BMW is good at making good middle-of-the-road cars, as the 3 Series and 5 Series are both at the top of their respective game. But both the top and the bottom of the range are proving to be a little more tricky. The 7er is not selling as well as its rival from Mercedes, while the 1 Series faces altogether stiffer competition from the well populated compact car segment, where "The Ultimate Driving Machine" is not such a big selling point.
Having been launched in 2011, the F20/21 1 Series is in need of a makeover and an update. We recently caught up to a test prototype in camouflage, and believe we know what's hiding underneath it.
In 2014, the 2nd generation hatchback will receive its Life Cycle Impulse. Exterior changes appear to be limited to the front bumper, where BMW will likely add the new Air Curtain elements.seen on the 3er. The shape or number of bars in the grille are also likely to be updated, together will some aspects of the headlights. These are probably the most widely criticized elements of the car, but unfortunately this prototype gives us no clues about the coming design changes.
BMW's rapid model turnaround and the tens of new variants and designs they've presented this year are cutting into their profits. Thus, we wouldn't be surprised if this compact will be left largely untouched to cut costs.
In 2014, the 2nd generation hatchback will receive its Life Cycle Impulse. Exterior changes appear to be limited to the front bumper, where BMW will likely add the new Air Curtain elements.seen on the 3er. The shape or number of bars in the grille are also likely to be updated, together will some aspects of the headlights. These are probably the most widely criticized elements of the car, but unfortunately this prototype gives us no clues about the coming design changes.
BMW's rapid model turnaround and the tens of new variants and designs they've presented this year are cutting into their profits. Thus, we wouldn't be surprised if this compact will be left largely untouched to cut costs.