Sunday, October 21, 2007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
27 June 1937
May God bless you with everything beautiful, and many more healthy and prosperous years ahead...
Your son,
Shukor
Friday, April 27, 2007
Coronation Day
A lot of things have been happening since my last post. I’m still contemplating on whether I should talk about it here, coz it’s got a lot to do with work and I don’t feel like reminding myself how stressed out I was. Maybe I will anyway, perhaps while I’m on a good vacation or something.
That reminds me. I still need to take a compulsory 5-day leave for this year or the company will take firm action for non-compliance. Weird, but I have to admit that it’s one of the company policies, amongst other few, which I am more than happy to comply. :P
But when?
I woke up with a bad stomach this morning. Serve me right though coz for some reason, all I did on Coronation Day yesterday, was eat!
My nephew and nieces were still living at our house even though my sister and her husband had come back from Umrah. I guess they needed some time to unwind after all the travelling. Not that I did not prefer them over at the house, just that I’m so used to the minimal crowd at home: mom, dad, myself and the housekeeper (all four sisters moved out since they got married) and the soothing sound of flowing water orchestrated by the waterfall in our rock-garden/fish-pond (since 1988), endearingly creating a relaxed and tranquil environment. Besides, being a Piscean and all... it's just what I am. :P
The pond guy came by. Another round of torture for the fish?
Poor souls.
Grins.
I felt like cooking so I went to the market and got some meat, veg and sundries. The city council had just renovated the wet market behind our house so I thought I’d check it out. Other than the new flooring and stall configuration, it still looked the same. A wet market will always be wet and puddly I suppose – but what about Harrod’s Food Hall?! Haha
Anyway, I managed to cook Rendang Ayam and Grilled Squids, with the help of my Sous-Chef Marni (or the housekeeper heheheh).
After that, I ruffled through my DVD collection and found Mukhsin, a movie by Yasmin Ahmad I bought because my cousin said it was funny – especially the part when Orkid’s mom pretended to cane her in the room after a bully’s mom went to the house to tell her that Orkid had thrown her son's school bag out of the school bus window, depicted at the start of the movie.
She was right.
I went out to get some more acrylics and canvas. Decided to start on a new piece after finalising the last one (will post a picture of it here soon). One of my nephews who's too young and oblivious about abstract art, watched impatiently while I scraped the interjecting mix of primary colours with emulsion to fuse them together. I bet he's thinking,
"WTF? That looks like a dab of shit on a loo roll!".
But I'm sure he's no better other than the typical school art painting of a house with a door and 2 square windows, people with ridiculously high hairline, a mono-green tree, a square car (probably an inspiration from the 1986 Proton Saga) and a sun that looked more like a 2-dimensional view of a yellow rambutan than anything else.
But then again, I'm sure everyone did the same. However, I don't remember doing the same.
Grins.
:P
Daulat Tuanku.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
100 Million iPods Sold
Read the Press Release below:
CUPERTINO, California—April 9, 2007—Apple® today announced that the 100 millionth iPod® has been sold, making the iPod the fastest selling music player in history. The first iPod was sold five and a half years ago, in November 2001, and since then Apple has introduced more than 10 new iPod models, including five generations of iPod, two generations of iPod mini, two generations of iPod nano and two generations of iPod shuffle. Along with iTunes® and the iTunes online music store, the iPod has transformed how tens of millions of music lovers acquire, manage and listen to their music.
“At this historic milestone, we want to thank music lovers everywhere for making iPod such an incredible success,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “iPod has helped millions of people around the world rekindle their passion for music, and we’re thrilled to be a part of that.”
“It’s hard to remember what I did before the iPod,” said Mary J. Blige, GRAMMY Award-winning singer. “iPod is more than just a music player, it’s an extension of your personality and a great way to take your favorite music with you everywhere you go.”
“Without the iPod, the digital music age would have been defined by files and folders instead of songs and albums,” said John Mayer, GRAMMY Award-winning singer-songwriter and guitarist. “Though the medium of music has changed, the iPod experience has kept the spirit of what it means to be a music lover alive."
The iPod has also sparked an unprecedented ecosystem of over 4,000 accessories made specifically for the iPod that range from fashionable cases to speaker systems, and more than 70 percent of 2007-model US automobiles currently offer iPod connectivity.
