The BMW 1 Series is currently sold in both imported and domestic versions, BMW Brilliance produces a sedan model, UKL platform, front-wheel drive, and the imported version is the second-generation chassis code F20/F21, hatchback, rear-wheel drive, two completely different models.
The early stage of the imported version of the BMW 1 series is biased towards the previous generation of BMW 3 series in terms of design style, the lines of the body are few and straight, the kidney grille of the front face is more conservative, after the mid-term facelift, the appearance is close to the F30 generation of BMW 3 series, the side lines are dynamic, the headlights are narrower and longer than the previous model, the area of the kidney grille has also increased, and the shape of the front bumper is also much more complicated. Although the imported BMW 1 Series is a relatively old model, it is constantly adding new elements, coupled with the M sports package, it does not look outdated.
All imported 1 Series models are equipped with ZF's 8-speed automatic transmission, which has always performed excellently, and the gear changes smoothly and quickly. In terms of engines, the 1 Series has also been changed from the early N series to the current B series, with the top-of-the-line M40i using a 3.0T inline-six turbocharged engine, and the 120i and 125i using B48B20A four-cylinder turbocharged engines. As for the 118i, it uses a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbo engine, but due to its poor shake suppression, BMW's three-cylinder engine is really not recommended.
The suspension of the imported version of the BMW 1 series is different from the Brilliance BMW 1 series of the UKL platform, the front suspension is a double ball joint spring shock absorbing pillar, and the rear suspension is a multi-link, driving up, the chassis is still very solid with the E90 BMW 3 series, and it does not lose its toughness, although the road sense is relatively clear in daily driving, but when passing some speed bumps, the suspension action is still very crisp, and it still retains a very good driving feeling, and it is difficult to find this feeling in recent years.
The interior of the imported version of the 1 Series is also very different from the domestic version, retaining the chicken-leg type gear knob, and the interior style is also sporty. Although in this class, it still does not have much luxury, but the materials used by imported BMW are obviously much more exquisite, the appearance is simple, but it is not cheap at all, and the touch is more textured than the domestic 1 Series. In terms of storage space, it is obviously inferior to the domestic 1 series, there are only two cup holders near the handle, and the storage space on the door panel is slightly smaller.
The front row of the seat space is relatively normal, and the back row of the seat space is not guaranteed, basically just enough to sit in, the head is still free, but there is little room for the knees to move. The backrest of the seat is relatively straight, the seat cushion is also on the short side, it is difficult to get enough support on the thighs, and the seat padding in the front and rear rows is also on the hard side, making it difficult to cope with long rides. The center floor of the rear row is very high, and the seat width is not wide enough to seat three adults at all.
The trunk is squeezed into a lot of space by the rear independent suspension, the width is not enough, and it is generally small, but the backrest of the rear seats can be folded down, and the floor after being folded down is fully flat, which makes up for the defects of the small trunk.
The F20 BMW 1 Series took part in the E-NCAP crash test in 2012 and received a five-star rating from E-NCAP that year.