance model to this compact segment. It boast a 320hp turbocharged N52 in-line 6 cylinder.
The new F20 boasts a much improved cabin with more interior space an updated iDrive and optional ConnectedDrive mobility services. The rear seat of the new 1 Series three door can be configured for two or three passengers. Overall cabin touches have been upgraded to provide a more upscale feel.
Compared to the E81 1 series 3 door hatch, the F20 3 door profits from an increased body length of 85 millimeters, and increased wheel base of 30mm, a wider front and rear track of 51mm and 72 mm respectively. Even the width of the F20 1 3 door was extended 17 millimeters. BMW took the time, effort and expense to make the 1 series 3 door hatch a truly unique car.
Styling cues are highlighted by the twin wide windowless doors. The rear side windows flow into the rear end to meet the C pillar where the Hofmeister kink can be recognized enabling a rather flat extended roofline. The base of the car has contoured side skirts that seem to sweep along. These side skirts protrude out giving the F20 3 door hatch a more widened aggressive stance.
For the first time ever in the 1 series, BMW will make available xDrive all-wheel drive though in only two models, the 135i xDrive model and the 120d xDrive. The xDrive feature will appear on the 5 door hatch. This is a new option since the 1 series 5-door hatchʼs introduction in July 2011. The six speed manual transmission comes standard and the eight-speed transmission is optional. Auto Start Stop is standard across the line.
BMW is offering the 1 series coupe in base trim but for those who desire a more customized look they offer the BMW Sport Line, BMW Urban Line and the M Sport Package. The BMW Sport Line is distinguished by exterior elements finished in high- gloss black: the kidney grille slats, the strut and the bezels for the inlet vents, as well as the trim on the rear bumper. The BMW Urban Line package comes with chrome kidney grille slats having white sides, as well as a white strut across the front center air intake.
To help slow down the 320 hp BMW M Performance M135i, it sports fixed calipers with four-piston units on the front axle and two-piston calipers in the rear with oversized brake discs and dark blue metallic calipers bearing the M logo. The M Sport Brake
System is also available on all of the other models in the new optional M Sport Package.
A selection of three non-metallic colors and eight metallic paint finishes are offered for the exterior of the new three-door BMW 1 Series. One non-metallic and five metallic colors are available for the M135i model.
See here for our review of 118i 5 door hatch at its launch July 2011