Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official distributor of BMW automobiles in the Philippines launched the all-new 1 Series a couple of days ago. And while the second-generation 1 Series offers increased dimensions in almost every way, it also multiplies its ugliness quotient.


The all-new 1 Series is now longer (85 mm) and wider (30 mm) than the model it replaces. At the same time, the wheelbase has been stretched by 30 mm giving more interior room to the ones who need it the most: the rear passenger (rear leg room grows by 21 mm).




The increased dimensions aside, BMW is presenting the all-new 1 Series with two distinct flavors: the Urban and Sport ranges. The Sport is actually the prettier of the two models with a more aggressive front and rear bumper treatment, five-spoke alloys and a less toothy grille. Meanwhile, the Urban has more of the shiny bits stretching all the way to the silver accents on the bumpers themselves.


Being an entry-level BMW, the engine choices are from the car maker's 4-cylinder range. There's the gasoline-powered 116i and diesel-powered 118d. The 116i features BMW's new TwinPower Turbo technology that includes a twin-scroll turbocharger, high-precision injection, Valvetronic and Double-VANOS system. Power is 136 horsepower and 220 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the lean-burning 118d puts out 143 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque from its CRDi engine.

If you're not turned off by the looks, the BMW 1 Series can be yours for as low as P 2,290,000 (116i). The 118d Urban goes for P  2,490,000 and the 118d Sport at P 2,690,000.