13% company car tax for BMW 1 Series EfficientDynamics
BMW is introducing a second generation version of its popular compact 1 Series hatchback range.
The new range includes a 99g/km BMW 116d EfficientDynamics – the first time a BMW has dipped under the 100g/km mark – which qualifies for 13% company car tax when it goes on sale in March 2012.
The BMW 116d EfficientDynamics, capable of 74.3mpg , will join other sub-100g/km compact cars such as the Audi A3 1.6 TDI (99g/km), Citroen DS3 1.6 e-HDi (98g/km), Lexus CT200h (98g/km), VW Golf 1.6 TDI BlueMotion (99g/km) and Volvo C30 1.6D DRIVe (99g/km). However, the BMW is the only model here with rear-wheel drive.
If next year is too far away for you, then you can get into the rest of the new BMW 1 Series range from 17 September 2011 when the car goes on sale with prices starting at £19,375 for the ES specification.
The new BMW 1 Series will have three distinct specifications to choose from: ES and SE, Sport and Urban.
The SE trim, says BMW, will be most popular. SE specification includes 16 inch alloy wheels, freestanding high-resolution 6.5 inch flatscreen monitor operated via an iDrive controller, Bluetooth hands-free facility with USB audio interface and a multi-function leather steering wheel with speed limiting function.
BMW Sport models includes exclusive sport design sports seats, leather sports steering wheel, 17-inch star-spoke light-alloy wheels, and dark chrome exhaust.
The BMW Urban model includes cloth/leather seating, leather sports steering wheel and an acrylic glass interior trim in black or white with Oxide Silver accents. Outside there are urban style 17-inch V-spoke alloy wheels and Chrome kidney grille with white slat sides and trim bar for the central air intake. However, the white alloys can be swapped for more conventional silver alloy wheels.
“The idea is to move away from the ‘silver box’ image and create more personality for the 1 Series,” explained James Morrison, product manager for the BMW 1 Series. “You should be able to walk onto a BMW forecourt and spot the very different models straight away. We believe it will help the 1 Series’ residual values.”
Five engines for new BMW 1 Series range
The engine choice includes three diesel engines – a 116hp 116d; a 143hp 118d; and a 184hp 120d. There will also be two petrol engines available, a 136hp 116i and a 170hp 118i.
All the diesel engines (including those with the new eight-speed auto transmission) have CO2 emissions below 120g/km thanks to EfficientDynamics technology, which means you can expect benefit in kind company car tax banding of 13% in 2011/12, and 17% in the 2012/13 tax year.
Among the new features is ECO PRO driving mode – which helps save fuel by rewarding drivers for a more economical driving style. “It will tell the driver how many extra miles they have driven,” explained Mr Morrison.
“Other features of the new BMW 1 Series include more room in the rear – there’s an extra 2cm – as well as wider opening rear doors, and more room in the boot – we have 10 litres more than a Golf, for instance,” Mr Morrison continued.
“The ride of the previous generation 1 Series was also criticised for being too firm, so BMW chassis engineers have been tuning the new car for UK conditions.”
The new BMW 1 Series range is on sale from September.
BMW 1 Series ES prices start from £19375; SE prices from £20,065; Sport and Urban prices from £21,305.
Further information on the new BMW 1 Series
For a full price breakdown of the new BMW 1 Series range, download our special pdf with additional information on the range: New BMW 1 Series specifications and prices.
You might also want to read the Editor’s Blog with more background on the new BMW 1 Series: BMW Corporate event at the MINI Oxford plant.
