The BMW 1 series is expected to undergo a mid-life facelift and is expected to be launched soon. With the latest spy-shots showing the test mule in bare minimum camouflage -always a good sign in terms of proximity to launch date- out in the open. This new BMW hatchback is expected to undergo minor changes cosmetically. The 1 Series was launched in India in September 2013. The hatchback is available with a 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol engine or a 2.0-liter diesel engine. Both variants get a rear wheel drive layout and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 1 Series is assembled at BMW’s Chennai plant from CKD kits, and hence expect the Indian launch of the facelift to take place a few months after European sales commence. We have the spy-shots of the top of the range BMW M135i, which lends us some insight as to what to expect from the upcoming BMW 1 series.
PRICE: Expect a Price tag of Rs 20-30 Lakhs
Exteriors:
Up front, BMW has attempted to neaten the 1 Series face with:
- A more prominent kidney grilles featuring the slim vertical strakes (as seen in the facelifted M5 and M6).
- Slight changes to the Headlight’s.
- The lower bumper section has had its air intakes redrawn.
- Change in the slim low-set aero-strakes for a rounded foglight.
Changes at the M135is rear are even more subtle with:
- A small covering for a reprofiled rear bumper.
- Rear Light clusters will carry over for the 2015 1-Series unchanged.
Interiors:
Inside, BMW is likely to offer the new slim-spoked M Sport steering wheel as part of the 1-Series’ mid-cycle updates. The iDrive console and buttons of the 1 Series are also expected to receive updates.
The details on the powertrain is still under some doubts, but we can expect a slight bump as compared to its previous version to keep up with the likes of Mercedes A-class and the Audi A3.
The lack of camouflage implies that BMW is close to launching the 1 series sometime soon, so keep a lookout for it at either the Paris Motor Show (October 2014) or The Geneva Motor Show (March 2015).
Source: World Car Fans
