The new BMW Series 1's lightweight body makes it more agile and improves passenger safety, with high-strength steel being used to increase torsion resistance and the strength of the passenger safety cell while minimising weight. Crumple zones and clearly defined load paths absorb the force of an impact and deflect it away from the passenger cell.

The standard safety package comprises front airbags, side airbags integrated into the seatbacks, front and rear head airbags, three-point automatic seatbelts in all seats, front seatbelt tension limiters and pre-tensioners, and an ISOFIX child seat mounting system in the rear.

BMW ConnectedDrive: unique comfort, safety, information and entertainment options

The new BMW 1-Series' high-tech presence is reflected in an impressive range of driver assistance and mobility services which is unique in a compact car. The BMW ConnectedDrive options network the driver with the vehicle and the outside world to improve comfort and safety while providing a wide spectrum of information and entertainment.

The Adaptive Headlight function incorporated in the optional xenon headlights adjusts the illumination depending on the vehicle's speed, steering angle and yaw rate. At low speeds, the turning lights integrated into the foglamp illuminate the road in the direction of travel. Other features include rain sensor, automatic headlight control, high beam assistance, park distance control, which allows safe, precise parking, with the image from the reversing camera appearing on the iDrive control display. Park assist aids parallel parking by identifying suitable spaces and steering the car into place if required.

Cruise control with brake function controls the engine and brakes while setting the optimum automatic gear to maintain the speed selected by the driver. The Lane Departure Warning facility now incorporates Collision Warning, which uses a camera at the bottom of the rear-view mirror to monitor the road markings and prevent unintended changes of direction.

The camera also monitors other vehicles and, if required, sounds a two-stage alarm to prevent collisions. A visual warning appears on the instrument panel if a minimum distance set by the driver is not maintained, and a flashing symbol and acoustic signal are activated if avoiding action is required.

The Speed Limit Info system has been expanded, with symbols on the instrument panel showing known speed limits and no-passing signs above or beside the road as recorded by its camera.

Innovative technology has been used to facilitate the integration of Apple iPhones and other smartphones and music players, including online services. BMW Apps allow iPhone users to receive web radio stations and display Facebook and Twitter posts on the onboard monitor. Another new function, Real-Time Traffic Information, provides detailed congestion data and recommended diversions. The new BMW 1-Series also has unlimited Internet connectivity, another unique feature within the compact segment.

High-quality standard features include driving experience switch, air conditioning, and keyless ignition.

The new BMW 1-Series offers all the excitement of premium-quality, pioneering technology and exceptional driving pleasure within a compact car, with many superior features as standard and a wide range of attractive options. The driving experience switch, a standard feature located on the central

console, tailors the car's settings to the driver's personal tastes, including engine characteristics, DSC driving stability control, optional Servotronic settings and automatic gear change programme and dynamics.

COMFORT, SPORT and ECO PRO modes are included as standard. The eight-speed sports automatic, Variable Sport Steering and BMW Sport Line versions also have SPORT+ mode. Cars fitted with the Professional navigation system have a sport display on the control monitor showing real-time engine performance and torque.

The standard equipment of the new BMW 1-Series also includes remote-controlled central locking, height-adjustable driver's and front-seat passenger's seats, electric wing mirrors, electric front and rear windows, BMW Business radio and CD, six speakers and an AUX IN connection, and air conditioning. Options include two-zone automatic air conditioning, electrically adjustable and heated seats, multifunction steering wheel, automatically dimming rear-view and wing mirrors, foglamps, electric sunroof, and towbar with removable ball.

The engine of the new BMW 1-Series can be activated by touching the Start/Stop button as soon as the keyless remote is inside the car, making traditional ignition key insertion redundant. The optional Comfort Access system automatically locks and unlocks the car.

The Professional navigation system includes a hard disk. Individual entertainment features include a DVD changer, DAB receiver, and 360-watt, digitally amplified 12-speaker Harman Kardon hi-fi system.

Like its five-door predecessor, the new BMW 1-Series is made in BMW's Regensburg assembly plant, together with the BMW 3-Series saloon, coupé and convertible, the BMW M3 and the BMW Z4. The plant has produced more than 4.5 million automobiles in its 25-year history.