Spied - BMW 1 Series facelift gets new headlights and bumpers

Latest spyshots of the BMW 1 Series facelift reveal that the hatchback will get redesigned headlights, bumpers, airdams and a mildly tweaked kidney grille. Spotted on test somewhere in Europe, the refreshed 1 Series prototype features smaller and more sharply cut headlights inspired by the new 2 Series.

BMW designers are expected to have kept the cosmetic changes to the front of the car, as the rear of the prototype doesn't see much apart from a new bumper. Inside, the iDrive console and buttons of the 1 Series are expected to receive updates.

The European reveal of the 1 Series facelift is expected later this year or early next year, perhaps either at the Paris Motor Show (early October) or at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show (early March).

The 1 Series was launched in India in September last year. The hatchback is available with a 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol engine or a 2.0-liter diesel engine. Both variants get a rear wheel drive layout and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 1 Series is assembled at BMW's Chennai plant from CKD kits, and hence expect the Indian launch of the facelift to take place a few months after European sales commence.

Competitors: Mercedes A Class, Volvo V40, Audi A3 Sportback

Expected Price: INR 20-30 lakhs

You can view spyshots of the BMW 1 Series facelift here.