BMW confirmed its lineup for the 2012 Paris Motor Show, and aside the concept cars like the i3 and the new BMW Concept Active Tourer, they will be unveiling a new all-wheel-drive version of the 1-Series. It is for the first time that a compact car is being given the xDrive system, and we can’t really work out why.
No really, why would you need all-wheel-drive in a small hatchback? One would argue that since the normal 1-Series is rear-wheel drive, it wouldn’t work properly in slippery conditions where front-wheel-drive cars have no problem finding traction. That makes sense. But given the extra weight such system brings along, the whole concept sounds a bit twisted.
There will be two xDrive 1-Series models at launch, the 120d xDrive and the BMW M 135i xDrive.
The new entry-level diesel BMW 114d will also makes its debut at the Paris show. Unlike the xDirve versions, this one makes a lot of sense for modern motoring. Featuring a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology, the 114d offers an output of 70 kW/95 bhp with average fuel consumption of 4.1 to 4.3 litres per 100 kilometres.
