W/ this light-weight engine, they like the steering communication, but the ride still sucks. Fuel consumption is even worse than the 2.0 gas due to the lack of Valvetronic throttle system.
The weak-low-end 1.6 engine has absolutely no power to adjust the cornering line, but the driving fun doesn't disappoint due to 4-wheel-drift balance at the limit.
...the continuing complaints about the ride [CAR made the same comment in a comparison test with a new Golf] indicate to me that I wouldn't like the car even if they finally decided to import it, which now seems to be a dead idea.
I don't know how many here are BMWCCA members that subscribe to ROUNDEL, but this month's issue has a great write up on the new 1er.
The writer praises the driving dynamics (suspension & brakes) of the car, as well as the interior's fit & finish, comfort and support of the seats are all BMW.
The writer complains about the styling and poor rearward visability.
The 1 series sedan will not be a car for the US. Especially in 4cyl form. The BMW I6 will fit nicely in the engine bay. He did say there was a 2 series hatchback & coupe on its way here for the '06 or '07 model year. He also speculates that a 268hp M2 coupe will be on our shores for '07 due to the fact that the next gen M3 will be V8 powered and the M division will need a 6cyl car to offer.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
"They drive well, too. I think they're overpriced once you equip them, but it's still the cheapeast BMW SUV and people are snapping them up."
But they(X3) don't ride well, ditto the X5, even w/o the sport suspension. I think BMW tried to mislead the public by making C&D saying that you need the uncomfortable sport suspension on the X5 in order to handle as well as a typical Beemer sedan. Well, even the X5 w/ non-sport suspension rode horribly, per CR.
& yes, even if the ride sucks, people will buy the 1-series. Just look at the Jeep Wrangler that never dies. But then, SUV sells in this country no matter how they are.
When the original Focus was first introduced in the late '90's, BMW considered adopting this Contol-Blade-4-link rear-suspension chassis, which should also works for RWD layout, for their future entry level car. But instead, BMW developed their own platform w/ a new 5-link rear suspension. So how does they compare?
p77-82, October 04 EVO:
120d SE vs Focus TDCi vs Golf GT TDI
The 1-series' 4-cyl engine & lack of limited-slip differential means forget about the RWD's power-induced rear slide.
"The Focus has perhaps the more interactive chassis, encouraging you to take liberties and rewarding when you look for real thrills, and on the track the front-drive Ford is both more entertaining and easier to control when swinging sideways, but the BMW hangs on for longer and has the better steering(surprise)."
& the old Focus's "superb ride" is still more comfortable than these new rivals.
They also pointed out that the 1-series rides even less comfortable than the already sporty-riding 3-series Compact hatch (which has an even less absorbent ride than the Impreza WRX per another comparison else where). Overall, they couldn't rate the 1-series really better than the old 3-series Compact most likely due to "that slightly heavier an occasionally artificial steering feel, whereas the Compact shares the 3-series' light but informative system."
The 16"-wheel S40 T5 w/o sport package rides even gentler than the 16"-wheel 325i's std soft suspension. & the AWD V50 w/ the same comfy non-sport suspension but 17"s already has high level of handling. See MT comparison w/ the Saab "Impreza".
is the one i think should come to US, people will love them, i drove one in london and it was awesome when it comes to hatches BMW isnt as good as lots of competitors, mainly Ford Focus, VW golf, and (my personal favorite) Honda civic type R
juice: imo the standards for ride and handling in hatches are different from sedans, especially for the so called hot-hatches
The RS is now discontinued but another new one's coming out later. I'm wondering what kind of AWD system will be used this time.
The new Acura RL's SH-differential makes the AWD awesome w/ constant 4-wheel-drift fun. BMW is also working on an AWD system that applies power rather than braking to adjust the balance, so that sounds promisingly exciting.
well, whatever it is bring it to US pleaseee... or at least replace the current civic Si with type-R then again, even if RS isnt discontinued, they were always out of stock out there
A newspaper reporter wants to talk with current and former BMW owners who either love or hate the brand's new styling. Please respond to jfallon@edmunds.com by Friday, February 25, 2005 with your daytime contact info and a few words expressing your opinion.
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The size is right. The engine is right. The idea is right. The number of doors shown is right. The only thing that ain't quite right IMO is that sawed off Gremlin butt!
Dear Audi: many thanks for sending the A3 Sportback our way. While I would much prefer a RWD platform, I'll be OK with the Quattro and the 3.2 DSG.
