Rediscovering: "The One"

MANILA, Philippines - I’ve always been a big fan of hatchbacks. They have a small footprint, but they’re always surprisingly capacious inside, even compared to much larger sedans. They’re also zippy to drive, thanks to a favorable power-to-weight ratio and that compactness that makes them quite literally flingable.

Almost every hatchback on the market is front-wheel-drive. This drivetrain layout is good for 90 percent of driving conditions and situations. But when it comes to ultimate performance on pavement, nothing can touch rear-wheel-drive.

And when it comes to rear-wheel-drive hatchbacks, there is only “One” – the BMW 1 Series.

With four body variations, the widest range of engines in the segment, uncompromising premium quality and even more performance, comfort, and safety innovations, the BMW 1 Series consolidates its position as the epitome of modern compact car driving fun.

The current lineup of 1 Series models run the gamut from the practical yet sporty 3-door and 5-door hatchbacks, to an even sportier 2-door coupe that harks back to the legendary BMW 2002 of the ‘60s, to the pure sporting soft-top convertible. A highly advanced chassis and the aforementioned rear-wheel drive form the basis of the outstanding agility of the BMW 1 Series.

The spectrum of engines is also unsurpassed in breadth, ranging from an energetic yet fuel-efficient 122 bhp in the BMW 116i to the truck-like torque, pulling power and exceptional fuel economy of the common-rail diesel-powered 120d, all the way to a stunning 306 bhp that gives the BMW 135i coupe sensational sports car-like performance with a 5.3-second 0-to-100-kph acceleration and a top speed of 250 kph.

All the engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic with BMW’s Steptronic manumatic feature for greater driver involvement and control.

The BMW 1 Series is the only vehicle in its class featuring the unmatched combination of rear-wheel drive, 50:50 front:rear weight distribution, a longitudinally-mounted engine, and an advanced aluminum multilink suspension.

Rear-wheel drive imparts dynamic energy to every maneuver and plays a major role in achieving an ideal body weight distribution. It also results in better handling – the more even weight distribution and weight transfer improve the handling of the car. The front and rear tires are placed under more even loads, which allows for more grip while cornering as well as stronger and more controlled braking (the more even weight distribution helps prevent lockup from rear wheels becoming unloaded under heavy braking).

Contributing significantly to the athletic handling dynamics of the 1 Series, the sophisticated multilink rear suspension has a complex structure that maximizes agility by ensuring that the wheels are always in perfect alignment with the road. It lets the BMW 1 Series express its sporting nature without sacrificing riding comfort.

The outcome? Incomparable agility, inspired handling, and confidence-inspiring braking. Or to put it another way, sheer driving pleasure.

Perhaps the best part is that one can more easily experience the 1 Series firsthand thanks to BMW’s zero-interest financing offer. Buyers can drive home any variant of the BMW 1 Series for as low as 30 percent down payment at zero-percent interest (valid until January 31, 2010) on a deferred payment scheme of up to 30 months.

The BMW 1 Series is currently available in four model variants: the 116i, the 120d Sport, the 120i Convertible and the 135i Coupe.

For more info on the BMW 1 Series, contact any of the authorized BMW dealers: Prestige Cars BMW (Makati) at +632 892-8127, Autohaus BMW (Libis) at 638-0734, Autozentrum BMW (Alabang) at 772-6021 to 24, Premier Cars BMW (Pampanga) at +6345 963-7777, and Performance Auto BMW (Cebu) at +6332 231-9791.