BMW 1 Series 2017 pricing and spec confirmed

BMW Australia has announced pricing for its refreshed 1 Series line-up arriving in September, with the range-topping M140i benefiting from a significant $4910 price cut to $59,990 before on-road costs.

The hot hatch’s new pricing places it well ahead of its German competitors that offer similar performance, which include the Mercedes-AMG A45 ($78,315) and the Audi RS3 Sportback ($78,616).

However, all other 1 Series variants rise in cost between $90 and $3090 following the model's second facelift – or Life Cycle Impulse (LCI) in BMW language – since its local release in October 2011.

The 118i continues to open the rear-wheel-drive five-door hatch line-up, but is $2000 pricier at $39,990, while the identically-specified 118d swells in cost by $2090 to $43,990.

Exterior changes are more subtle with new alloy wheel designs range-wide, as well as a larger selection of 12 paint colours.

A 100kW/220Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine continues to power the 118i, while a familiar 110kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four motivates the 118d.

Furthermore, the 118i drinks 4.8 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle test while emitting 112 grams of carbon emissions (CO2) per kilometre. Comparatively, the 118d manages figures of 3.8L/100km and 99g/km.

Both variants are offered as standard with a Sport Line package, 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, iDrive6 multimedia system, digital radio, satellite navigation with live traffic, automatic climate control, reversing camera, speed limit info, sports steering wheel, cloth front sports seats and rain-sensing wipers.

Furthermore, safety and driver assistance technologies include autonomous emergency braking (AEB), forward collision warning, pedestrian detection and lane departure warning.

Stepping up to the $45,990 120i – $3090 pricier than before – adds an Urban Line' package, 17-inch rims, LED foglights, front and rear parking sensors, 'Dakota' leather upholstery, interior ambient lighting and an anti-dazzle rear-view mirror.

The 120i produces 135kW of power and 270Nm of torque from its 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-pot unit and sips 5.8L/100km while emitting 133g/km.

Meanwhile, the 125i checks in at $49,990 – a small $90 increase over its predecessor – and uses the 120i's powerplant, but dials its outputs up to 165kW/310Nm. It uses slightly more fuel at 5.9L/100km and releases 134g/km of CO2.

Extra kit for the 125i includes an 'M Sport' package with suspension, 18-inch alloys, anti-dazzle side mirrors, sports brakes, high-gloss 'Shadow Line' exterior trim, 8.8-inch touchscreen multimedia system, cloth/Alcantara upholstery, 'M' leather steering wheel and an anthracite roofliner.

All 1 Series variants are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard, but a six-speed manual gearbox is a no-cost option for the M140i.

The M140i's thrust continues to be provided by a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol six-cylinder engine that punches out 250kW/500Nm. It rockets from zero to 100km/h in just 4.6 seconds while drinking 7.1L/100km and discharging 163g/km of CO2.

The performance hero extends equipment levels to 'Jet Black'-painted 18-inch wheels, adaptive 'M' suspension, adaptive LED headlights, high beam assist, keyless entry/start, 'Dakota' leather upholstery, electric front seats with memory function and a Harman/Kardon sound system.

Three different options packages are offered for non-M140i variants, including 'Innovations' ($1800, excludes 125i), 'Driver's Assistance ($1000-1800) and 'Comfort' ($2100).

All 1 Series variants are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard, but a six-speed manual gearbox is a no-cost option for the M140i.

Upgrades for the LCI update are concentrated on the interior where the dashboard and centre stack have been redesigned in an effort to increase cabin refinement with a cleaner look.

Exterior changes are more subtle with new alloy wheel designs range-wide, as well as a larger selection of 12 paint colours – now including 'Sunset Orange' and 'Seaside Blue'.

Does the updated BMW M140i offer the best value for money in the new-car market? Tell us what you think in the comments below.