BMW 120i 2014 News

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has published its latest round of safety recalls, with models from Ford, Mazda, BMW, Kia, Audi, Jeep, Alfa Romeo and Lamborghini affected.

We'll see three new entrants due to lob within the next 12 months, including Mercedes-Benz's new A-Class.It will be joined in the fray by Audi's new A3 and the new Volvo V40, a shorter, hatchback variant of the S60 sedan for want of a better description.All are five door hatchbacks with front wheel drive. BMW's stylistically challenged 1-Series is the only rear wheel drive. Although some manufacturers are reluctant to admit it, the main competition for all players is VW?s super popular Golf.CLEAN SHEETThe Benz is a clean sheet project having nothing at all in common with the previous A-Class mini people mover. That job has been ceded to the new Benz B-Class and it's an effective device for everyday family motoring. New A-Class is taking Benz in a totally new direction that will open up a wider and younger customer base to the three pointed star. Early kick-off price guesstimates are in the $35,000 range.DIGITAL NATIVESIt's a car precisely targeting the Gen Y and Xers (so called Digital Natives) replete with a full array of connectivity right down to being able to seamlessly hook up your iPad or iPhone to the in-car info/control system.It will be a smart phone on wheels offering a smooth transition from a digital lifestyle to a digital driving style. And get this, there's a virtual co-driver you can question or instruct to operate in-car functions.LOOKSThe stunning looker, which bears a remarkable similarity to the A Concept of 2011, will be made in Germany, Hungary and tellingly, China. And we can expect a few other variants built on the same front wheel drive platform (moving to all wheel drive when AMG gets its hands on A-Class).UNDER THE BONNETIt will be powered by a range of existing and a couple of new Benz turbo direct injection petrol and turbodiesel engines rated from 80kW through to 155kW with capacities ranging from 1.6 through to 2.1-litres. Benz hasn't confirmed it but a three door hatch variant should become available a little further down the track and possibly a drop top cabriolet.Benz's performance partner AMG has been enlisted to develop certain A-Class parts so they have intimate knowledge of the car already. The A250 Sport enjoys significant AMG input. New A-Class will be offered with six-speed manual and seven-speed dual clutch manumatic transmissions and all models will have auto stop/start to optimise fuel economy.Camtronic that alters valve lift in the petrol engines for peak efficiency will also make an appearance. An 'Eco' mode will be available to squeeze out the last kilometre in fuel economy if you drive carefully.ACRONYMS R USBenz won't hold back on the acronym features list either that will see the new baby Benz fitted with a speed limiter (Distronic), radar-based Collision Prevention Assist (CPA), Pre-Safe collision preparation and Lane Keeping Assist as well as Fatigue Alert and numerous other electronic driver and safety aids. They have filtered down from larger models as has the luxury inventory.STYLEIt has an assertive stance on the road with a masculine frontal appearance and deeply sculpted panels. The ride height is low and a striking "pointillist" style grille is available on some models. It looks ready to pounce from all angles and inside, the assertive, quality theme carries through with seats for four and a reasonable boot space.The dash is from funky town featuring an electroplated look to many surfaces and impressive audio and lighting spex. It rates a strong five stars in crash testing and boasts newly developed pedestrian safety technology. The multi-faceted headlights feature a bank of LEDs for daytime running, indicators and parking lights. It rates a low 0.26Cd for aerodynamic efficiency.VERDICTIf it goes as good as it looks the new A-Class could be a world beater. It has the potential to lift Mercedes-Benz to a new level with a wider audience and still maintain that prestige aura associated with the 110 year old automotive brand. We find out soon enough.

That will be tested when the German company launches its new, small 1-Series five-door hatch in September. The starting point for BMW cars was $43,869 for the Compact 3-Series three door which had limited appeal in this country. But at under 40 grand (for 118i), the Corolla-size 1-Series has much better prospects, particularly as it is built on the 3-Series production line in Regensburg, Germany, using the 3-series platform as a base and the same engines. The model kicks off in Australia with the 120i – using a 2.0-litre, 110kW, four cylinder petrol engine. A lower-priced 118i – with a 1.8-litre petrol four arrives early next year. The 2.0-litre engine features variable valve timing and balancer shafts to improve performance. It is mounted longitudinally in the 1-Series engine compart- ment. The 1-Series has a number of appealing features not the least being its rear wheel drive layout – all other cars in this segment are either front wheel drive or in high range models, all wheel drive. As well as a strong point of difference, rear drive gives the 1-Series a superior feel to other small cars with a total absence of torque steer (unexpected steering effect under power). Two six speed transmissions will be offered on the 120i in manual and steptronic (sequential) auto. The 118i will have a five speed manual and six speed auto. As expected, the 1-Series passes the Euro NCAP crash test with a five star rating. Various chassis components are aluminium includ- ing the front suspension. Like all other BMWs sold here, the 1-Series boasts an arsenal of electronic control systems to improve dynamics and boost safety. Numbered among these are ABS, Dynamic Stability Control, Cornering Brake Control and plenty more. The car has a 50/50 weight bias to optimise handling and ride. Styling has clear links to other cars in the BMW range – 3-Series headlights, concave side panels from the Z4. It has a chiselled look to the body with style lines to accentuate its shape and make it stand out. Of particular note is the so-called "banana line" along the bottom edge of the doors – something not seen before. The interior is typical BMW sharing general layout and controls with other models in the range. It is neat, functional and aesthetic. No "space miracle" inside, the 1-Series will accommodate five at a pinch or four in relative comfort. Rear seat legroom is tight with medium size front passengers and the boot is a good size. We were able to drive the new 120i at the international launch in Munich last week and liked what we saw. The car has excellent dynamics and a sporty feel coupled with an engine not afraid to rev. The six speed manual transmission has short throws between gears and all the controls have a firm, typically BMW feel. No autos were available for test. Engine performance is acceptable from the 2.0-litre petrol but the diesel 2.0-litre, not coming here, is the real goer in the range. A rash of new high tech diesels is flooding Europe offering superior performance, economy and lower emissions than petrol engines.European carmakers are investing heavily in new diesel technology. Also prevailing in Europe are either run-flat tyres or space saver spares. The new 1-Series has the latter and no spare. Ignition is by push button after key insertion and a service indicator does away with under bonnet checks such as the oil dipstick. An extensive range of options is available with the 1-Series including items like i-drive and satellite navigation. Standard equipment is extensive and of high quality.The 1-Series will compete in the premium small car segment with Audi A3, Alfa 147 and VW Bora. Mercedes-Benz has no direct competitor.