1 Series for under $35,000

The availability of a 1.6-litre version has reduced the cost of BMW 1 Series ownership to under $35,000.

The March 1 release of the 116i five-door, priced at $34,990, brings the 1 Series hatch range to three.

The 116i joins BMW’s strong-selling 120i flagship that has attracted 700 customers in the five months since its 2004 launch and the less powerful (but still 2.0-litre) 118i launched in February.

Powered by a 1.596-litre four-cylinder with Double VANOS variable valve timing, the 85kW/150Nm 116i claims 0-100km/h acceleration in 10.8 seconds, a top speed of 200km/h and average fuel consumption of 7.5L/100km in five-speed manual guise.

The 1205kg 116i boasts the same five-star safety rating as other 1 Series variants, courtesy of six standard airbags and active safety electronic chassis controls like latest-generation Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Dynamic Brake Control (BDC).

The least powerful 1 Series is fitted with run-flat 195/55 R16 tyres mounted on 16-inch wheels.