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BMW C1 @ The 1999 London Motor Show

by Shane O' Donoghue / Mark Sims

(BMW press release)

BMW C1 - THE ANSWER FOR OUR CONGESTED CITIES
BMW's C1 is a unique vehicle which helps address the growing problem of city traffic congestion and makes its first 'production' appearance at the London Motor Show (October 21-31). This vehicle combines the benefits of two wheel agility, manoeuvrability and ease of parking with the safety standards and much of the weather protection of a small car. It goes on sale in the UK in Spring 2000.

Just what is this?

The body of a car provides a survival cell for passengers. In a crash, energy is absorbed by deformation of the panels and occupants are held in place by seat belts. To date, no two wheeled vehicle has been able to claim such safety standards. But the C1 has changed all that. In a frontal impact, energy is absorbed by a deformable front mudguard unit, which has been specially designed to act as a crumple zone.

The Telelever suspension (derived from BMW motorcycle technology) acts in a similar way. At the same time the driver is held in place by two cross-over seat belts. These are designed to prevent 'submarining'- the tendency to slide underneath them - since they cross both the chest and the waist. The seat belts are fixed to the extruded aluminium core of the C1, which acts as an all-round safety cage and protects the driver in a roll-over situation. So car drivers who would previously not have considered a motorcycle or scooter on safety grounds now have the ideal vehicle.

This unique and ingenious design incorporates a laminated glass windscreen and wiper to give good forward visibility and provide a high level of weather protection. It is, perhaps, the ideal solution for politicians to journey from hotel to party conferences each morning.

The integrated safety concept of the C1 has been shown in crash tests to be so safe that it can be ridden without a helmet, in complete safety. The German, French and Spanish authorities have allowed an exception to the helmet law for C1, to allow owners to experience the full benefit of its radical approach. However, negotiations with the British authorities are proving slow.

"It is a shame that the UK government is slow to foresee change when other countries have grasped the idea of a convenient, environmentally sound and safe solution to urban personal transport," said Kevin Gaskell, Managing Director of BMW (GB). "With pressure for manufacturers to develop innovative transport solutions which benefit the environment I hope that legislators will become more receptive to our approach." he concluded.

The BMW C1 is powered by a single cylinder 125cc, water-cooled, four stroke engine producing 15bhp at 9000rpm and 12Nm (9 lbs ft) of torque at 7000rpm. The engine drives through an automatic gearbox, allowing the driver to concentrate on the road and traffic around. Fitted with a digital engine management system and a three way catalytic converter, this smallest of BMW engines employs all the latest technology from its senior cousins.

The result is a machine which can exceed 62mph, accelerate from 0-31mph in just 5.4 seconds and travels 97.4 miles on a gallon of unleaded petrol. The fact that it is 2.08 metres long, 1.03 metres wide and weighs only 185kgs, means it is easily manoeuvrable, versatile in traffic, easy to park and, due to its distinctive appearance, easily noticed by other motorists.

BMW are making a lot of hype about what is essentially a glorified moped.

Three models are planned. The basic model, for those who want the concept but not the 'frills', will be available in two colours, red and jade. BMW expects this model also to be seen at airports and railway stations as a hire vehicle. The second is 'family's friend', a bright and colourful two tone machine for use by all the family and equipped with storage compartments. Finally the top model will be the C1 Executive, which has graphite metallic paint and a higher specification including a reading light, mobile phone holder, a luggage net and luggage railing.

A wide range of options will include ABS anti-lock brakes, a radio, detachable on board computer, a heater package, anti-theft system and a seat cover. There is even a portable garage. For those who want to look the part, there will also be an extensive choice of C1 range of clothing, with a multitude of clever and convenient pockets to suit the C1's equipment. The BMW C1 will be on sale from Spring 2000 through a dedicated network of BMW dealers, both car and motorcycle.

Prices have yet to be announced but are expected to lie in the range between �3,500 and �4,000.

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