Test drive BMW 1 E87 2004 - 2007 hatchback

A unit of pleasure

We continue to reap the fruits of evolution. The new member of the BMW clan - a model of the 1st series - all interested faces were waiting, bouncing with impatience, literally exhausted. After all, this is the first compact hatch from the Bavarian manufacturer, a car that with certain (and, not the most modest) ambitions enters the market segment, where competition has long been extremely acute, and every year it becomes more acute.

 
The test model of the 1st BMW series was in the maximum configuration at the current moment (index - 120ia). A powerful motor (in-line four with a volume of 2 liters), the most-most automatic six-speed gearbox with the possibility of manual choice, alloy 16-inch wheels, metallic color, xenon, electric package and so on. It was a little embarrassed that the old acquaintance was not found in the cabin - Idrive, although branded photos flaunted them with might and main. Well, okay, not great, in fact, the loss.
 

The appearance of the car unambiguously indicates that this is a real clog. Little aggressor. The proportions of the 1st series are sent to the Z3 Coupe - a fairly long hood, a cabin, chopped feed and large wheel arches. I would like to mention the bewitching option - the bluish backlight of the door handles (works at the time of unlocking the door). In details, the 120th is another variation on the topic of a new corporate identity: a look, depending on the angle, is indifferent, then aggressive, sharp edges, threshold of an arc ...
 

The salon is black leather, the central panel is decorated with inserts for aluminum, which very refresh the interior and give it a kind of sports image. In general, inside the unit is very pretty, if not embarrassed by the widespread asymmetry. Broken lines, intricate excesses, many chopped surfaces. This is a new wave VMW -Style. At the same time, everything is soundly and indicative of high quality. You sit down and understand - the cost of the model is justified.
 

There are pleasant little things. This, of course, is a button responsible for the start and feet of the engine, and a plastic key with an electronic filling that knows how to jump out of the castle and does not require recharging, and also remembers all the settings you made. The chairs are not very sports - there is no pronounced side support, and even flat -hearted support. One could come up with something more appropriate image of the brand. By the way, all mechanical adjustments, which is somewhat strange against the background of competitors' offers and taking into account the price tag of almost 30,000 euros.
 

Having adjusted the driver’s place for myself, I tried to sit down on myself to check what remains with the rear passengers. The picture is disappointing - the places in the back (if you are in front of a person in 180 cm tall) catastrophically little. According to this indicator, a unit BMW loses to many of its front -wheel drive competitors, including Astra and Golf. And the ceiling is low. Maybe the car was designed as purely female?
 

Leg - on the brake pedal, the key - in the groove, the finger on the red button - the motor came to life. It turned out that the 1st series of a surprisingly non-resistant steering wheel; From the stop to the stop, the wheel makes the full three turns - a bit too much. However, the unit is very clearly and interesting. Feedback is always present. On the high -speed line - elastic zero. But I would like information about the condition of the roadbed a little less - sometimes unpleasant blows are transmitted to the steering wheel, and on particularly unpleasant waves and bumps, the steering wheel tries to break out of his hands.
 

The technical filling of the new machine combines the developments that are used by the company on other models. Developing the 1st episode, engineers primarily followed the principle of ideal hanging along the axes (characteristic of the new BMW model range). The front multi-leaf suspension is almost completely aluminum, as in the 5th series (levers, stabilizer and even shock absorbers), the back is also multi-link, but steel. The engine is located over the front axle longitudinally. As a result - the coveted 50 to 50 and an application for excellent controllability, for BMW, however, traditional.
 

BMW 120ia’s move is risen, as if you are going in the 5th series. The engine gives out 150 hp. And cheerfully accelerates the car, allowing you to feel confident in the stream. On the highway, the unit easily scored 220 km/h along the speedometer and remained perfectly controlled. Course stability - without complaints. But some disabilities from the power unit are still felt, especially in corners, where a more moment motor is needed for more excitement. From the BMW you traditionally expect outstanding dynamics, but a two -liter four cannot tell such a heavy hatchback. However, objectively BMW 120 is a very dynamic car. For its class - for sure.
 

The suspension of the 120th can be called compromise. She is not too hard, but not ready to swallow everything. At low speed, it is sometimes greatly shaking, but it is worth accelerating - and the road seems to be smoothed out. In corners, the car is a little fragmented, but this does not interfere with the entire control of it, including in marginal regimes.
 

By disconnecting the stabilization system, you can try to go through several turns with a fan. To do this, it is better to transfer the gearbox into manual mode. A little lacks of power, and each time to intensively rock the car before turning and twist the in-line four into the ringing somehow not from the hand. However, there is enough sliding, directing this car along an ideal trajectory - this is where the true pleasure; Such significant multidirectional loads pressing the driver are unlikely to be available on another hatchback of golf class - at least due to layout and weightlifting.
 

The sound insulation of the one is made at a good level, except that the engine violates acoustic calm. It works quite noisily even at low speeds, and even closer to the tops it completely votes with an anguish, although it cannot be said that this sound is unpleasant. But the exhaust is definitely very beautiful. Excellent Factory Sound!
 

BMW 120 is equipped with an impeccable brake system. I liked both the information content of the pedal and the efficiency of braking. A couple of times the anti -lock system came into action, showing itself quite correctly and efficiently.
 

A bit of an economic sense. The trunk of a single - 330 liters, quite a worthy result. True, there is no spare wheel in it. The backs of the rear seats are folded (separately), so if you wish, you can use the machine as a small van.
 

The 1st series will be sold in Russia with two more gasoline engines - 1.6 and 1.8 liters. The cost will begin from the mark of 22.900 euros, about 29.900 euros will be asked for a car in the top complexation. It remains traditionally regret that diesel modifications are not delivered to our country. The modern two-liter turbodiesel, which is included in the motor line of the 1st series, produces 163 hp. and 340 nm moment. With such an engine, even about the in -line six can be forgotten for a while!
 

Over time, the 1st BMW series will be released in three more body versions-a three-door hatchback, a compartment and a convertible, while the last two will be nominally become the 2nd series.
 

The pricing policy pursued in Russia by BMW does not allow us to hope that this car will become a goods of mass demand. However, he is provided with success - BMW is loved in the country, and the 1st episode did not lose well -known branded virtues. That's just ready to fight about the lay that the unit will receive the title of a ladies' model with us.
 

Text: Leonty Tyutelev

 
 
 

Source: Magazine Motor