BMW will soon give a once-over to the 1 Series and deal out some welcome improvements.
The new BMW 1 Series will receive new headlamps – from the 2 Series – and sharper tail-lamp clusters, among several new options, including three-cylinder engines and ConnectedDrive.
The new engine options include the motors from under the bonnet of the MINI range – the 1.5-litre three-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol and diesel motors. The 116i petrol will get the 136-PS/220-Nm motor, while the 116d will receive the 115-PS/270-Nm diesel motor. While it is unclear if the 18-badged models may also receive three-pots, with a 150-PS 118d supposedly in the offing, the 20-badged models will continue with four-cylinder motors. The company’s 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission will also be available, still driving the rear wheels. The 1 Series remains rear-driven this time around.
The M135i will continue with the TwinPower Turbo straight-six motor, but will feature a slight boost in power, up to 326 PS and 450 Nm. Whether it will come to India remains to be seen.
The facelifted 1 Series will be launched in India following the global rollout. Prices won’t be too different from what they are at present, but the upcoming budget may just have a role to play in that aspect.
Story: Jim Gorde
