The BMW 1 Series, with various cosmetic changes and more equipment, opens a three-cylinder diesel 116 hp promises great economy of use without a loss in terms of refinement.

When in 2004 BMW He broke into the compact segment with Series 1, He did it his way, with a car clearly focused dynamism; hence the rear-mounted engine Longitudinally maximum centered behind the front axle, which although largely limited its habitability offered a unique behavior, while setting up a car full of character.

Today, He has lost some of that essence, in favor of a more balanced in other sections, but without renouncing its basic DNA propulsion / longitudinal engine. They run new times, in which efficiency and practicality are priorities. Therefore, in this updating of the second generation, who was born in 2012 and, as usual, it rejuvenates halfway to its commercial life, come amazing new proposals.

A new heart

One that is most striking is that of the three-cylinder 1.5 engines, both petrol and diesel, with 116i and 109 hp 116d 116 concerns us here. There’s even a version EfficienteDynamics 116d Edition, (Also from 26,100 €), With a pump disconnectable cooling, the specific regulation of the pressure in the combustion chambers, grid active ventilation and other measures Efficientedynamics his brothers (energy recovery braking deactivation ancillaries electric steering , Stop&Start-still operating somewhat brusque, driving mode “Eco Pro” and optimized airflow in front, headlights and hood) skirt, gets an average consumption of homologated 3.4 l / 100 km with a level of emissions 89 g / km.

A propellant we know of Series 2 Active Tourer and new Mini, with: common-rail injectors solenoid injections of up to 2,500 bar and a variable geometry turbocharger that promises a faster response. On going surprising very pleasantly his pleasure to use. So that does not seem to have this architecture, looking more like what we are used in a four-cylinder, without those annoying vibrations typical of these engines. Something that also contributes greatly famous and revised automatic transmission by torque converter Steptronic 8 speed (2396 €) our test unit, which transmits a single vibration to the lever. Something that will certainly not happen in the 6-speed manual, which, as a novelty, reducing automatically applies a stroke of accelerator for releasing the foot off the clutch as possible to adapt the speed of the motor and the shaft primary box; bringing in sporty driving rear axle blockages after a sharp reduction are avoided.

Nor the noise of this tricilíndrico is higher than usual, while our sonometer dictates that up, Babbling is the most premium of all its rivals. Its power delivery is soft and very linear, with commendable elasticity to be a 1.5 liter diesel only. Compared to its predecessor, accelerates slightly less, but still remains above average, and gives something more to recover. Cubic boss! And surprisingly, hardly varies consumption. Moreover, it increases slightly, especially on the road.

dynamism M

Per rack, although it no longer has that as sporty character of the first generation of these cars is yet to allow great enjoyment to your steering wheel. Among the contributions of finish ‘M Sport’ the test unit is a stronger damping, with shorter springs, which lower by 10 mm the height of the body to the floor, which together with the 18 “wheels with wide tires profile 40 before and 35 behind can lead us to think that we have a configuration in which a lot of comfort is lost. And yes, it is true that cushioning response is very firm but not dry reactions to punish the occupants.

So “rubber” supports a good speed cornering, but probably also responsible for accentuate your understeery character, which quickly it tends to open the path out of the curve when we entered speed past. Something that is easily corrected when lifting off the throttle and even when braking, but again so “rubber” also remains some agility in the rear, that if we are not precise in our movements does not help us too much to round the corners.

Without getting record distances, We liked the brakes so your touch as power metering, but the electric steering remains unconvinced. We discussed in the past its lack of precision and artificial touch, I joined her quickly forced to make continuous corrections, which is accentuated in the M Sport and the Servotronic, now standard. It’s a shame, because with a better start point would score higher in this section.

Designed for the driver

In its cabin the changes are minor, with good quality materials and a excellent driving position, which allows much lower bench and bring very straight legs. Especially in versions with automatic. Livability is not its strongest point, but thanks to a generous battle -2.69 meters- offers more space than expected. Is of which provides greater width in the rear seats, although legroom is in the middle and both access and exit the cabin is hampered by the shape of its rear doors and that the side of the door protrudes over the plane of the seat back. The trunk is average, but it is very profitable for its straight lines, although the loading plane is a step below the access.

More nourished

Another paragraph in which more is perceived improvement in equipment, with elements serial that were previously optional or not contemplated, such as air conditioning, the LED headlights, the light and rain sensors and the screen 6.5 “ among others. the price is also lower in many of the options, which, as usual, make an almost endless list.

There is a basic version that lets you choose from four additional finishes. All include changes in the decoration both outside and inside the car. He Advantage, by 1,300 € also adds 17 “wheels, cruise control with braking function and rear parking sensors, elements that are also present in the following finishes. The Urban Y Sport involve an outlay of 2,600 €, with extended package lighting, upholstery mixed fabric / leather in the first and sport seats for the second. The most comprehensive and expensive is the M Sport (3,600 €) test with sports seats in cloth / Alcantara, trim in high-gloss inside, sporty damping, bumper and side sills M and M steering wheel among other things.

With it, plus the automatic change their rate rises to € 33,146, so already stuck while spending should opt for the 118d 150 hp, that 2,200 € more It allows us to enjoy a level of performance and refinement, considerably higher.