Over the past few years, the Indian market has been en
client towards, crossovers on Sedans but that does not mean that lime light
from the hatch backs has gone away. In fact a few months back, BMW has dropped
this bombshell on the Indian roads, the 1 Series. It could be there move to
make the Brand more affordable and to create a bench mark when it comes to
performance oriented hatch backs. Either way the 1 Series on papers looks very
tempting but on the road, well Lets find out.
From the front, the 1 Series can easily be recognized as a
BMW, in fact there isn’t much to boost about the design. Typical BMW two
grills, long nose and a badge. Don’t really have anything exclusive to offer or
even different. The rear is where the story changes, the rear is just remind
you the already existing hatch back in the market the Volkswagen Polo, the
resemblance is un canny. What could have made it slightly different was is BMW
has put racing strips on the Diesel model as well, they are available on the
petrol.
Under the hood, the 1 Series is powered with a 2 L Twin
turbo Diesel Engine. There is also a petrol engine option which is available in
the base version only. The 2 L Motor produces an output power of 114 BHP. The
Engine seems punchy especially after the turbo kicks in and the car response
very well sporty. Now the cabin of the 1 series is very familiar with some of
the other BMW Models like the 3 Series and X1. The quality overall is top
merged, no complaints over here. On the design front, it is not sporty but
definitely up market and premium. The fronts seats offering good space, very
sporty and comfortable in fact if you see my height over here the head room is
generous couple of inches here between my head and the sunroof. On the features
front, the top model gets BMW’s hi fi system, steering controls, Bluetooth, USB
but again still some features are missing. For example there is no SAT NAV, no
rear camera and of course no cruise control. How ever the moments you drive the
vehicle all these short comings take back seat, the 1 Series is all about to
joy.
Driving the 1 Series in around in traffic is also easy, due
to its small size it is easy to maneuver away from the crowded roads. To
improve efficiency, BMW starts stop system is present here as well. As the
engine chunks of automatically when static and when you remove the foot from
the bread, the car will be start, of course the system can be switched off
manually. There are four driving modes to pick from Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus
and Eco Pro. On the safety front, it comes with 6 Airbags, ABS and traction
control. With this hatchback BMW has tried to catch the hearts and attention of
the younger and richer India .
They have tried to make the brand BMW more accessible for the buyer. The 1
Series has been in India for over 6 months so we thought why should not ask
this younger and richer India what they feel about the accessible BMW hatch
which starts at a price point of 20 Lakh
ex showroom Delhi.
Lets not loose heart here, the 1 Series still has a lot to
offer. Step inside the cabin and the black tone immediately gives you and up
market feel. The layout and feature list on this Sports Plus edition is
impressive but is no different from other beamers. I i-drive sits in the
center. Control and features and every little detail associated with the car.
Music system is compatible with CD DVD RADIO USB and Bluetooth. Steering get
controls for the phone and stereo system. Its got a two zone air con for the
driver and the passenger. It may look like a long car but when you get on to
the rear seat then you realize how different it is from the reality. So where
the front seats offer you good space and comfort ness, I think where as back a
tight fit is. Position of driver’s seat as per my height and you can see there
is no knee room at the back. Further the rear air con vent is very high, which
completely hampers the knee room and leg room for middle of the passenger. So
to be very fare, I think the 1 series is best for 4 adults and 1 kid. In terms
of features, you get this rear air con vent again. There is no arm rest again
no cup holders. The only good thing is the head room is pretty decent.
So technically it’s
not a very spacious car for five. Another very big disappointment is that even
at a price point of 30 Lakhs Ex-Showroom you do not get a spare wheel, you do
get a tool kit to fix the puncture and it runs on one flat wheel but there
isn’t a spare one. So this is the story of BMW 1 Series, so difficult to say
who might want to buy this because if you are looking for a car that comfortable
to chauffer driven it then this one definitely is not for you. Before I start
going in the conclusion of the 1 Series, I must admit till a few days back this
car never really excited me. This is BMW at a lower price for no doubt but
there is a catch. The basic models are features less, interiors are cramped, and
the looks are sporty but smashy like the A Class. Even at the value front, cars
like 3 series, the C Class and the X1, all three after discount gives you
better value for money. How ever today after having driven the car for so many
days, I must admit once more I know the reasons what customers to buy this car
heard about this car in the first place. Its a special purchase its not a
practical purchase at all. A Purchase you will do from your heart in that case
the 1 Series will keep you very happy. The complimentary goose ones every
single day.
