BMW 1 Series Receives 2nd Generation comfort and styling

Introduced by BMW in 2004, the 1 Series became the newest entry-level car for the Bavarian motor company. In the North American market, we are used to seeing the BMW 1 Series in a coupe and most recent a convertible body style. Kept as a niche subcompact luxury car, car buyers in the United States and Canada remain largely oblivious that the 1 Series was first offered as 5-door hatchback. In Europe, highly practical 5-door and 3-door body style causes a definite split from the nimble, under-6 second sport compact BMW advertises for North America customers. In whatever body configuration, BMW refused to cut corners on applying the same level of quality engineering and workmanship to the 1 Series as with their highest-priced 5 or 7 Series. The BMW 1 Series endured almost 8 years as a classy compact car largely unchanged in styling. For the 2012 model year, the BMW 1 Series receives its first major design revision.

Revealed on a 5-door version BMW 1 Series, the redesigned elements of the German compact car resides within a longer, wider footprint compared to its predecessor. The wheelbase of BMW’s new F20 platform is elongated by just under 1.2 inches for a length of about 105.9 inches in total. Said to be part of a more youthful look, the front end treatment with the new BMW 1 Series draws hints from the new 6 Series and the 5 Series Gran Turismo. Styled with BMW’s design trademarks including a long hood and kidney-shaped grille, the 1 Series’ front headlamp housings are given an aggressive, near quadratic shape. Optional bi-xenon lighting is available from the BMW 1 Series’ clear lens. Turn signal indicators of the 2012 model year 1 Series is embedded in the external mirrors said to be a first for BMW. Also relating to signal lighting, the new BMW 1 Series integrates dynamic brake lighting. When the brake pedal of the BMW 1 Series is pressed hard in a panic-like stop, the rear brake lights will flash to warn following motorists. For the European hatchback version, the BMW 1 Series is being presented as a Sport Line and Urban Line each offering their own personalization touches.