BMW 120i M-Sport LCI launched in Malaysia, priced from RM220k



BMW’s smallest member of the family has gotten a bit of a facelift. The hatchback was launched here sporting a newer, more refreshed look. Alot like the BMW X1 that was recently launched, this facelifted 120i M-Sport has indeed matured itself with the family range.

Known internally as the F20, this second generation has been around for a couple of years now and as is the way with BMW and their quick model-rollout progression, the BMW 120i is now the only CKD variant (for the time being) on sale right now.

BMW 1-Series LCI (4)

Name BMW 120i M-Sport
Engine 1,598cc twin-scroll turbocharged inline-4
Transmission 8-speed StepTronic Automatic
Max Power 177 hp @ 6,450 rpm
Max Torque 250 Nm @ 1,500 rpm
Top Speed 222 km/h
Price (OTR without Insurance) RM219,800 with GST

EXTERIOR

The front fascia has been given a sleeker makeover with revised front headlights with LED’s as standard equipment. The signature kidney grille’s are chrome ornamented, the lower intakes are sleeker as well for the sake of aerodynamics and fuel efficiency all of which housed in a newly molded M-sport styled bumper.

Around the side you would find the 120i sitting pretty on 225/40 R18 on the front and 245/35 R18 at the rear with Potenza rubber on all fours with the twin-spoke M-Sport alloys.

BMW 1-Series LCI (3)

The back end has gotten the most distinctive of the changes that’s been done on the car, with the makeover starting with the new L-shaped tail lamps being designed to be more angular. Accompany that to the chromed up exhaust tips and the M-sport 120i BMW finished in Estoril Blue makes its a pretty good looker indeed.

INTERIOR

The interior has been given a rather spritely upgrade in terms of the toys. The 120i comes with dual-zone climate controlled A/C with rear centre vents. As far as entertainment is concerned, theres a 205-watt, seven-speaker HiFi surround system with the sat-nav and infotainment displayed out of an 8.8-inch LCD display which as is the trademark of Bimmers, is angled more toward a driver-centric feel.

The electric sports seats have been given the BMW Individual Anthracite fabric and Alcantra hybrid transformation that does lend its hand to the sport luxury feel that this 1 Series vibes. The door sills have been given the M-Sport treatment with an aluminium finish. More of that treatment is found in the interior, such as the M-Sport leather steering wheel.

PERFORMANCE

Powering this pocket rocket is a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder twin scroll turbocharged engine that makes 177 hp from 4,800 to 6,450 rpm and produces 250 Nm of torque from as low as 1,500 rpm. Putting the power down on the road is up to the job of an eight-speeder StepTronic transmission box.

BMW 1-Series LCI (1)

This powertrain combination does the century sprint in 7.2 seconds and onto a top speed of 222 km/h. Having performance as such doesn’t necessarily mean your fuel bills are going to be a mile long as the 120i M-Sport does an average fuel consumption figure of 5.9 litre per 100km. The 120i also employs the ValveTronic and Double Vanos technology in this effort. The hydraulic steering system has been chucked out in favour of an electric steering system.

SAFETY

As for this entry level Bimmer, safety has not taken a back seat with the implementation of features such as dual-front airbags, ABS, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and a host of other safety features. PDC or Park Distance Control does the job of assisting the driver with parking. Whilst on the move however, the 120i is equipped with a dynamic cruise control that senses the traffic infront of you and applies the brakes if necessary.

BMW 2-Series Gran Tourer (13)

The BMW ConnectedDrive Apps interface enables the drivers (and passengers) to access apps such as Spotify which helps the driver keep their focus on the road rather than their smartphones, a handy safety feature indeed.

WHAT ELSE?

Colours available for the all-new locally assembled BMW 120i M-Sport include Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Glacier Silver, Mineral Grey and Estoril Blue. BMW retails for RM219,800.00 (on the road, without insurance) which is inclusive of BMW Malaysia’s latest five-years unlimited mileage warranty and free scheduled service program.

BMW 2-Series Gran Tourer (17)

Besides that, the BMW 120i M-Sport also comes with a plethora of additional extras that maybe specified to the tastes of potential customers.


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