Fuel Efficiency Improved by 10 Percent

BMW's compact hatchback, the1 Series"1 Series," will see the introduction of the new "118i" equipped with a 1.5-liter inline 3-cylinder turbo engine as its entry model. This 3-cylinder engine is part of a modular engine family developed by the BMW Group, with a displacement of 500cc per cylinder. It is also featured in the recently announced new "3 Series" in its 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder configurations.

This engine, already in use in models like the "2 Series Active Tourer", delivers a maximum output of 100kW (136ps) at 4,400rpm and a peak torque of 220Nm (22.4kgm) across a wide range from a low 1,250rpm up to 4,300rpm. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

In the JC08 mode, fuel efficiency is 18.1km/ℓ, a 10 percent improvement compared to the previous 1.6-liter 4-cylinder model. It meets the "FY2032 Fuel Economy Standard" and the "Level 75 Reduction of 1995 Exhaust Gas Standards (★★★★ Low-Emission Vehicle)," qualifying for tax reductions of 60 percent on acquisition tax, 50 percent on weight tax, and 75 percent on the following year's automobile tax, thanks to eco-car tax breaks.

Pricing starts at 2.98 million yen for the basic "118i," with the "118i Sport" and "118i Style" at 3.38 million yen, and the "118i M Sport" at 3.58 million yen. All models are right-hand drive only.