The BMW 1 Series has been updated for the European markets and will make its official debut in July. This is the German automaker’s entry-level model and this update is a mid-life cycle one since this generation was launched in 2011. The changes are cosmetic and comprise mostly of trim packages aimed at enhancing the sporty quotient of the hatchback.
Firstly, there are three new exterior trim packages. Dubbed Sport line Shadow, M Sport Shadow and a high performance 140i Edition Shadow, they add a full LED lighting package for the head and tail lamps, black chrome trim for their signature kidney grille as well as an expanded range of designs for the alloy wheels. European markets are also expected to get this car with two new colour options- sunset orange and sunset blue.
The cabin layout stays the same but with a new instrument panel, updated iDrive system, interior trims, and revised design for the climate control air vents and additional chrome trim for the doors. Also debuting with this updated 1 Series is a new driver focused dashboard design.
This updated 1 Series will continue to be offered in three and five-door design with a range of three-cylinder, four-cylinder and six-cylinder petrol engines. The diesels too will remain the same and comprise a range of three and four cylinder units.
BMW says that it has tasted maximum success with the million units of the car that were sold between 2011 and 2017 in the UK, China and of course, in its home country, Germany. It will continue to put its weight behind the hatchback in these markets to maintain its successful run.
Now to a bit of perspective- this is expected to be the last generation of RWD 1 Series and the moniker looks set to move to a UKL based FWD platform in the next generation. The body styles are also expected to expand to a sedan which is FWD and already on sale specifically only for the Chinese market.
The entry-level luxury market has fully opened up in India with all the major luxury players having various body styles on offer. BMW currently has the 1 Series and X1 running in this part of the market, but has not been able to make a mark with the former when compared to the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, which is its closest competitor.
However, this upgrade seems to bring in a good numbers of features to make the car relevant and its RWD nature should make it quite appealing to those who want a higher quotient of driving pleasure. We believe that BMW will bring this updated 1 Series to India by the end of this year and offer it in both petrol and diesel trims.
