BMW’s entry-level model has grown in size and sports fresher, albeit somewhat more controversial, looks, while also introducing a new generation of 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engines with up to 125 kW.

The second iteration of the 1-Series, codenamed the F20, is built on the same platform as the upcoming F30 3-Series. At 4 324 mm, the five-door hatch is 85 mm longer than its predecessor, while the wheelbase has been widened by 30 mm to 2 690 mm. Furthermore, the new 1 Series is 17 mm wider at 1 765 mm, thanks to increases of 51 mm and 72 mm at the front and rear tracks respectively. Overall height remains unchanged and BMW says the hatch now offers rear passengers 21 mm more leg room and cargo space has increased by 30-litres to 360-litres.

Crafted under the watch of BMW’s Chief designer Adrian van Hooydonk, the styling of the new 1 Series is an evolution of the outgoing model, with sharper, more prominent, creases and a front-end design with abnormally large headlamps that reach back towards the wheel arches.

It’s a similar story inside as the styling is more evolutionary than revolutionary. Aside from the larger center console with fresh switchgear and the new steering wheel design, BMW claims it boasts higher-grade materials and more attention to detail. As an option, the company offers its latest iDrive system that includes a retractable screen on top of the dashboard.

The big news lies under the bonnet, as BMW finally introduced its long awaited, smaller displacement, turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. The 1.6-litre unit, with TwinPower-Turbo and direct-injection technology, will be available at first in two states of tune delivering 100 kW and 220 N.m in the 116i and 125 kW and 250 N.m in the 118i. For diesel fans, the junior rear-wheel drive BMW offers a redesigned 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, delivering 85 kW in the 116d, 105 kW in the 118d and 135 kW in the 120d. BMW said it will also launch a 116d EfficientDynamics Edition, with a 85 kW 1.6 litre diesel engine and additional fuel-saving technologies that will keep CO2 emissions over the EU testing cycle down to just 99 g/km.

Further down the line, the Bavarian automaker’s freshly launched 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with around 176 kW will most likely be used in a new 128i, replacing the current 130i that comes with a 3.0-litre straight and 190 kW. BMW has not yet said if it will offer a straight-six engine on the new 1-Series. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard on all models with BMW’s new 8-speed automatic transmission being offered as an option replacing the current six-speed auto.