New BMW 1 Series shows off production head lights

Our spy photographers have caught the new BMW 1 Series testing with heavy camouflage. In this sighting, however, the BMW hatchback’s production head lamps are clearly visible and look decidedly similar to the earlier generation’s ‘angel-eye’ styling.

Between the head lamps are two huge openings which will eventually make way for BMW’s familiar kidney grille. Together, the heavily raked windscreen along with the angled rear glass and C-pillar, make for quite a sporty stance. This is well complemented by the sleek L-shaped tail lights whose styling is reminiscent of the other BMW vehicles in the company’s line-up.

Although the new-generation BMW 1 Series will now be underpinned by the UKL FWD platform, it is speculated that some versions will still be made available with AWD capability. Plus, the fact that it will only be sold as a five-door hatch limits the drivetrain options to three-cylinder and four-cylinder motors, with no scope for a full-blown M version in the foreseeable future.

BMW is expected to debut the 1 Series hatchback sometime in 2018. It is unlikely to make an appearance at Geneva as BMW is looking to unveil the new X4 at Geneva.