[10] Bmw 118i In This Week Issue

BMW refreshes second-generation 1 Series hatch with tweaked engines, new features and shuffled model lineup.

The 1 Series hatch has received a mid-cycle facelift for 2015, with BMW adding more standard features across the range, while maintaining the $36,900 entry point.

While the 1 Series will still be spread across five variants, BMW has dropped the 116i entry-level model, replacing it with the 118i. The outgoing 118i has also been replaced by the 120i, while the 125i, M135i and diesel-powered 118d names carry over.

Most variants maintain the same list pricing as their outgoing equivalents. Only the 125i has seen a minor price bump, with its list price rising $900 to $48,900. The M135i has received a $2030 drop to now be priced from $62,900.

RELATED: Watch our 2015 BMW 1 Series first drive review video here.

The 2015 118i features a 100kW/220Nm 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine (from the previous 116i), paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Combined fuel consumption also matches the outgoing 116i at 5.6L/100km. The four-cylinder 118i will be short lived however, as the entry model will adopt a version of the 2 Series Active Tourer's 1.5-litre three cylinder engine in the fourth quarter of the year.

New standard features for the refreshed 118i include a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, satnav with live traffic information, auto wipers and 16-inch alloys.

The $40,300 118d turbodiesel receives a bump in outputs with the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine now producing 110kW (up 5kW) and 320Nm. It is also paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Despite the power boost, the efficiency-leading 118d now consumes in 0.4L/100km less on the combined cycle at 4.5L/100km.

The Sport Line trim pack is standard on both the 118i, 118d and 120i which brings some black embellishments, unique cloth trim, leather steering wheel and bespoke alloys.

The $41,900 120i has a 130kW/250Nm version of the 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine paired to an eight-speed auto. It brings a 5kW increase in power and a 5.6L/100km combined fuel consumption, which represents a 0.2L/100km improvement over the outgoing 118i it replaces.

Also in the updated 120i package is Sensatec synthetic leather trim, auto-dimming rearview mirror, climate control, improved smartphone connectivity and 17-inch alloys.

Priced from $48,900, the hotter 125i features the same 160kW/310Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and eight-speed automatic transmission of the outgoing model. It also matches the outgoing model's combined fuel consumption, coming in at 6.3L/100km.

The 125i also features an M Sport package bringing design tweaks inside and out, as well as M Sport brakes, LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, Alcantara/cloth trim and 18-inch alloys.

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Topping out the 2015 1 Series hatch range is the $62,900 M135i performance flagship.

Under the bonnet of the M135i is a 240kW/450Nm 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbochared petrol engine, matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The powerplant delivers a 5kW increase in power over the outgoing model, and now matches the power produced by the M235i.

Continuing the theme, the M135i matches the combined fuel consumption of the outgoing version, achieving 7.5L/100km.

The M135i features include premium satnav, improved sound system with digital radio, leather trim, adaptive LED headlights, as well as the M Performance trim pack, adaptive M suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels.

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