“I take my running shoes and my iPod with me everywhere,” said Lance Armstrong, seven-time Tour de France champion. “I listen to music when I run. Having my music with me is really motivating.”
Every iPod features seamless integration with iTunes 7. The iTunes Store (www.itunes.com) features the world’s largest catalog with over five million songs, 350 television shows and over 400 movies. The iTunes Store has sold over 2.5 billion songs, 50 million TV shows and over 1.3 million movies, making it the world’s most popular online music, TV and movie store.
Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and will enter the mobile phone market this year with its revolutionary iPhone.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Laces & Rattans
I woke up and found no one around. This time I woke up udah jam stengah-sepuluh (half-ten), which actually means half-past nine. Maybe because I was too tired from the uneventful trip to Gunung Batur last night - the price I had to pay for cancelling the dive trip to Tulamben perhaps? ;p
Anyway, Nyoman came by not long after to do housekeeping. We exchanged greetings and I filled her in with last night's episode.
"Makanya capek", she said agreeingly after listening to my reasons for waking up late.
I fried the chicken nuggets I bought from the supermarket the other day and shared with Mas Dodi, who came by while I was at it. And then I was told that Kak Ani had gone to Pasar to bikin gambar and reminded me that I should go check out the market in Klungkung for laces and embroideries.
I went back to my inhibited bungalow to get a fresh change of clothes and toiletries and showered in Kak Ani's bungalow because it's sungguh enak sekali.
Before we left for Klungkung, I took some more pictures of the property with Kak Ani's camera as I discovered that some of the ones taken with the disposal camera didn't turn out quite well.
What was I expecting anyway...?
On the way to the Pasar, we stopped by at the bank. It was the first time I had entered a seven-figure sum at a cash machine.
I giggled to myself.
I fantasized the cash dispensed were in British pounds! Haha
It took us about 30 mins to get to Klungkung. We parked the van across the market. Somehow rather, I find the drivers there were people-blind. Or was it the people who were vehicle-blind...?
Anyway, we trailed the lanes laden with an abundance of fabrics--of different types and colours--until we reached a toko (shop) owned by a lady who Mas Dodi and Kak Ani knows. Immediately I spotted a lace with colours that another cousin of mine was looking for.
Excellent, I thought. One down, still many to go!
I think I spent quite a bit of time choosing the colours that I thought the people I am buying for might like. In the end, I bought a dozen!
I couldn't help it. They were very affordable!
It's 2 o'clock. Kak Ani called to say that she didn't need picking up. So with the extra time at hand, Mas Dodi brought me to a rotan wholesaler closer to Ubud so that I could get some stuff to decorate my suite after the renovation.
I ended up buying so much, it costed me just over a million! I think I have to leave my diving gear behind, for Kak Ani to bring back for me on her next trip home. I didn't wanna pay (couldn't afford to anyway) Excess Baggage charges as it'll make the things I had bought to cost more than they ought to.
From cylinder to tissue box cover, I went absolutely mad! The last item costed the most - the laundry basket. It came with a lid so I told the tuan gudang to chuck everything else into it and wrapped 'em up so I could check it in whole. It took us another half an hour to figure out the best way to dump everything in - like a puzzle...
It was already 4pm and our yatchs have set sail even with no wind. So, as we headed into Ubud, we stopped by at a well-known satay joint for some sate kambing.
The way they prepare the satay is so different. The meat is not marinated overnight like how it's done back home. They skewer the meat fresh off the bone with fine bamboo sticks and keeps 'em in the top shelf of the Teh Botol (an Indonesian ice tea blend) fridge.
The guy will put it on a plate, dash a variety of sauces which makes up the marinade and off to the grill. It arrived at our table shortly after with a plate of rice and a bowl of gule (gulai), of which the meat is also mutton.
We headed home. I was already getting tired.
Kak Ani arrived home soon after we did but left again to sketch at the Pura below where they were having the latihan. I too tried my luck at charcoal on canvas and everybody is still refusing the chance to criticize.
I wonder why.
We headed to Hamka & Cindy's in Gianyar for dinner. They had invited us for dinner when we met them at Jazz Cafe last night. When we arrived, the food was already laid out, and around it were Pak Antonio & Nur, Mikko & Rita, Agus and tuan rumahnya. The food was simple but tasted really good, especially Hamka's sambal!
