BERLIN: The German car maker BMW has introduced the first pictures of the upcoming 1 series facelift ahead of its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2015 which features revised styling and a range of new, more fuel-efficient engines.
While there are a host of revisions to the existing 1.6 and 2.0 litre turbo charged petrol and 2.0-litre diesel engines as well as a power boost for the range-topping six-cylinder M135i – the most significant change is the adoption of the Mini’s 1.5-litre triple cylinder turbo (in both petrol and diesel form) in the base-model 116 variants.
Although the 1-Series is offered with nine different engine options in Europe – and the choice of either rear- or all-wheel drive on some models and in three-door and five-door body styles – BMW Australia has yet to confirm the local model mix but is likely to stick with its five-model line-up exclusively made up of five-door hatchbacks.
That will likely start with the new 116i, powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo producing 80kW/180Nm and a claimed average fuel consumption of 5.0L/100km.
The existing 118i is set to move up a notch as the 120i with its 1.6-litre turbo petrol four cylinder improved to produce an additional 5kW, now rated at 130kW, while reducing fuel consumption to 5.7L/100km.
Similarly, the range-topping M135i, powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre six, has been bumped to 240kW (from 235kW) without penalising its 7.3L/100km claimed average economy while the mid-spec 125i remains unchanged with its 2.0-litre turbo four generating 160kW/310Nm and consuming 6.3L/100km.
What has yet to be decided is whether BMW Australia will stick with the 2.0-litre turbo diesel-powered 118d, which improves 5kW to 110kW, or take the new economy-leading 116d with the Mini’s 1.5-litre 85kW/270Nm engine that has a claimed average consumption of just 3.7L/100km.
Whatever the line-up looks like when it arrives around mid-year, all 1-Series variants feature new-look front and rear styling with a redesigned front-end that includes a larger kidney grille and air intakes in the front bumper and optional full LED headlights as well as revised taillights.
The cabin has also been slightly revised and features additional equipment, including BMW’s internet-enabled Connected Drive functions.
The facelift is expected to be last update for the current 1-Series before it moves to the same front-wheel drive underpinnings used for the Mini and recently-arrived 2-Series Active Tourer.
