Along side the highly regarded 1 Series M Coupé, launched locally last week, BMW also took the opportunity to introduce a facelifted 1 Series Coupé and Convertible range. As with the 3 Series Coupé and Convertible facelift in July last year, the updates are subtle, but enough to keep the models looking fresh.

The front fascia has been restyled to include BMW’s ‘Air Curtain’ design, which directs air around the front wheels in order to reduce the car’s aerodynamic drag. The headlights have been given an ‘eyebrow’, which runs across the top of the twin headlights, while an L-shaped rear light cluster now features an all-red housing. Xenon headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights and LED strips in the rear lights create an easily identifiable BMW night-time look.

Inside, the Coupé and Convertible are now available with a number of new upholstery options, namely, ‘Network’ fabric upholstery in Magna Brown, and Oyster or Savanna Beige ‘Boston’ leather. On all models, regardless of specification, BMW has now improved the markings on the DSC button in the instrument panel by replacing the letters DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) with a new international symbol. In addition, the standard-version interior has seen chrome edging been added around the light control centre and the climate control panel. The interior trim strip is also now available in an Alpine White version.

In terms of engines, the line-up remains unchanged, except for the 135i models, which have been fitted with the latest 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six. The latest 3.0-litre, referred to internally at BMW as the ‘N55′, replaces the twin-turbo N54 unit in favour of a single-turbocharger in combination with Valvetronic and direct injection technologies. The new 3.0-litre N55 engine produces identical power outputs to its predecessor, 225 kW and 400 N.m of torque, but the torque is available over a wider rev-range, from 1 200 – 5 000 r/min. The 135i models are now also available with BMW’s 7-speed double-clutch transmission (DCT), which offers fast and accurate shifts, either via the sequential action of the gear selector or the gearshift paddles on the steering wheel.

Prices include a 5-year/100 000 km Motor Plan.