The 2015 BMW 1-Series made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show and gets cosmetic upgrades and new tech on offer, but will that be enough to end the A-Class’ success in the segment?
Having made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, BMW India has imported one unit of the 2016 1-Series facelift in the country for testing purposes hinting towards a launch soon. While the mechanicals have been retained from the outgoing model, the 1-Series facelift gets a major cosmetic revision for a more appealing look while the international models have also been updated with new three-cylinder petrol and diesel engines that are powerful and frugal.
The India-spec BMW 1-Series is currently offered with a 2.0-litre diesel engine, while the 1.6-litre turbo petrol has been discontinued recently. The same diesel motor will be carried over on the facelifted model as well. While the rival Mercedes A-Class is having a good run in the segment, the 1-Series failed to invoke a similar emotion among buyers in its outgoing avatar. The facelift though, induces some much-needed freshness into the design and gets revamped headlights with LED DRLs, wider double kidney grille and revised bumpers.
The side profile appears less bulky courtesy of subtle changes as well as stronger character lines and the rear sports some major upgrades including the striking new wraparound LED tail lights and a revised boot-lid. On the inside, the 2015 1-Series facelift comes with a new touchscreen infotainment unit, M sport steering wheel and updated controls. A host of new upholstery options will also be available on the luxury hatchback while features like Active Stop & Go function, new-generation Park Assist and Connected Drive will make it to India as well. The outgoing 1-Series starts at Rs. 22.65 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi) and we expect a similar pricing for the upcoming model.
Source – Zauba.com
