The New BMW 1 Series
Published: 2nd August 2004
BMW 1 Series
With its front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, the new BMW 1 Series will appeal to customers looking for a driving experience never before offered in a compact hatchback. Early predictions are that at launch 70 per cent of purchasers will be newcomers to the BMW badge, mainly from the front-wheel drive hatchbacks offered by Audi, Mercedes, Volkswagen and Alfa Romeo. BMW also expects owners of high-specification hatchbacks from the likes of Ford and Renault to trade up to the new 1 Series. Coupled with the fact that BMW sees a new premium executive sector developing around the 1 Series and expanding by over 80 per cent during the next 10 years, the future of the 1 Series looks very promising.
"We are very confident that with 1 Series we will offer discerning customers a unique proposition that will win them over to BMW," explained Jim O'Donnell, managing director of BMW GB. "We haven't developed this new model to entice MINI or 3 Series owners: we are attacking a new segment and we expect to attract a very high proportion of customers who are new to BMW. Conquesting is the name of the game and our target competitors are a broad church."
Early indications are that the average owner will be aged between 20 to 40 years old, without children or with a very young family, who has historically not had his or her driving ambitions satisfied in this segment. The sales split between corporate and private buyers is predicted to be 45:55, with BMW expecting to tempt more women to the brand. BMW expects to sell c.5,000 cars in 2004 and c.17,000 in 2005.
BMW 1 Series owners will be assured of a rewarding long-term relationship with the three-year unlimited mileage manufacturer's warranty, 12-year anti-corrosion and six-year paint warranty. The 1 Series is also the latest BMW to be offered with a Service Inclusive package. For only £500.00, cost of ownership is significantly reduced with all major maintenance and repairs for five years or 60,000 miles covered by the package that is transferable to a new owner should the car be sold within that time frame.
Residual value predictions are also strong for the 1 Series. According to Glass's Guide, when compared to their nominated competitors (Audi A3 2.0Tdi Sport, Mercedes Benz C200Cdi Sports Coupe, VW Golf 2.0 GT TDi), the BMW 120d Sport will retain 80 per cent of its value after one year or 20,000 miles (76 / 69 / 76 respectively), 62 per cent after two years or 40,000 miles (62 / 54 / 58 respectively) and 49 per cent of its original retail value after 3 years or 60,000 miles (45 / 32 / 45 respectively). Similarly high-value residuals are predicted by CAP Monitor with 1 Series SE models commanding a three year residual figure of 49 per cent.
BMW 1-Series
Our BMW 1-Series Guide lists the full specification of the current UK 1-Series range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £16,335 - £27,465
Body Style:
Fuel:
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Models in the range: 46
We have road tested the BMW 1-Series, to read our in-depth car reviews:
BMW 1-Series Review - Mar 2005
BMW 1-Series Review - Apr 2008
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 21st Sep 2008
