The BMW 1 Series has been updated with minor exterior and interior enhancements. BMW also recently revealed the facelifted 2 Series and M2 Coupe.
The facelifted 1 Series hasn't changed much on the outside, but most of the improvements are to be found on the inside.
In the case of the 1 Series, the changes are even less pronounced than that of the 2 Series and the updated model benefits from 5 new wheel designs and 2 new exterior colours including Seaside Blue and Sunset Orange. There will also be 3 special editions on offer including the Edition Sport Line Shadow, Edition M Sport Shadow and the M140i Edition Shadow. These special edition models are differentiated with black headlight surrounds, a black frame for the grille and tinted front and rear light housings.
On the inside, the 1 Series benefits from a newly designed instrument panel, updated trim elements and a new leather upholstery variant. The latest iDrive operating system is fitted along with an 8.8-inch touchscreen display, which is offered in conjunction with the optional Navigation Professional system. Wireless charging and a WiFi hotspot is also fitted and can connect up to 10 devices if need be. The air vents and glove compartment also feature a new design and the front cup holders now have a sliding cover.
The M140i headlines the 1 Series range with 250 kW and 500 Nm of torque on offerfrom its 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder turbocharged engine.
The local engine range is expected to remain the same with variants including the 118i, 120i, 125i, 120d and the M140i.
The 118i is powered by a turbocharged 3-cylinder, 1.5-litre engine with 100 kW and 220 Nm of torque while 120i offers 135 kW and 290 Nm of torque from its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine.
The thrifty 125i with its turbocharged 2.0-litre engine offers 165 kW and 310 Nm of torque and the 120d develops 140 kW and 400 Nm of torque from its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine.
The range-topping M140i is fitted with a 6-cylinder, 3.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 250 kW and 500 Nm of torque.
The next-generation 1 Series is already in development, as revealed by recent spy shots, and the biggest change will be the switch from the current rear-wheel drive layout to a front-wheel drive configuration, which should increase cabin space considerably, particularly for rear passengers. The new 1 Series is expected to hit the market in 2019.
As for the facelifted 1 Series, it will launch in Europe in July 2017 and can be expected in South Africa later this year. Naturally, we will keep you updated as more information becomes available.
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