Coming to a forecourt near you
Having racked up sales in excess of 2.2million, the new, ever –so-slightly bigger, second generation 1 Series aims to up the ante in the premium compact segment with tighter handing, a comfier quality organic interior, and tighter fuel economy.
Due on 17 September, BMW hopes to have shifted 20,000 of them within 12 months.
All new 1 Series models have smartened up their fuel consumption, courtesy of EfficientDynamics’ involvement across the board. The 116d, 118d, and 120d all offer a combined mpg of 62.8. Meanwhile, the 116d is primed to become the first BMW to breach the 100g/km barrier, pumping 99g of CO2 every kilometre.
How much bigger will it be? Not that much to be honest. It will be 83mm longer, 14mm wider while the wheelbase will be 30mm longer than the previous 1 Series. However, BMW reckon these adjustments will create a more comfortable cabin.
For speed, the 120d would be your best bet. It can hit 62mph in 7.2 seconds with a top speed of 142 mph. The slowest model (116d) takes 10.3 seconds to reach 62mph, with a 130 mph ceiling.
With the choice of three diesel and two petrol engines, all 1 Series models will come with Auto Start-Stop, six-speed manual transmission, 16-inch light alloy wheels, four airbags, DSC+, Drive Performance Control with ECO PRO, BMW Business radio with single CD player, air-con, 60:40 folding rear seats, and leather steering wheel.
The SE trim adds a freestanding high-res 6.5 inch flatscreen monitor and iDrive controller, Bluetooth hands-free facility with USB audio interface and a multi-function leather steering wheel with speed limiting function. Technology remains the same for the Sport and Urban trims but present smarter interiors and 17-inch alloys.
Price wise, you’re talking at least £19,375 for the 116i entry model. Going all out for the 120d Urban will set you back £24,720.
Renault – Twingo & Wind Roadster
This is the world’s first glimpse at Renault’s new Twingo, ahead of its appearance at Frankfurt’s Motor Show on 13 September.
Renault believe the larger logo and segregated fog lights give it a ‘typically expressive front face’, although it reminds us of something from Monsters Inc., particularly this guy.
Considering an official launch is some way off yet (presumably some time next year), accurate details are sparse at best.
OTR prices for the current Twingo vary from around eight grand up to £14,995 with mpg hovering around the 55 mark. It’s reasonable to believe Renault have their best men on improving that.
More specific details are available for Renault’s Wind Roadster which has seen its asking price slashed just in time to soak up the last few weeks of summer sun.
Costing upwards of £13,895 for the Dynamique 1.2, the convertible Wind Roadster features white door mirrors, grille trim and cowls, and 16-inch alloy wheels as standard.
Premium trim Gordini (£15,195 or £16,095 for the 1.6L) adds 17-inch alloys, Bluetooth connectivity, climate control, USB connections, and Thatcham category 1 alarm.
Mpg ranges from 40.9 for the Dynamique to 44.8 for the Gordini.
Another model to have a peek under the curtain ahead of the Frankfurt fanfare is the new Honda Civic.
Said to be ‘more confident, clever and versatile’, the Civic – now in its ninth generation – will boast lower running costs, a roomier ride for passengers, and stunning looks.
Don’t be alarmed by that last point, the car in the photo isn’t the finished design and is merely ‘a disguise’. How devious.
Honda designers have apparently spent a great deal of time on improving the Civic’s ride and handling by focussing on the model’s suspension set-up.
A cryptic Kazuo Sunaoshi, Chassis Development Leader, teased: “It’s not just an evolution, we have made a step equivalent to two generations of development.”
Honda is keeping stum on any other details but you can watch a short video on some of their work here.
The new Civic is expected to hit British roads early next year.
Vauxhall is hoping to make a splash in the compact van market when its new Combo arrives in February 2012.
The Combo is available in a variety of combinations: four diesel engines (1.3, 1.6, a more brisker 1.6 CDTi variant, and 2.0); two wheelbases – 2,755mm or 3,105mm – spelling a height of 4.39 metres or 4.74 metres. You can even have one or two sliding doors. Or none.
Apart from the 1.6 Techshift variant, all models come with start/stop technology as well the generous loading space, which is a given.
Spec for the entry model includes remote dead locking, power steering, a height and reach adjustable steering column, electric windows, a four-way adjustable driver’s seat, a driver’s airbag and ABS brakes.
“We’re looking forward to bringing the all-new Combo to market in 2012," said Steve Bryant, Brand Manager for Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles.
“Combo has been a lynchpin of our van offering for the last 15 years, earning a long list of accolades, ranging from excellent placings in the ‘International Van of the Year’ award to numerous honours from What Van?, Van Fleet World and GreenFleet.”
Sadly, pricing won’t be announced until near to the launch and even a shot of the Combo van was unavailable so you’ll have to do with a pic of the ‘11 for now.
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