Once the term “base model” was often associated with “no frills.” This is no longer the case with your average family car or daily runabout. These days even the most entry level of base models come stocked with so many features, some of which were usually only the preserve for something costing three or four times the price.
While this might have something to do with the rate technology is progressing over such a short period of time, you start to see elements of this when you look at the latest BMW 1 Series Hatch.
The latest generation 1-Series hatch is BMW’s fourth of models with the “1” designation. What you see here is the entry point 120 hatch at $68,900 and the new flagship sporting M135i at $97,900 tops out the two car range, but more on the latter at a later date.
Up front you have a heavily redesigned kidney grill and LED adaptive headlight combo, the former in particular seems to come together as a single unit, rather than the twin set up we have become used to. Its bigger than before both in terms of length and width. The new 120 Hatch is 42mm longer (4,361mm) and 25mm higher (1,459mm) with a wheelbase of 2,670mm.
Stylistically, it still very BMW in just about every way. Its sports a focused and assertive stance with a squat rear and revised LED taillights, 1 emblem embossed on the rear three quarter and a set of 18-inch M-Sport alloys come as standard, with the same 19-inch offerings you get in the M135i gracing my test car. All in all, the fourth generation does look much better than the one before in my view.
Under that pronounced new bonnet sits BMW’s TwinPower Turbo three-cylinder engine coupled with a 48-volt mild hybrid battery pack and seven-speed Steptronic transmission sending 125kW/280Nm to the front wheels. BMW claim combined fuel consumption figures of 6.0L/100km and, in case you are interested, will 100kph in 7.8 seconds.
Inside we have new clean cut and swish looking surroundings with very comfortable heated Veganza clad seats an epic ambient lighting system which will happily change colour when you cycle from Personal to Efficient or Sport mode.
The only thing I am yet to be sold on when it comes to the Hatch, and most BMWs in general to be honest are the new look air vents which are somewhat awkward to use and just don’t seem to be as effective as more conventional vents.
As mentioned previous, the 120 Hatch comes standard with a decent array of goodies including adaptive suspension, automated tailgate, a head up display, BMW’s latest Live Cockpit Professional 10.25-inch instrument at 10.7-inch Control Displays, both of which blend seamlessly into each other. These also have BMW’s latest Operating System 9, wireless phone charging, lane departure warning, active cruise, rear cross traffic warning, exit warning, 360-degree rear view camera, park assist, heated seats and a sports steering wheel.
However, if you want your 120 Hatch to have 19-inch M-Sport alloys, a panoramic roof, a Harman/Kardon audio system, a heated steering wheel, metallic paint and massage function for those on driver and front passenger seats, then you will need to spend an extra $6,500 and bag the Equipment Pack. Or if you want lots of M sport badges and M Sport courtesy lights which light up under each wing mirror at night, then the M-Sport pack is for you at $3,200.
In the past, sitting the rear of a 1-series could be a difficult exercise, especially for taller folk. The operative word there is “past” for the fourth generation 120 Hatch is much more generous in terms of head and rear legroom.
On the move that turbo three cylinder shows itself to plucky and engaging. I have always loved the sound of a three pot and that rorty bark unique to this engine configuration is here in earnest. Despite not being the most powerful premium family hatch out there, the twin scroll turbos kick in low down and when working in collaboration with the mild hybrid battery system results in some progressive and spirited poke. You can wind it out to higher RPM but the 120 Hatch is much happier lower down.
Handling dynamics have been a BMW forte for many a moon and while there is an ounce or two of the mildest body roll, overall the 120 Hatch is a happy handler. The steering is direct though lacking a tad in feedback and for a daily commute, you have a comfortable and forgiving ride. The seven-speed Steptronic transmission serves up some slick shifts in manual or auto too.
All in all, I became quite fond of the new BMW 120 Hatch during my week in its company. It is not only playful and fun to drive, but also features a more than decent level of kit. What we have here is yet more proof that mainstream, premium, entry level fun on the road these days is so much more “bare essentials.”
RATING: 8/10