After eating, we chatted for a bit over Kopi Bali and soon it's time to say goodbye.
A sad goodbye. I was going home tomorrow.
I was overwhelmed by the warm and kind hospitality of these people. It's my first time meeting them on this trip but they were already looking forward to my return. Perhaps the next holiday will again take me here.
I'm so not looking forward to tomorrow. I'm trying to sleep as late as possible so I don't fast-forward to the time I have to leave for KL.
But I'm too scared to stay up alone.
So, good night.
Sent via BlackBerry
Friday, February 23, 2007
Batik Shopping, Local Style...
I woke up to the sound of the telephone buzzing in my ear. The breakfast has arrived. I had ordered it for 8.00am.
tbc
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Balitaliano
I checked-in at Komaneka Resort today. Greeted by scented cold towel and a tangy welcome drink, I was told that the only room left was the Pool Villa - even better! It has a typical Balinese entrance, which most people would leave the doors open unless you're the type who prefers complete privacy - I didn't mind... ;p
Through the doors I was greeted by views of other boutique hotels around the area, surrounding the lushy green rice field with farmers working on it. On the right is the pool and 2 deck chairs. I was ushered into the villa through the double doors at the terrace where the daybed, dining table and minibar is located. As soon as I saw the four-posted king and flowers in the sunken bath, my senses weeped. A lux reunion of a stressed out soul and the magic of Bali.
The relaxation begins.
I had made an appointment for a scrub and body massage but it wasn't till 6pm. So, I corked the complimentary Rosé, sank into the pool and let time pass by.
The phone rang at five-to. It was a gentle reminder for the spa appointment.
The spa was only a short distance away. I was greeted by the ever-smiling therapist, who had me changed, served me tonic and gave me a foot bath. Then I was taken to the treatment room, which also had an open air bath filled with 1,001 flower petals, and a reed garden.
The treatments began.
I finished around 7.30pm. Lazily walked back to the villa to get ready for dinner. My cousin came along with Kang Ei and Mas Dodi when I was sitting at the coffee house to check my emails. We left for Davide's after drinks and a short tour of the villa.
Davide is friends with our friends. He's half-Sicilian-half-English, who also speaks Indonesian although I don't know how well. He first came to Bali 10 years ago and been here on an off ever since. One of his brothers is an amazing and talented guitarist who won the World Classical Guitar competition in 1987.
I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw his house as we approached on a dark small road in Kutuh. It's a typical Balinese house, set almost in the middle of a rice field. We trailed the driveway leading to one of the houses on the property. We found him chillin' out with his other Indonesian-speaking friends - Sayon who I first thought was local is actually Hawaiian, and Puri, an Australian whose parents spent many years as Expats here.
We got acquainted, checked out the other house, which Davide had just finished building, listened to Davide's brother Danien's guitar tracks and listened to his stories and antics. Kang Ei and I got a copy each of Danien's tracks that won him the world title.
We left Davide's at 11.30pm and had Nasi Padang for dinner. They sent me back to the hotel an hour later and I retired to bed just after I ordered for breakfast.
Long day ahead.
Sent via BlackBerry
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Bali Hai
It took 2 hours and 40 minutes to get here, and had to wait another 30 mins for customs clearance and claim my luggages. I met my cousin and her friend and took off to a place called La Pau, which served authentic Nasi Padang. Mattross the owner, who happens to be my cousin's friend greeted us and served us good food. Apparently, at nights, they play Live Jazz, performed either by the house band or local or international bands who happens to be in town.
We then continued our journey home, in Ubud, which is about an hour's drive from Ngurah Rai Airport.
I've only seen pictures of the place I'm staying. But when we arrived, I was gobsmacked. It was more beautiful and rustic. I was very impressed.
I'll post the pictures as soon as I get them developed. I'm using one of those disposal cameras coz I stupidly forgot to pack my own.
The property is about a hectar. Originally there were 15 Balinese-style bungalows but now, only a few are still standing. The rest were destroyed by weather and time. Only the foundations and concrete slabs remain.
Imagine Pangkor Laut Estates.
The history goes that the land belonged to the current landlord's parents--who's father married the heiress to the Rockerfeller fortune. In the 70's, the family used the property as their private holiday resort, complete with secret gardens, amphitheatre, kitchen and cooks, etc. But now, it's become the current landlord's private residence, who rents out the remaining bungalows to long-term tenants.
