The recently launched Mercedes A Class will soon find company in the premium hatchback segment of Indian car market. It has recently emerged that BMW India will launch the 1 Series in India on September 3. In line with this announcement, the pre-bookings for the 1 series hatchback have commenced and those interested can call 1800 102 2269 to book the upcoming Bimmer.

Powering the India spec 1 Series is the familiar 2.0-litre TwinPower turbo engine that produces 143 bhp of max power and 320Nm of peak torque. This engine has an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 20.58 km/l. The India bound BMW 116i (petrol) employs a turbocharged 1.6-liter unit that puts out peak power and torque of 136bhp and 220Nm respectively. This engine returns a fuel efficiency of 16.28 kpl in the ARAI tests.

The upcoming BMW 1 Series hatchback will come to us via Completely Knocked Down (CKD) route and as is obvious, will be assembled at BMW India’s Chennai facility.

It may be noted that BMW is being outsold by both Mercedes and Audi in Indian car market. While Mercedes India, the Indian subsidiary of the popular German luxury car maker, has planned to launch a range of new cars in the country in a bid to continue its supremacy over immediate rivals, new cars from BMW India. such as the 1 Series, might pose as biggest hurdles in Mercedes India’s path to glory.