Sincerely, Wale
PS: perhps you could send Bangle some pointers on styling. Aside from the idiot Auto Union nose, you guys are aces.
I think we get A3 in May, though there are reports of advance scouts landing in Florida, of all places. The little beastie was at Chicago, and apparently made a good impression on a few of our brethren here in the hall.
I did read that we would get the sedan (such as it may turn out to be) here as the sole 130 variant. Oh well. We shall see what we shall see! The concept is certainly enticing enough (perfect, IMO), but thus far I'm not much impressed with the sheet metal.
It will fare well because its a BMW and because it won't be too pricy. Also, BMW needed this in its limited lineup. They will now appeal to more people, younger to middle aged women especially.
Actually, Pontiac had it right all along (according to sources steadfastly undisclosed): "wider is better..."
Yeah behemoths and babes just seem to go together these days. Besides, I don't recall a huge number of 318ti fans of female persuasion. Matter of fact, I can't recall a single one!
Now if we were talking about somethng lame like a del Sol OTOH... ;-)
Demographics are a touchy subject, it's hard not to get politically incorrect.
However, fact is on average women spend less on a car and have lower median incomes.
So I bet there will be a higher percentage of women buyers than with other BMW sedans.
Wish KBB still had figures but I bet as you move up in price and size in the BMW range you have fewer and fewer females. Just how it is, not my opinion.
"There will be more female buyers, I'd bet on it."
I dont get the logic? As implied by kyfdx, why dont you check out the SUV stats. I am sure there are a higher % of females driving an x5 versus the less expensive 3 series.
Your gender/vehicle/income argument faces a pothole when confronted with more expensive family orientated cars.
This brings up an interesting corollary though. Are we saying that it's a more masculine trait to opt for bigger as income allows? We're basically saying a guy doesn't voluntarily go for a smaller vehicle if he can afford the next size up?
If so, I'm alarmingly in touch with my femenine side on this issue! :-)
Comments
Not that I'd ever buy a Peugoet.
-juice
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I wonder if this little RWD w/ useless back seat can do as well as the next RX-8-based Miata in the 2 areas mentioned above.
The weak-low-end 1.6 engine has absolutely no power to adjust the cornering line, but the driving fun doesn't disappoint due to 4-wheel-drift balance at the limit.
On to the Mercedes B-Class...
They drive well, too. I think they're overpriced once you equip them, but it's still the cheapeast BMW SUV and people are snapping them up.
-juice
The writer praises the driving dynamics (suspension & brakes) of the car, as well as the interior's fit & finish, comfort and support of the seats are all BMW.
The writer complains about the styling and poor rearward visability.
The 1 series sedan will not be a car for the US. Especially in 4cyl form. The BMW I6 will fit nicely in the engine bay. He did say there was a 2 series hatchback & coupe on its way here for the '06 or '07 model year. He also speculates that a 268hp M2 coupe will be on our shores for '07 due to the fact that the next gen M3 will be V8 powered and the M division will need a 6cyl car to offer.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Rear visibility of the notchback coupe should be great, though.
But they(X3) don't ride well, ditto the X5, even w/o the sport suspension. I think BMW tried to mislead the public by making C&D saying that you need the uncomfortable sport suspension on the X5 in order to handle as well as a typical Beemer sedan. Well, even the X5 w/ non-sport suspension rode horribly, per CR.
& yes, even if the ride sucks, people will buy the 1-series. Just look at the Jeep Wrangler that never dies. But then, SUV sells in this country no matter how they are.
I checked and we were not in a model with the sport package, the wheels are unique.
-juice
p77-82, October 04 EVO:
120d SE vs Focus TDCi vs Golf GT TDI
The 1-series' 4-cyl engine & lack of limited-slip differential means forget about the RWD's power-induced rear slide.
"The Focus has perhaps the more interactive chassis, encouraging you to take liberties and rewarding when you look for real thrills, and on the track the front-drive Ford is both more entertaining and easier to control when swinging sideways, but the BMW hangs on for longer and has the better steering(surprise)."
& the old Focus's "superb ride" is still more comfortable than these new rivals.
They also pointed out that the 1-series rides even less comfortable than the already sporty-riding 3-series Compact hatch (which has an even less absorbent ride than the Impreza WRX per another comparison else where). Overall, they couldn't rate the 1-series really better than the old 3-series Compact most likely due to "that slightly heavier an occasionally artificial steering feel, whereas the Compact shares the 3-series' light but informative system."
