As well as the new looks, the 1 Series will come with a new range of small capacity turbocharged petrol engines. The TwinPower Turbo engines are all 1.6-litre motors in 138hp guise for the 116i and 172hp for the 118i.
New diesel engines are also part of the 1 Series line-up, so the BMW 116d will now have 118hp, the 118d offers 145hp and the 120d will provide 187bhp. On top of this, there will be a 116d Efficient Dynamics model that will have 99g/km carbon dioxide emissions.
Stop-start will be available with both manual and automatic transmissions, and BMW will be the first to offer an eight-speed auto in this class of car.
BMW has stretched the new 1 Series so it's 85mm longer and 30mm wider than before, but it's no taller. The front and rear tracks have been widened by 51- and 72mm respectively for better handling and stability. Inside, there is 17mm more for shoulder space while the boot of the next 1 Series goes up to 360 litres from the current model's 300-litre space.
The 1 Series has been a huge success for BMW, but the company says it has listened to criticisms and improved the ride quality of the new car. A lot of aluminium is now used in the new car's suspension, which uses a double-joint cross-strut front axle and five-link rear set-up. BMW will offer optional Variable Sports Steering, as well as its Dynamic Traction Control and ConnectedDrive systems.
If there is anything about this story we have not covered, you can avail of our expert advice service via the Ask Us Anything page.