REVEALED: 2012 BMW 1 SERIES 3-DOOR HATCH

BMW has told us that the new 1 Series 3-door will begin selling in Mzansi by September. It follows the launch of the 5-door model in 2011. Apart from the obvious lack of two rear doors, the 1 Series 3-door will introduce new engines to the range, including an entry-level 114i.

But as to which exact models will land here, we aren’t sure. Of course as per usual, we can speculate, starting with the barking M135i with a straight-six turbo petrol engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, and exclusive cloth Hexagon/Alcantara upholstery. An M leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons and blue accent stitching, the BMW Individual roofliner in Anthracite, interior trim in Aluminium Hexagon with matt Estoril Blue or high-gloss black accent lines, gear selector and handbrake with leather gaiters, M driver footrest are also added.

Despite its moniker, this is not an M car in the traditional sense of M3, M5 and the like. Nevertheless there is a good deal of pace coming through. In that regard we talk of 235kW and 450Nm of torque, a claimed 0 – 100km/h sprint of 5.1 seconds (4.9 seconds for the automatic), and a top speed of 250km/h.

A 125i with a 2.0-litre turbo engine delivers 160kW and 310Nm of torque, good for what BMW says is a 0 – 100km/h run of 6.4 seconds (6.2 for the auto), average fuel sip of 6.6 litres per 100km and C02 emissions of 154 g/km. The 114i uses a 1.6-litre turbo for its 75kW and 180Nm, 0 – 100km/h in 11.2 seconds, and top end of 195km/h.

An interesting diesel in the form of a 125d (actually has a 2.0-litre turbo diesel) dispenses with 160kW and 450Nm of torque, while said to be averaging 4.9 litres per 100km in fuel. Accordingly it means a tank range of 1000km is possible. Sweet as the 125d is, it’s probably unlikely for SA, though BMW has been throwing us some lovely diesel surprises of late, such as the savoury 640d.