FYI, the Focus II is not coming to America:
creakid1 "Ford Focus 2005 release date" Sep 4, 2004 4:48am
Lots of cars I've driven lately rode stiffly. Altima, Mazda6, S40 T5, all the BMW trucks, is that a trend?
-juice
-juice
when it comes to hatches BMW isnt as good as lots of competitors, mainly Ford Focus, VW golf, and (my personal favorite) Honda civic type R
juice: imo the standards for ride and handling in hatches are different from sedans, especially for the so called hot-hatches
When they have a family I think it's no longer allowed. ;-)
-juice
The new Acura RL's SH-differential makes the AWD awesome w/ constant 4-wheel-drift fun. BMW is also working on an AWD system that applies power rather than braking to adjust the balance, so that sounds promisingly exciting.
then again, even if RS isnt discontinued, they were always out of stock out there
http://www.germancarfans.com/news.cfm/newsid/2050209.001
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Wagon muchly better!
But engine me likey muchly.
-juice
The 1 series lacks leg room.
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Dear Audi: many thanks for sending the A3 Sportback our way. While I would much prefer a RWD platform, I'll be OK with the Quattro and the 3.2 DSG.
Sincerely,
Wale
PS: perhps you could send Bangle some pointers on styling. Aside from the idiot Auto Union nose, you guys are aces.
I'd take the hatchback, though.. A 130i in any form would have to create a lot of grins.. I can't see the rear from where I sit anyway..
When is the A3 coming?.. Saw the new 2005.5 A4 at the auto show... very nice..
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I did read that we would get the sedan (such as it may turn out to be) here as the sole 130 variant. Oh well. We shall see what we shall see! The concept is certainly enticing enough (perfect, IMO), but thus far I'm not much impressed with the sheet metal.
Maybe it is because it happens the same week as Chicago.. We never get to see anything new..
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At first I thought it was an A4 Avant. It seems very long and low. Pretty sleek.
-juice
Just think...
;-)
Interesting gender analysis! You should write a book!(although it would most likely end up being fictional).
;-)
No really, who do you think is driving all of those LX470s, Pilots, MDXs, etc..?
They are the new mommymobiles...
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Yeah behemoths and babes just seem to go together these days. Besides, I don't recall a huge number of 318ti fans of female persuasion. Matter of fact, I can't recall a single one!
Now if we were talking about somethng lame like a del Sol OTOH...
;-)
However, fact is on average women spend less on a car and have lower median incomes.
So I bet there will be a higher percentage of women buyers than with other BMW sedans.
Wish KBB still had figures but I bet as you move up in price and size in the BMW range you have fewer and fewer females. Just how it is, not my opinion.
-juice
BMW 3 had 60% male owners
BMW 5 70%
BMW 7 70%
M3 73%
Z3 73%
Basically as you go up in price you see more and more male bias. Sportier models also carry a heavy male bias.
1 series will bring more women, he's absolutely right!
-juice
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It doesn't matter, but the topic was brought up so I was just keeping us honest. There will be more female buyers, I'd bet on it.
-juice
I dont get the logic?
As implied by kyfdx, why dont you check out the SUV stats. I am sure there are a higher % of females driving an x5 versus the less expensive 3 series.
Your gender/vehicle/income argument faces a pothole when confronted with more expensive family orientated cars.
But, I don't think that is because it is their preferred mode of transport.. I think it is swayed by income more than gender..
Plus, most cars, even those that are driven by women, are registered by a male or in a joint manner...
I just think, from my own anecdotal wife.. that women prefer SUVs.. ;-)
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Even so, if you got a break down I'm sure there would be a lower % of female owners as you moved up in price (V8 vs. I-6 for instance).
Income being one of the main reasons, sure. But also women tend to be more practical as buyers.
So sure, they'd opt for an X5 rather than, say, a Z4 or Z8.
But back to the sedan world, it's only common sense to expect more women at the affordable end of the spectrum.
-juice
This brings up an interesting corollary though. Are we saying that it's a more masculine trait to opt for bigger as income allows? We're basically saying a guy doesn't voluntarily go for a smaller vehicle if he can afford the next size up?
If so, I'm alarmingly in touch with my femenine side on this issue!
:-)