SPYSHOTS: BMW 1-Series LCI prototype continues testing – the last rear wheel drive 1-Series ever?

BMW-1-Series-Facelift-002

The BMW 1-Series facelift has been sighted again, this time in 135i guise as seen from the twin round exhaust pipes on each side found on the rear. Although there’s disguise on the front and rear bumper, we can see that they have new shapes now – these M Sport bumpers show they have a wider center intake opening compared to the original F20 M Sport bumper.

We think that the headlamps will most likely receive some updates as well as they are one of the most criticised elements of the pre-facelift car, but the headlamps on this prototype are completely exposed and are of the same design as the pre-facelift car. It could be just that BMW hasn’t started installing updated headlamps onto prototypes yet.

There’s plenty of strong rumours that the next generation 1-er will go front wheel drive just like its 2 Active Tourer sibling to improve efficiency and interior space, so this might be your last chance to get a small hatchback that can so easily go sideways, as we found out in our hot hatch episode of Driven.

Find out more about the 1-Series specs in Malaysia here: BMW 1-Series on CarBase.my

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Paul Tan

After dabbling for years in the IT industry, Paul Tan initially began this site as a general blog covering various topics of personal interest. With an increasing number of readers paying rapt attention to the motoring stories, one thing led to another and the rest, as they say, is history.

 

Comments

  • ABTguy (Member) on Jun 28, 2014 at 4:21 pm

    Not many care about this little ugly duckling. A class anytime! ^ω^

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 16
    • Teutonic on Jun 28, 2014 at 9:01 pm

      The 1-series is dynamically better than the A-class. Mostly because its RWD and have a more forgiving ride.

      But you’re right, the Merc wins in the beauty contest. Seriously, those droopy headlamps gotta go.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 0
  • sudonano (Member) on Jun 28, 2014 at 5:44 pm

    The one thing that I like about the 1 series is that it is a driver’s car. I have heard how atrocious the ride on the A class can be… Plus in terms of boot space, the 1 series has a larger boot imo, and as for the interior, it is such a pity that ARTICO leather for the dash is not a standard thing on all A classes globally.

    But then again, the funny looks of the 1 series is a bit of a put off too.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  • kzm (Member) on Jun 29, 2014 at 12:23 pm

    The Butt as ugly as P1 SS maybe?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • the driver on Jun 29, 2014 at 7:03 pm

    About time BMW and MB should look into the reasons why the majority of car makers have embraced FWD. There is no such thing as an ideal layout – all have their merits, just have to do the development to reduce the weaknesses.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • Semi-Value (Member) on Jul 01, 2014 at 4:08 am

    why buy 1 series if its fwd? its like a bmw badged mini cooper

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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