SPIED: F20 BMW 1 Series LCI to get a major makeover

BMW-1-Series-Facelift-001

So it appears that the folks over at BMW can listen to criticisms after all. The latest spyshots of the F20 BMW 1 Series LCI (Life Cycle Impulse, or facelift in BMW-speak) show the unique rear-wheel drive hatchback wearing heavy camouflage, apparently covering a major makeover on both the car’s front and back.

This is opposed to the lightly covered test prototypes we’ve seen before, where it seemed as if the F20 would keep its ungainly snout and pinched headlights. The new photos reveal a much more elegantly-shaped front lamps – looks to be inspired by the new F45 2 Series Active Tourer – which will hopefully be paired to a set of attractive kidney grille instead of the current nostrils.

BMW-1-Series-Facelift-005

There appears to be a lot of changes around the back too, which is uncharacteristic of recent BMW mid-life facelifts. New rear graphics can already be seen in the cut-outs, and the light assembly is likely to be swapped out for a different, more BMW-like design. Perhaps BMW got a call from Volkswagen, asking for its Polo tail lamps back.

The severity of the camouflage work alone – compared to the relatively exposed F30 3 Series LCI spyshots – is enough to tell you that this will be a big facelift. A simple dose of the handsome 2 Series Coupe’s good looks would go a long way, we’d say. Look out for the full reveal before the year comes to an end.

Pre-LCI F20 BMW 1 Series

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Hafriz Shah

Preferring to drive cars rather than desks, Hafriz Shah ditched his suit and tie to join the ranks of Malaysia’s motoring hacks. A car’s technical brilliance is completely lost on him, appreciating character-making quirks more. When not writing this ego trip of a bio, he’s usually off driving about aimlessly, preferably in a car with the right combination of three foot pedals and six gears.

 

Comments

  • Joe Radzif on Aug 13, 2014 at 2:57 pm

    a bit of Civic ‘Dolphin’ at rear passenger segment.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • GT Fan on Aug 13, 2014 at 4:16 pm

    Wow, even the camouflaged car looks 50% better than the current model :)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 2
  • Semi-Value (Member) on Aug 13, 2014 at 4:34 pm

    funny…i never think the current one is ugly due to its skills

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 4
  • sudonano (Member) on Aug 13, 2014 at 5:46 pm

    The current one is not too bad on some angles but it highly depends on which angle you look at it from. Dead centre in front it does look a bit funny, but from the side it is not too bad.

    At least the back looks decent and it drives brilliantly.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
  • Make it like the 2 series coupe design.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 2
  • Jaybond on Aug 14, 2014 at 8:35 am

    Obviously the current BMW 1 series’ major styling flaw is the fugly front headlamp.The swift response from BMW to do a facelift must be applauded.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • jolly_idiot (Member) on Aug 14, 2014 at 11:32 am

    Apparently they goreng the prev designer and hired a new 1. Then they repair the damage done.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • arave on Aug 17, 2014 at 1:00 am

    i’ve never find it so ugly, however the only thing keeps me from considering it its just how similar it is to suprima, well the front of course could use a major help with the headlight of 3 series

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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