My cousin signed a 10-year contract for one of them so that she can live there while she paints, and I've taken up another bungalow for as long as I'm here.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Tongue-in-cheek moment
Something odd happened today but instead of throwing fits about it, I was rather intrigued.
I asked the maid to prepare 2 packets of Maggi Instant Curry Noodles, which happen to be the only snack in the larder that had not exceeded the expiry date. Simple instructions were given:
- Half-cooked
- 1 egg
- Use less water for the soup
I went outside and meddled with my car for a bit.
After a few minutes, I went back in, and saw her walking back to the kitchen holding an empty tray.
Brilliant!
It's ready!
My bedroom door flies open...
*Record Scratch*
There's a bowl of steaming soggy soupless noodles on the coffee table.
I was on the way back to the kitchen, when I realised... I got what I asked for.
How?
Half-cooked noodles with just enough water to cover the surface at cooking time will only give you just that - water gets absorbed into the noodles as it softens...
I arrived the kitchen, and before I said anything... the maid started to explain the Naked Science.
I wouldn't say anything.
I couldn't.
So I pretended that I needed more Root Beer, and scurried back to my room.
I must say, it actually tasted damn good, with all the soup in the noodles.
No need to use the spoon.
Kill two birds with one stone.
What d'ya know, huh?
Silly?
Genius.
Remember Osmosis?
Or perhaps t'was just a simple case of a 'sponge-in-pail' episode...
:P
Monday, February 05, 2007
The Leisure Meter: How to allocate your free time this month
2. Entertaining yourself with jokes about how the number 23 applies to other aspects of the film, like the number of people who might enjoy Carrey's sex scenes. (23 minutes)
3. Watching Family Ties season one on DVD, because life hasn't been quite as joyful since TV Land stopped airing reruns. (4 hours)
4. Wishing TV theme songs still ended with a perfectly simple "sha la la la." (5 minutes)
5. Arranging and rearranging these new titles on your bookshelf for optimal visibility:
-- Frederic Strauss's Almodovar on Almodovar, an analysis of the Spanish filmmaker and his films.-- Susan Sontag's At the Same Time, 16 essays and speeches written by the author in the last years of her life.-- David Mamet's Bambi vs. Godzilla, a candid look at moviemaking in Hollywood. (15 minutes)
6. Being satisfied. (2 minutes)
7. Being self-satisfied. (Much, much longer)
8. Suppressing your masculinity as you choose from the 3,300 worldwide boutique inns at bedandbreakfast.com to prove you're capable of choosing a thoughtful Valentine's Day gift. (30 minutes)
9. Regaining a little bit of that masculinity by giving her a card from oplusd.com. (15 minutes)
10. Listening to the energetic and only occasionally angsty rock album A Weekend in the City, by Bloc Party, a worthy follow-up to 2005's Silent Alarm. (1 hour, 30 minutes)
11. Attending one of the special chef presentations at the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival in Miami (February 22 to 25). (1 hour)
12. Kicking yourself if you opted to see Tyler Florence, Emeril Lagasse, or Rachael Ray over the succulent Giada De Laurentiis. (30 minutes)
13. Reading Triumph, an inspiring account of Jesse Owens's record-breaking performances at the 1936 Olympics, by Cinderella Man author Jeremy Schaap. (3 hours)
- Esquire Magazine
Why I Love My Alpha Wife
When they wake I make breakfast for the kids, pack their lunches. I make sure their schoolwork is finished and packed, their backpacks by the door.
My wife takes them to school, on the way to the office, where she is the boss.
She is a publisher. I am a writer. Left alone, I work through the day, once or twice a week throw in two or three loads of laundry, wash and dry the clothes, linens, towels, put them away, except for her clothes, which I leave on her dresser, not wanting to put things in the wrong place. Amidst all the piles, I try to pay extra attention to her jeans and her fine articles of lingerie, which she prefers attending to herself lest I screw them up.
At 3 o'clock I pick up the kids, take them on some days to the Y for swimming lessons, or walk them leisurely and pleasurably home, stopping on the way at the grocery store to pick up milk (always milk) and anything else we might need for dinner.
