The BMW 1 Series facelift has been revealed officially. It gets a host of cosmetic changes as well an updated feature list but remains the same mechanically. This major change is a mid-life update and is expected to be followed by an all-new 1 Series within the next few years.
At the front, the facelifted 1 Series gets a new fascia in the form of bigger air intakes, chrome accents and a revised kidney grille. The outgoing model’s triangular units have been replaced and look more in line with BMW’s current design philosophy. The head lamps can now be configured in full LED model also. The power lines on the bonnet have been retained but thanks to the larger kidney grille look less prominent.
The side profile gets flared wheel arches and horizontal lines which give it a larger than life profile. The rear end too has been re-profiled and now gets BMW’s famous rectangular wrap around lamps in place of the smaller units on the outgoing model. Inside, BMW has upgraded the feature list significantly.The updates includes new upholstery, touchscreen system with optional navigation and dual zone climate control.
On the engine front, the 1 Series gets four petrol engines and four diesel engines in the range of 1.5-litres to 2.0-litres. The base 116i gets a 1.5-litre three-cylinder mill while the rest are four-pot units. In the diesel range, the 118d and 120d can be had with xDrive option also. The top of the line M135i’s 3.0-litre engine has been tuned to 326bhp as compared to the older car’s 320bhp. Gearbox options across all models include a six-speed manual or an eight-speed AT.
The BMW 1 Series has not been the success that the German automaker wanted it to be in the India n market. We believe that this model with its slightly more conventional looks and updated feature list will be a better success than the current car. Expect an Indian launch by the end of the year.
