Lexus’s new IS has got the looks, but falls short due to some uninspiring engines
BMW reveals 1 Series three-door
BMW has revealed the new 1 Series three-door, the second body variant for the new F20 1 Series range.
The new 1 Series three-door, which is on sale in the UK now, has a distinctive and much more coupé-like look compared to the five-door - it even comes with frameless side windows, as fitted to all BMW coupes.
Prices for the new BMW 1 Series three-door start at £17,300 for the 114i ES.
On Bing: images of the BMW 1 Series
BMW
What does the BMW 1 Series three-door look like?
The front end is the same as the five-door, so retains the slightly challenging large leadlight appearance. Differentiation comes at the side, where the three-door has a much more dynamic look.
Read our review of the 1 Series
The side is more distinctive because of the wide doors, shapely window graphics but most significantly, because of the bespoke side panel shape: BMW describes it as 'stretched'. The design accentuates the rear wheelarches and will create a very dynamic look on the road.
The 'kick' in the side shoulder line crease also emphasises the Hofmeister kink in the rear C-pillar, while a crease line in the upper side panel makes the roof look flatter and more sporting.
The rear aspect is enhanced by wide rear panels that end flush with the wheels. Otherwise, it's a slightly more sporting take on the 1 Series five-door here - which is no bad thing as that's arguably the car's best aspect.
What engines power the 1 Series three-door?
Mechanically, the 1 Series three-door is the same as the five-door. Launch cars will include the 116i, 125i, 116d, 118d and 125d. Mode derivatives will follow later in the year.
A new engine variant is also introduced with the 1 Series three-door - the BMW 114i. Featuring a 102hp version of BMW's 1.6-litre turbo engine. This can hit 62mph from rest in 11.2 seconds and, more importantly, can average up to 51.3mpg and emit just 129g/km CO2.
The I Series three-door marks the introduction of the high-performance M135i variant too, which is part of the BMW M Performance automobiles range.
What is the BMW 1 Series three-door like inside?
The new 1 Series three-door is much more practical than the old car, thanks to an 85mm longer body and 31mm longer wheelbase. The car is 17mm wider, the front track is 51mm greater and the rear track is up 72mm. Vehicle height, however, remains the same.
The dashboard is the same as the five-door: differentiation comes in the rear, where the three-door is offered with either regular three-seat or a more focused two-seat configuration. Rear passengers get 21mm more legroom than before, too.
The boot is 30 litres bigger than the old car, at 360 litres, stretching to 1,200 litres if the rear seat is folded: a 40:20:40 seat split is optional.
On Bing: images of the BMW 1 Series
Read our review of the 1 Series
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