2012 BMW 1 Series priced from $36,900 in Australia

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By Brett Davis | August 25th, 2011

BMW Australia is targeting Volkswagen Golf buyers with the new 2012 BMW 1 Series, with prices kicking off at $36,900 for the new entry-level BMW 116i – five per cent less than the current entry-level BMW 118i.

The 2012 BMW 1 Series was unveiled in June, but it isn’t set to make an official public debut until the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany next month. The new 1 Series will be available with three different four-cylinder engines initially, in three different trim levels.

The entry-level model is the new BMW 116i. It will feature a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 100kW of power and 220Nm of torque – same power as the current 118i, although with 40Nm more torque. Acceleration from 0-100km/h will be achievable in 8.5 seconds – just under a second quicker than the outgoing entry-level 118i (9.4 seconds).

Next up will be the new BMW 118i. This will come with a similar 1.6-litre TwinPower turbo four-cylinder engine, producing 125kW of power and 250Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-100km/h will be possible in 7.4 seconds.

Finally, a BMW 118d will top out the four-cylinder 1 Series range. The 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder produces 105kW and 320Nm. Acceleration from 0-100km/h will be possible in 8.9 seconds.

One of the major changes to the new 2012 BMW 1 Series will be an increase in dimensions. It features a wheelbase that is 30mm longer and an overall length increase of 85mm, helping to provide 21mm more legroom and 30 litres more boot space. A new eight-speed automatic transmission will also be an option.

With the new entry-level price at $36,900, it will put it in arm’s reach from the Volkswagen Golf – which ranges from around $23,000 to $52,000 – and help it become a much more competitive with the Audi A3, which starts at $39,990.

The 2012 BMW 1 Series will go on sale in Australia in October.

o

I really like it but just feel its priced wrong, I would save my money for a 3 or get a high spec golf. 30k would be better
Max Power

36,000$ for 105kW?

Buy an EA.
Professor Racecar

I think I’ll buy 70 EAs instead.
Dan

I presume it will still be rear wheel drive, yes?

http://caradvice.com.au Brett Davis

That is correct.

Professor Racecar

Duh, all EAs are rear wheel drive!
Reginald Esquire

I personally find my mother more attractive than this hideous German abortion
sm

well Reg I guess whatever floats your boat
Hector

$36K? who cares. i wouldnt even buy this car for $10K. its hideous.

maximark

Look nice to me, but I think by the time you add all the options it will be in mid 40k. I still prefer to spend this sort of money on Japanese or French performance hatchbacks.

QAZ

only mid 40k? thats an understatement. My friend’s 120i with all the options added = whopping 20k extra. u can practically buy a car with the extra.

YOUR MAJESTY

ADRIAN VAN HOOYDUNG SHOULD BE SACKED BY THE BOARD OF BMW FOR APPROVING SUCH HIDEOUS DESIGN!

Thrillhouse

Stop shouting, we’re right here.

YOUR MAJESTY

NO! I WON’T!

SB

I totally agree with you. Looks like BMW are chasing the unstylish 40 year old women market with this design. If they continue rounding the shapes on all their models, BMW will loose it’s edge.

Jake Williams

Without resorting to the above comments, I think it’s priced really well for a premium hatch. It’s good value compared to the Guilietta/A3, but also the MiTo/A1. Good work BMW, now just get the 120d here soon? Thanks!
Andrew of Melbourne

At least this is not costing over 70k for once if only all other BMW’s costed less.
Hazyman

psss, even vw polo a much better design.
Mopo

Makes the Lexus CT200h look overpriced and under specced. Lexus desperately needs a 10% price drop or a 2.4 litre hybrid to replace the 2.0l slug blucket.

QAZ

I dont think a base CT 200h (only auto, no manual right?) is underspecced comparing to a base 116i… Show me the source where u get it from

Jon

That headlight looks like a Golf’s….. upside down…
Mopo

Expect a discount for the Lexus CT 200h in the November L’Exhibition sale. Lexus is going to struggle with the BMW. CT: 0-100 time of 10.3 secs, droning continously variable transmission and plasticky dash. All for a drive away price of $45000-62000!!
Phil

Why’s everyone so fixated about 0-100 time? Might be a new low headline price but we all know German options cost an arm and a leg.
PhantomHamster

They made a butt ugly car even butt uglier…( if thats possible) well done BMW… nice work, nice upsidedown headlights and tailights stolen off a Polo. I bet there is still only leg room in the back for people who are under 4 feet tall.
sm

ouch Reg all that anger.. Mate you put yourself out there with ridiculous statements be prepared to cop the equally outrageous responses.

Now going by the Freudian undertones of your first post I think you’ve got all the ‘coming at you’ that you can handle.
HJP

I still prefer the old 1 series design over this.
Charger

At least its RWD! i’d deal with ugly over fwd understeer. i cant see what it looks like form the inside!
Μr Gaspo

Wow, great price… But hideous looks.