She comes home at 6:30. I do the cooking. Usually something simple—roasted chicken with potatoes slathered in paprika, salt, and pepper, left to roast in the chicken's juices in the bottom of the pan; spaghetti and meatballs (she passes on the pasta but loves the meatballs: beef, veal, pork, one egg, bread crumbs, fresh parsley, oregano, basil, salt, and ground pepper); or I call ahead for rice and beans ("My wife will be there in 10 minutes") to the Cuban-Chinese restaurant that we love.
We've got it down.
She describes herself as a control freak. Sure, she likes things done her way. But then again, I like things done my way. We are lucky enough that her way and my way often coincide. Once I asked her to clarify what she means by "control freak."
"Like when you were finishing your book," she said.
Oh, that.
There was a slight glitch that took place in our lives last year, and if I'm going to be honest the year before that, and the year before that, and a couple of years more than that besides. I was finishing up a novel I had been finishing up, or had been nearing completion of, ever since we've known each other.
Actually, I had been working on this project for the last 17 years. I guess I fell in love with the research and always felt I had to do more.
I had written it and rewritten it (at one point it was 2000 pages), edited it and re-edited it, asked for help, then lashed out when I got it.
That's just the way things go.
Unfortunately, it put an enormous financial burden on our lives. My end of mortgage payments, utility bills, food, clothes, car payments, insurance, birthday presents, Christmas presents, walking-around money, going out to eat, you name it, all going on my credit card(s).
Having a steady paycheck, she was taking care of most of our responsibilities, but still.
"We've got to talk about your finances," she kept saying.
I would go into a huff. "Joel, we need to sit down and make a budget," she'd say, in retrospect, calmly enough.
"You don't understand," I would shout. "I'm not like you. I don't get a paycheck. There's nothing to budget."
"No, you don't understand," she would insist. "Our money is running out. You are putting yourself, your children, me, us, at risk."
I would storm off, sulk, snap, crackle, pop, refuse to talk another word with her, leave the room when she came in.
She is a remarkable woman. As small as I am, she is large. She would never lash out at me. She would let her anger be known, but she would not pick me apart, not in this way.
And eventually, I was able to come to my senses.
Thanks to her, we own two beautiful homes. I am good with my hands and love to build and fix and repair, but she is always doing budgets and planning. When it comes to finances, everything must be known, in her opinion, and she works assiduously so that she always knows where we are in terms of money.
I love her.
We sat down, and we made a budget.
Every payment, every expenditure was written down. I told her I was $100,000 in debt with $20,000 cash advances on my cards still available to me.
She did not flinch, she did not condemn. She wrote the figures down and we went on. She said we could refinance the house, take out X amount of cash, pay off a big portion of what I owed. She said this will help you out for the time being, this is the window in which you can operate, but—and it was a big but—come April we are done, financially speaking. We will lose a lot of what we have built together.
For all the pain it took me to get myself to sit down with her, she liberated me. I took her figures as gospel. Rose each day and went to work. Considered exactly how much time I needed on this chapter and that, what it would take for me to get to the final conclusion of the infernal book.
Thanks to her and her savvy, I met the mark, finished and sold the book. We paid off the rest of my debt.
Still, there are certain things.
Recently we visited London for work. One of her authors, Marco Pierre White, a celebrity chef and restaurateur in Britain, requested her presence at a big political fund-raiser. Could she make it?
She spoke into the phone. "I'm here with my husband," she said. "Can he come?"
She was assured that I could. It was a sumptuous, rather startling affair at one of White's most fabulous and done restaurants, Frankie's, across town from our hotel in Soho.
We were seated at the table of honor, my wife shown to her spot of importance, marked by a place card that said, in perfectly elegant calligraphy, Karen Rinaldi.
I, too, was ushered to my spot, and there was my place card: Joel Rinaldi. Beta male."
Joel Rose's novel, The Blackest Bird, will be published by W.W. Norton in March.
Monday, January 22, 2007
New 1 Series three-door arrives
New three-door arrives.
Revised five-door revealed.
New technology cuts emissions by up to 21 per cent and improves fuel consumption by up to 24 per cent.
Tax busting 60.1 mpg 118d is BMW's most economical production car.
The new BMW 1 Series goes on sale in Spring 2007 and it features a model line up that includes the most fuel efficient production vehicle the marque has ever produced. The introduction of a three-door model and a revised five-door come as a raft of new fuel saving innovations are rolled out across the range.
