2018 BMW 1-Series facelift revealed

BMW has given the 1-Series hatchback a nip and tuck for 2018, months ahead of the release of their next-generation model. This will act as a swan song to the RWD hatchback as the next-gen model will have a Front-Wheel Drive layout. The refreshed model will be sold in 3 and 5 door versions.

The facelift is a very subtle one though. The car looks almost the same as the one it replaces. A few additions like a set of new wheels and a couple of new colors give the 1-Series an extra zing. The new shades are named Seaside Blue and Sunset Orange.

Inside, the centre-console has been revised for the 2018 BMW 1-Series. A cover for the cup holders, a new instrument cluster, revised center stack, updated air vents and some chrome bits make their way into the cabin. The infotainment system gets an update for 2018 which is now paired with a Wi-Fi hotspot that can connect up to 10 devices.

The engine choices remain the same for the final year of its production. The turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine produces outputs ranging from 107 hp to 134 hp. A bigger turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol dishes out a bit more grunt, in two different tunes of 181 hp and 221 hp. For serious power cravings, the 340 hp 3.0-litre inline-6 engine of the M140i should work well. A range of diesels starts with a 3-cylinder unit that outputs 114 hp. The top diesel models are 2.0-litre 4-cylinder units that dish out either 148 hp, 187 hp or 221 hp. The next generation model will have an updated range of power plants.

The next-gen 1-Series will only be available by the end of next year or early-2019. The updated 2018 BMW 1-Series will act as the last hurrah for the buyers to pick up the RWD hatch before it changes to FWD. The next 1-Series will also be bigger and lighter, thanks to the UKL platform.

Expect the 2018 BMW 1-Series to be in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries sometime early next year.

Keep track of the latest prices and updates in the BMW 1-Series buyer guide.