Verdict
For a Malaysian buyer, the BMW 1 Series F20 LCI is the clear newer-car choice: at RM166,809 it costs RM3,991 less than the RM170,800 F20, yet matches its 136 hp, 220 Nm, rear-wheel drive layout and 8.7-second 0-100 km/h time. Its 5.1 L/100 km rating beats 5.8 L/100 km, while LED projectors, front parking sensors, power front seats with memory and a five-year warranty add day-to-day benefit. The F20’s 1,598 cc engine and stated USB, Bluetooth and CD playback are its main case.
Pick the BMW 1 Series F20 if the 1,598 cc engine and its specified Bluetooth, USB and MP3-compatible CD audio matter more to you than facelift equipment.
Pick the BMW 1 Series F20 LCI if you want lower purchase cost, 5.1 L/100 km economy, more driver assistance and a five-year warranty.
Key differences
- Price: BMW 1 Series F20 RM170,800; BMW 1 Series F20 LCI RM166,809.
- Engine capacity: BMW 1 Series F20 1,598 cc; BMW 1 Series F20 LCI 1,499 cc.
- Rated fuel economy: BMW 1 Series F20 5.8 L/100 km; BMW 1 Series F20 LCI 5.1 L/100 km.
- CO2 emissions: BMW 1 Series F20 134 g/km; BMW 1 Series F20 LCI 119 g/km.
- Headlamps: BMW 1 Series F20 bi-Xenon projectors; BMW 1 Series F20 LCI LED projectors with auto high beam.
- Warranty: BMW 1 Series F20 two years/unlimited mileage; BMW 1 Series F20 LCI five years/unlimited mileage plus five-year/100,000 km free service.
F20
- Larger 1,598 cc engine versus 1,499 cc.
- BMW Professional audio specifies Bluetooth, USB, MP3 CD playback and six speakers.
- Bi-Xenon projector headlamps.
- Costs RM3,991 more.
- Uses 5.8 L/100 km versus the LCI’s 5.1 L/100 km.
- Lacks the LCI’s front parking sensors, lane-keeping assist, power front seats with memory and dual-zone automatic climate control.
F20 LCI
- RM3,991 lower purchase price.
- 5.1 L/100 km rated economy and 119 g/km CO2.
- LED projectors with auto high beam, plus front parking sensors.
- Smaller 1,499 cc engine versus 1,598 cc.
- Its audio specification does not state the F20’s USB input or MP3-compatible CD drive.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM170,800 | RM166,809✓ |
| Body type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM90 | RM90 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, twin-scroll turbo with variable valve timing | 12-valve, DOHC, direct fuel injection, turbocharged with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,598 cc | 1,499 cc |
| Horsepower | 136 hp | 136 hp |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 77 mm | 82 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.5 | 11 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8 Speed Automatic | 8 Speed Automatic |
| Gears | 8 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | ZF |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.7 seconds | 8.7 seconds |
| Rated Economy | 5.8 L/100 km | 5.1 L/100 km✓ |
| Top Speed | 210 km/h | 210 km/h |
| Co2 | 134 g/km | 119 g/km✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,324 mm | 4,329 mm |
| Width | 1,765 mm | 1,765 mm |
| Height | 1,421 mm | 1,440 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,690 mm | 2,690 mm |
| Weight | 1,395 kg | 1,395 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 52 litres | 52 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 360 litres | 360 litres |
| Front Tyre | 205/50R17 | 225/45R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 205/50R17 | 225/45R17 |
| Factory Tyres | — | Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 17" Y Spoke Style 380 Alloy | 17" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Y Spoke Style 380 Alloy | 17" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| ANCAP | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available on two outer rear passenger seats | Available on two outer rear passenger seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Bi-Xenon Projector | LED Projectors with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED light bar with normal bulb brake light | LED light bar with normal bulb brake light |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Manual air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Rear | 1 Front, 1 Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights with Ambient Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 2 Front |
| Audio | BMW Professional Audio with MP3 compatible CD Drive, 6.5" monitor operated by iDrive, Bluetooth, USB + 6 Speakers | 6.5" BMW Professional Audio, iDrive with 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | — | Electroluminescent Analogue |
| Parking Brake | — | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 5 years✓ |
| Warranty Notes | — | 5-year/100,000 km free service |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used cars for sale
F20 vs F20 LCI FAQ
Is the BMW 1 Series F20 or BMW 1 Series F20 LCI better?
The BMW 1 Series F20 LCI is better for most buyers. It is cheaper, returns a 5.1 L/100 km rating, adds LED headlamps, front sensors, power seats and a longer warranty, while retaining 136 hp, 220 Nm and an 8.7-second 0-100 km/h time.
What is the price difference?
The BMW 1 Series F20 LCI is RM3,991 cheaper: RM166,809 versus RM170,800 for the BMW 1 Series F20.
Does the BMW 1 Series F20 LCI perform better?
No. Both produce 136 hp and 220 Nm, use an eight-speed ZF automatic and rear-wheel drive, reach 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds, and have a 210 km/h top speed. The LCI is more efficient at 5.1 L/100 km versus 5.8 L/100 km.