KUALA LUMPUR: BMW has finally pulled the wraps off the all-new fourth-generation 1 Series hatchback in the global market. The latest model hosts significant updates, including a sleeker design, the latest tech, and updated engines.

Exterior

While the exterior appears similar to the outgoing model, the hatchback does gain a number of enhancements for a fresh look. The front end features a wider and conjoined double kidney grille mounted much lower than earlier. It is edged by new sharp-looking LED headlights housing the brand’s latest LED daytime running light signature. Customers can also opt for blue-tinged adaptive matrix LED headlights.

The side profile gets new BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line finishing, new 17- and 18-inch wheel designs, and a graphic element with the number “1” on the C-pillar's Hofmeister kink counter-swing. At the rear, we can find new LED tail lights featuring a set of “7-shaped” graphics. Adding to the upgrades is the optional black roof, offered with the hatchback for the very first time.

The M Sport version of the revamped BMW 1 Series includes the M radiator grille, a split downturned front intake, M exterior mirror caps, and four exhaust tailpipes.

Dimensions

Dimensionally, the new BMW 1 Series is 42 mm longer and 25 mm taller than its predecessor, measuring 4,361 mm and 1,459 mm, respectively. The width and wheelbase remain unchanged at 1,800 mm and 2,670 mm. The boot capacity measures 380 litres, expandable up to 1,200 litres by folding the rear seats.

Interior

Inside, the new hatchback benefits from a new dashboard and BMW’s latest iDrive 9 infotainment system with dual floating screens - 10.25 for the instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch touchscreen for the head unit. The automaker has removed several buttons available with the older model to give the car a minimalistic look. Even the conventional gear lever is replaced by a tiny gear selector. The newly-designed standard seats can also be upgraded by either sport or M Sport seats,

BMW claims that the car's interior is completely vegan, with no leather inclusions. Instead, it uses Econeer fabric, which is made from recycled PET bottles, or Vaganza faux leather upholstery. 

Engine

Coming to the mechanical bits, here the customers get a total of four options - two petrol and two diesel. These include - 

• 1.5-litre 3-cylinder TwinPower turbo petrol engine with 48V mild hybrid assistance, which kicks out a total system output of 170 PS and 280 Nm
• 2.0-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder AWD mill tuned to deliver 300 PS and 400 Nm. 
• 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel capable of generating 150 PS and 360 Nm
• 2.0-litre B47 four-cylinder turbo diesel  with 48V mild hybrid assistance, making 163 PS and 400 Nm

All engines now come paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, replacing the previous 8-speed Aisin automatic and six-speed manual choices.

Safety

Depending on the variant selected, the upgraded hatchback comes with the following driving-assistance gears - 

• Autonomous emergency braking
• Lane departure warning
• Door opening warning
• Traffic sign recognition
• Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go
• Lane centring assist
• Speed limit assist
• Parking Assist with reversing assist
• Parking Assist Professional 

The new BMW 1 Series is scheduled to go on sale in Europe in October. In Malaysia, it will arrive sometime next year.

Also read: BMW 3 Series Sedan and Touring receive upgrades for 2025