Technologies such as Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start-Stop function and Electric Power Steering are combined with lower rolling resistant tyres and a gearshift change indicator to encourage economical motoring. These innovations are in addition to the use of variable valve technologies and high-precision direct injection engines on some 1 Series models that boost power output but cut fuel consumption and emissions.
The BMW 118d, BMW’s most economical car, manages its record 60.1mpg figure courtesy of these features in conjunction with the use of further lightweight engineering. The car now has an aluminium crankcase to save weight. Aside from the BMW Hydrogen 7, the BMW 118d also posts the lowest ever CO2 emissions of any BMW recording 123g/km (putting it into the Band C category for Vehicle Excise Duty).
Other engines in the new 1 Series range record economy improvements of up to 24 per cent compared to the previous model, while emissions have also been cut by up to 21 per cent. These improvements have not been to the detriment of driving pleasure. The new 1 Series is powered by a range of engines whose outputs have increased by up to 20hp with a consequential improvement in performance figures.
New fuel saving technology
Brake Energy Regeneration (iGR) makes its debut on the 1 Series. The system uses an Intelligent Alternator Control (IAC) and an Absorbent Glass Mat battery to recycle previously lost energy, in turn saving fuel. It achieves this as the IAC reduces drag on the engine by only engaging when required to charge the battery, whereas a traditional alternator is always pulling power from the engine. Additionally, the energy generated by the engine on over-run (under braking or descending a hill) was previously wasted. Now this lost energy is utilised by the IAC to charge the battery. iGR alone is responsible for a three per cent improvement in fuel economy.
The new 1 Series also comes with Auto Start-Stop function to cut fuel consumption. Standard on all four-cylinder manual transmission models, except the 116i, the system automatically switches the engine off when the vehicle is stationary and the driver puts the car into neutral. To restart the driver only need engage the clutch again before pulling away in the normal manner. Should he not feel comfortable with Auto Start-Stop, the function can be manually switched off.
The use of Electric Power Steering results in approximately a tenth of drive energy consumption compared to a conventional mechanical hydraulic steering system. Power assistance is now provided by an electric motor that works only when required, such as turning a corner. Other fuel saving enhancements have been made courtesy of various ancillary devices, such as the air-conditioning power supply being disconnected from the drivetrain when not in use. Even flaps behind the kidney grille improve economy, closing up for improved aerodynamic efficiency should the engine require less airflow. The feature also improves cold starting times.
Engine changes and statistics in detail
130i: World’s lightest six-cylinder production engine with VALVETRONIC and Bi-VANOS technology achieves zero to 62mph in 6.0 seconds (five-door is 6.1 seconds) and an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. Output is 265bhp while peak torque is 315Nm. Combined fuel consumption is 34.0mpg and CO2 emissions are 197g/km.
120i: New four-cylinder engine with high-precision direct injection and Bi-VANOS technology achieves zero to 62mph in 7.7 seconds (7.8 seconds for five-door) before going on to a top speed of 139mph. Output is 170hp (up 20hp) while peak torque is now 210Nm (up 10Nm). Combined fuel consumption is 44.1mpg (improves by 17 per cent), CO2 emissions are 152g/km (down 16 per cent).
118i: New four-cylinder engine with high-precision direct injection and Bi-VANOS technology achieves zero to 62mpg in 8.7 seconds (8.8 seconds for five-door) before going on to a top speed of 130mph. Output is 143hp (up 14hp) while peak torque is now 190Nm (up 10Nm). Combined fuel consumption is 47.9mpg (improves by 24 per cent), CO2 emissions are 140g/km (down 20.5 per cent).
116i: (five-door only): Four-cylinder engine with Bi-VANOS achieves zero to 62mph in 10.9 seconds and a top speed of 124mph. Output is 116hp and peak torque is 150Nm. Combined fuel consumption is 37.7mpg and CO2 emissions are 179g/km.
120d: Second generation common-rail diesel engine with aluminium crankcase achieves zero to 62mph in 7.5 seconds (7.6 seconds for five-door) before going on to a top speed of 142mph. Output is 177hp (up 14hp) while peak torque is 350Nm (up 10Nm). Combined fuel consumption is 57.6mpg (improves by 16 per cent) and CO2 emissions are 129g/km (down 15.1 per cent).
