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BMW
120d |
Broadcast
dates : 24th April 2005
30th April 2005 |
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Right
from the very first glance there is no doubt that this new
five-door sports-hatch is a BMW through and through. The
long wheelbase with a short front overhang, the lower roof
line with the typical C-pillar kink and the characteristic
front end with the "kidney" grille and double
headlamps give the 1 Series a face that stands out in a
crowd.
The practical hatch opens to reveal a variable luggage
compartment that offers the driver and passengers 330 to
1150 litres of storage space for even larger items of
sports equipment for a variety of leisure activities.
Whether loaded or
not, the 1 Series is always sheer pleasure to drive. The
seating position offering long-distance driving comfort
and the exemplary, clearly structured cockpit provide the
driver with perfect ergonomics during his "driving
experience".
After starting the engine at the push of a button, one
immediately senses that typical driving pleasure only a
BMW can induce. Thanks to its agility and steering
precision unique in the compact class, the BMW 1 Series
not only ensures sporty but smooth handling of winding
country roads, but also facilitates effortless urban
driving pleasure. This is because - like all other BMW
automobiles - the 1 Series has a front-mounted engine and
rear wheel drive. Even in the tightest of bends there is
no torque steer to be felt, the rear wheels having optimal
traction when transferring the engine's power onto the
tarmac.
Moreover, this concept offers an ideal balance of weight
between the technically elaborate aluminum front axle and
the five-link rear suspension. Together all of these
characteristics facilitate further advantages such as
optimal traction even when fully loaded and on hills. The
drive and suspension concept is further enhanced by a
particularly stiff body and excellent aerodynamics with a
drag coefficient of just 0.29.
On the whole no other vehicle in the compact class offers
such a distinctively harmonious symbiosis of sporty
driving characteristics and suitability for long-distance
travel as the BMW 1 Series.
The BMW 1 Series is manufactured at the ultra-modern
Regensburg plant, utilizing production facilities which
provide some of the highest possible levels of flexibility
and model diversity in the automotive industry, but which
at the same time offer the best possible standard of
present-day workplace ergonomics.
With the BMW 1 Series, the BMW Group is laying an
important cornerstone for further profitable growth.
Market researchers see the premium segment of the compact
class as the market with large potential worldwide. Thanks
to its unique vehicle concept, the BMW 1 Series will gain
a disproportionately large share of the market and
contribute to a further sharpening of the BMW brand
profile.
The 2 litre diesel engine develops 120 kilowatts at 4000
rpm and 340 Newton metres of torque at 2000 rpm. 0-100 is
claimed at 7.9 seconds and a top speed of around 220
kilometres per hour. Fuel consumption is claimed to be an
impressive 5,7 litres per 100 kilometres.
The 120d interior is typically premium level, with
finely-stitched leather trim, textured fabric seats, and
the new minimalist style that is now a BMW hallmark.
The BMW 120d is a car that demands driver involvement. If
you like driving, you’ll love the 1 Series.
The very torquey engine is offered with manual or
automatic transmission.
The all-in price of R248 000 doesn’t buy much space, but
grace and pace there is a-plenty!
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