BMW 1 Series hits a six

By Alistair Kennedy
SINCE the launch of the 1 Series in October 2004, BMW enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the range topping 130i model.
Powered by an enhanced, lightweight magnesium alloy version of BMW’s famed 3.0litre straightsix engine, the 130i was launched at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show and will go on sale here during the fourth quarter of this year.
With its light weight, 195 kW of power and 315 Nm of torque, the 130i will go from zero to 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds and, if you’re fortunate enough to be able to drive it in the Northern Territory, will reach a top speed of 250 km/h.
The 130i is the fourth model in the 1 Series range. The previous three have been released progressively over the past nine months.
The original 120i was joined in February by the 118i. Despite the name, the latter model uses the same 2.0litre fourcylinder engine as in the 120i, but in a lower state of tune. The 116i, with the logical use of a 1.6litre engine, was added in March 2005.
To begin with the 130i will only be available with a sixspeed manual transmission, a sixspeed automatic with threemode Steptronic to be added in mid2006.
The 120i also comes with sixspeed manual while the 116i and 118i have a fivespeed ‘box. Sixspeed automatic is available with the 2.0litre engine but not with the 1.6.
The 130i will also look and feel the part with its M Double Spoke light alloy wheels, sport seats, M leather steering wheel and M Sport Suspension. The M Sport Package will also be available as a factory option with the other 1 Series models.
Standard equipment in the 130i includes leather upholstery, power front seats, Xenon headlights, auto dipping interior mirror, CD changer, Bluetooth phone facility and rear parking sensor.
The BMW 130i is likely to compete against fellow Europeans such as the Alfa Romeo 147 GTA and Audi A3, both of which have larger (3.2litre) engines but less power.
The major difference, however, is that the 130i uses BMW’s traditional rearwheel drive setup, the company believing it provides better handling and balance than can be obtained from a frontdrive layout.
For more information contact Menere’s BMW, 363 Nepean Highway, Brighton.
Phone 9524 4000.
Prices for the BMW 1 Series range are:
116i 1.6litre fivedoor hatch $34,900 (manual)
118i 2.0litre fivedoor hatch $37,900 (manual), $40,100 (automatic)
120i 2.0litre fivedoor hatch $44,100 (manual), $41,900 (automatic)
130i 3.0litre fivedoor hatch $62,000 (manual)