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This is the new BMW 1 Series

BMW will unveil the new 1 Series at the Geneva motor show. In the meantime, we can share details and photos of the facelifted hatchback set to go on sale in the spring of 2015.

At the heart of the new 1 Series are a number of new engines, some of which can already be found in the new Mini. At the bottom of the diesel pile is the 1.5-litre 116d three-cylinder that boasts CO2 emissions of 94g/km, 78.5mpg, 270Nm of torque and 116hp.

An even more eco-efficient variant known as the 116 ED Plus is available, bringing the fuel economy to 83.1mpg and CO2 emissions down to 89g/km.

In the petrol corner is the entry-level 118i, which incidentally is the cheapest model in the range. It offers 136hp, a 0 to 62mph of 8.5 seconds, 220Nm of torque and 52.3mpg.

At the top of the tree is the 3.0-litre six-cylinder M135i petrol, which is considerably more powerful than its fellow engines. Horsepower and torque are 326 and 450Nm, respectively, while the 0 to 62mph is a tenth under five seconds with the automatic fitted. Fuel economy is rated at 35.3mpg. CO2 comes in at 188g/km.

Speaking of the automatic, all models have the option of a ZF eight-speed if the standard six-speed manual isn’t to your liking. Except the 120d xDrive, that is, which has the latter from the off.

Various design tweaks such as larger air intakes for better engine cooling help the new 1 Series look somewhat fresh-faced. Although the overall design will still prove a bit ‘Marmite’ for some, it seems less cluttered to us.

Trim levels come in SE, Sport and M Sport flavours. LED daytime running lights, BMW stereo with CD player, 16-inch alloy wheels and single-zone climate control are among the list of standard features on the SE.

Sport ups the alloy wheel size and adds a sportier pair of front seats and steering wheel for £1,000. M Sport, meanwhile, includes an M bodykit, sportier suspension, Alcantara upholstery and a leather M Sport steering wheel for an extra £2,700 extra on the SE.

Prices start from £20,775 for the 118i, rising to £31,725 for the M135i. The 116d is available from £21,710.

New BMW 1 Series pictures

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