BMW 1er iii (f40) Technical сharacteristics

Ladies and gentlemen, brace yourselves for the revamped BMW 1 Series – a hot hatch that's undergone a serious makeover. Say goodbye to the old ways, as the third-gen model, baptized as the F40, rolled onto the scene in May 2019.

Now, the "One Series" has bid farewell to its rear-wheel-drive roots, settling onto the UKL platform – MacPherson struts up front, a multi-link setup at the rear. Rear-wheel drive? It's either front-wheel hustle or full-blown xDrive with a nifty rear-axle connection clutch.

The F40 incarnation of the 1 Series has, oddly enough, downsized a bit: 10 mm off the length (4319/4329), 20 mm shorter wheelbase (2670/2690), and a slimmer height by 6 mm (1434/1440). But hold on to your seats – it gained a whopping 34 mm in width (1799/1765).

Now, you'd think these figures would cramp the cabin space, but fear not! Thanks to the transverse engine placement wizardry, engineers managed to stretch the legroom by a generous 33 mm, ensuring that backseat passengers won't be playing head-banging concerts with the roof. Plus, boarding the second row is now a breeze. Cargo capacity? Went up from 360 to 380 liters – because who doesn't love extra space?

Externally, the car's undergone a significant facelift, resembling a squashed "Two Series," but with a touch of Active Tourer flair.

Inside, it's like a family reunion with the 3 Series and the X5/X7 crossovers. Same steering wheel, a familiar climate control unit, and two 10.25-inch screens – one serving as a virtual instrument panel, the other housing the "smart" multimedia system, BMW 7.0, operating on a Siri-esque principle akin to Apple's technology. Of course, the basic version still rocks analog gauges and a 5.1-inch central display. Luxury is the name of the game for the 1 Series – adaptive cruise, LED lights, parking assistant, projection, and a whole array of premium features. Plus, for the first time, the 1 Series boasts a sliding panoramic roof, electrically operated fifth door, and 19-inch wheels (compared to the previous max of R18). Now, let's dive under the hood. The lineup kicks off with the 1.5-liter, three-cylinder petrol beast, the B38, pumping out 140 hp and 220 Nm in the 118i variant. This one's strictly front-wheel-drive and exclusively hooked up to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Diesels, anyone? The 1.5 (B37) clocks in at 116 hp and 270 Nm (116d), while the 2.0 (B47) offers two versions – 150 hp and 350 Nm (118d) or 190 hp and 400 Nm (120d). Transmission options include both a 6-speed manual and an 8-speed automatic. Drive configuration for the 1 Series: either front or all-wheel-drive. At the summit of the range stands the M135i (don't get it confused with the real "M"), flaunting a more powerful 306 hp, 450 Nm petrol inline-four, the B48. This hot hatch, sporting a meaner exterior, always comes equipped with "two pedals," xDrive, built-in Launch Control, and a front limited-slip differential. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, and, as tradition dictates, top speed electronically capped at 250 km/h. So, there you have it – the all-new BMW 1 Series, a feisty and menacing lad in the urban jungle. Let's see how it holds up on the road. Until next time, folks, this has been your seasoned auto enthusiast, and remember, even the "One Series" can wield some serious automotive prowess. See you on the streets!