BMW has covered the new F20 1 series fairly extensively. But BMW is taking the opportunity of the Frankfurt show to put it in front of the public. And the 1ers immediately available are definitely not for the US market.

Besides the controversial front fascia and a much more lux interior, the car expands a bit in length, wheelbase, and track. A great deal of the additional wheelbase has been devoted to rear legroom, which had been an object of criticism. And, for good measure, cargo capacity has been expanded.

The F20 1ers released in this go around sport four cylinder turbos, both diesel and gas. Auto stop is available throughout the range on both manual and automatic transmissions thanks to the use of the eight speed automatic in the new 1er. In addition the ECO PRO mode enhances the 1ers suite of EffecientDynamics.

BMW seems to be taking a page from it’s Ingolstadt competitor and adding a twist. They have introduced a BMW Sport Line for the 1er but at the same time have offered up a different flavored BMW Urban Line. The particular lines encompass, amongst other items, sepcial seat coverings, interior trims, and wheels. The customer can further option out the particular model (Sport or Urban) to further customize it.

The gas engines available are a 1.6 L four in 116i and 118i variants. The engine utilizes both Valvetronic and Double VANOS. The 118i maxes at 170 HP and the 116i at 134 HP. The 118i does 0-100 km/h in under 7.5 seconds where the 116i takes 8.5 seconds to reach the same speed. Both cars return better than 6 litres/100km fuel consumption. That’s around 40 MPG US. Not shabby.

Three diesel models will be available, a 116d, the 118d, and the 120d. The 116d will serve as the entry model for the F20 1 series. The 120d delivers 184 HP and 280 lb-ft of torque. It scoots to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds and yet still delivers over 50 mpg fuel economy.

The 118d puts out 143 HP and about 235 lb/ft of torque and gets to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds. Fuel economy is an enviable 52 plus mpg. The 116d produces 116 HP and 191 lb-ft of torque. With an 0-100 km/h time of 10.3 seconds slug comes to mind, but a fuel sipping slug that returns about 53 MPG.

The F20 1er range will expand with new engine packages and models. BMWBLOG expects the coupe and convertible versions of the F20 to be sold as 2 series cars.