After making its online debut last month, BMW’s 1 Series facelift is now scheduled to arrive at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show next month. This facelifted model benefits from a host of cosmetic changes as well an updated feature list but remains the same mechanically.
The 1 Series hatchback is not exactly a looker. The car, in fact, has been involved in quite a few controversies relating to its overall design. With this new model, BMW has attempted to make the 1 Series more appealing to a wider range of buyers thanks to the new, improved design and updated equipment list.
At the front, the new 1 Series features 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 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 include new upholstery, touchscreen system with optional navigation and dual zone climate control.
Mechanically, the 1 Series gets four petrol engines and four diesel engines in the range of 1.5-litres to 2-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 are available with xDrive option also. The top of the line M135i’s 3-litre engine has been tuned to 326bhp as compared to the older car’s 320bhp. Gearbox options across all models include a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic gearbox from ZF.
Looking at its sales performance here in the Indian market, the BMW 1 Series has not exactly been a success although with this much improved version, BMW India will be looking to grab hold of a bigger share in the entry-level premium luxury segment.
