Remember when BMW said the 1 Series Saloon would only be offered in China? Scratch that. The front-wheel-drive saloon riding on the same UKL platform as the 2 Series minivans and the Minis is being launched in Mexico where it joins the RWD 1 Series hatchback offered in both three- and five-door flavours. Available exclusively as a Sport Line version, the FWD saloon starts off at 489,900 MXN (£18,575).
The entry-level 1 Series Saloon known locally as the 118iA Saloon Sport Line is motivated by a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine developing 136 brake horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The three-cylinder mill is hooked up to a six-speed automatic gearbox to enable a sprint to 62 mph in 9.4 seconds and an electronically governed top speed of 132 mph.
An all-new 1 Series hatchback is coming:
If that seems a little bit slow, you’ll then have to step up to the 120iA Saloon Sport Line with its turbocharged 2.0-litre engine and a starting price of 569,900 MXN (£21,600). The four-cylinder unit is good for 192 bhp and 207 lb-ft channelled to the front axle through an eight-speed automatic gearbox. It needs seven and a half seconds to complete the sprint and tops out at 146 mph, also electronically capped.
Upgrading to the four-cylinder model will also have a positive impact on equipment as the 120iA Saloon Sport Line has some extra features over the 118i model. Additional goodies include LED headlights, panoramic roof, and a practical 40:20:40-split folding rear bench that will come in handy whenever carrying more voluminous cargo.
The fact that it’s being launched in Mexico doesn’t necessarily mean the 1 Series Saloon will be available in additional countries. That being said, it goes to show BMW has had a change of heart and is now open to the idea of selling its smallest Saloon in more markets.
Source: BMW Mexico
Gallery: 2018 BMW 1 Series Saloon Mexican market