118d: Second generation common-rail diesel engine with aluminium crankcase achieves zero to 62mph in 8.9 seconds (9.0 seconds for five door) before going on to a top speed of 130mph. Output is 143hp (up 21 hp) while peak torque is 300Nm (up 20Nm). Combined fuel consumption is 60.1mpg (improves by 19 per cent) and CO2 emissions are 123g/km (down 18 per cent).
Low running costs
The plethora of new technology showcased in the BMW 1 Series will have a significant impact on cost of ownership for customers. For the company car driver all but two engine variants now sit in the Band C category for Vehicle Excise Duty. This results in a saving of up to £505 for someone paying 40 per cent tax and up to £278 for those in the 22 per cent tax bracket. For all owners fuel consumption improvement means a 12,000 miles a year driver will save approximately £250 off the fuel bill.
Traction and safety
All BMW 1 Series models come with Dynamic Stability Control with Dynamic Traction Control for the best combination driving pleasure and safety. DSC allows drivers to make the most of the 1 Series’ 50:50 weight distribution and rear-wheel-drive configuration for the best on-road performance. The BMW 130i comes with five additional functions with its DSC+ system for enhanced convenience and driver safety: Hill Start Assistant, Brake Pre-tensioning, Brake Drying, Brake Fade Compensation and Soft Stop.
All BMW 1 Series have as standard six airbags, the Brake Force Display function on the rear lights to highlight sharp braking and Run-flat tyres with Tyre Puncture Warning System.
A new style of BMW 1 Series
To herald the introduction of the latest generation of engines, BMW’s designers have refreshed the interior and exterior styling of the five-door model. The 1 Series now features a larger kidney grille for improved airflow to the engine. The lower front spoiler has also been reprofiled to make for a larger air intake, while the spoiler protrudes further for a more pronounced, sporting look. The headlamp cluster remains the same size but a darker cover makes for a subtle, more distinguished front end.
At the rear a restyled bumper gives the impression of a wider, lower car. The rear lamp cluster now features a new arrangement of lights, but retains its original shape.
The new three-door 1 Series features the same styling cues but its side view is naturally different. The passenger doors are longer than those on the five-door model and are also frameless in the style of a coupé. Instead of a second door on each side a large fixed rear side window is in situ. Inside, customers will also be able to choose between either a four-seat or a five-seat configuration. In the four-seat arrangement rear passengers are separated by a central storage compartment and sit in more sculptured seats. As a no cost option the five-seat layout sees the rear come with the traditional bench seat standard on the five-door 1 Series. The introduction of higher quality materials and minor changes to the layout of the interior enhance customer comfort and practicality.
Optional highlights
The new 1 Series comes with MP3 and USB stick capability for the best in in-car entertainment. Customers with their favourite music loaded on an Apple iPod or a USB stick can now plug these into the car to continue their listening. Tracks are selected via steering wheel controls or the iDrive system.
The optional Adaptive Headlights that turn to follow the intended course of the car have been improved on the 1 Series. Cornering light function is added to the package as standard. This means two additional lights turn at speeds of between 22 and 40mph to further illuminate the direction of travel on a twisting road.
1 Series Pricing:
Three-door
Engine Variant OTR
118i Base £17,785.00
118i ES £18,610.00
118i SE £19,735.00
118i M Sport £21,430.00
120i Base £18,815.00
120i ES £19,640.00
120i SE £20,765.00
120i M Sport £22,390.00
130i M Sport £26,355.00
130i M Sport LE £30,270.00
118d Base £18,205.00
118d ES £19,030.00
118d SE £20,155.00
118d M Sport £21,850.00
120d Base £19,630.00
120d ES £20,455.00
120d SE £21,580.00
120d M Sport £23,205.00
Five-door
Engine Variant OTR
116i Base £16,310.00
116i ES £17,135.00
116i SE £18,260.00
116i M Sport £19,920.00
118i Base £18,315.00
118i ES £19,140.00
118i SE £20,265.00
118i M Sport £21,925.00
120i Base £19,345.00
120i ES £20,170.00
120i SE £21,295.00
120i M Sport £22,885.00
130i M Sport £26,885.00
118d Base £18,735.00
118d ES £19,560.00
118d SE £20,685.00
118d M Sport £22,345.00
120d Base £20,185.00
120d ES £21,010.00
120d SE £22,135.00
120d M Sport £23,725.00
