2015 BMW 1 Series Facelift Launched In Malaysia: RM220k For Sole CKD 120i M Sport

Revealed to the world just four months ago, here is the new, facelifted 2015 BMW 1 Series in Malaysia, taking the shape of 120i M Sport – prices start from RM219,800.

BMW Group Malaysia may have taken its time launching the second-gen hatch here in 2013, but they’ve certainly not wasted any time in offering their refreshed F20 1er this time around.

Buyer’s Guide:

When the second-gen 1 Series was launched in Malaysia, it was made available with three engine variants: 116i, 118i and the range-topping 125i that was a fully-imported (CBU) unit. Soon after, BMW Malaysia reduced its showroom line-up to just its locally-assembled (CKD) 116i and 118i – which were priced from RM169k to RM189k respectively.

Today, BMW Malaysia has launched its new 1 Series in a sole variant option: a 120i M Sport, which effective takes over from the pre-facelift 118i’s position, and retails here from RM219,800 (OTR without insurance). From the get-go, BMW Malaysia is launching its new 1 Series as a locally-assembled model (CKD).

KEY SPECS: 2015 BMW 1 Series 120i M Sport

• Engine: 1.6-litre BMW TwinPower
• Transmission: Eight-speed Steptronic torque converter automatic
• Power: 177hp @ 4,800 to 6,450rpm
• Torque: 250Nm @ 1,500rpm to 4,500rpm
• 0-100km/h: 7.2 seconds
• Consumption: 5.9-litres/100km

Performance & Powertrain:

Powering the BMW 120i is an updated 1.6-litre petrol four-cylinder BMW TwinPower engine (adds 7hp more), mated to an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Not surprisingly, the thing that makes this unique in the premium compact segment is the 1 Series’ rear-wheel drive configuration and 50:50 even weight distribution.

More precisely, the 120i here effectively replaces the pre-facelift 118i, sharing the same 1.6-litre engine as before (pre-facelift), but adopting the new naming strategy introduced by BMW, and to make way for the introduction of the new three-cylinder engines that take up the 116i and 118i designations.

Courtesy of the M Sport package, there’s also an M Sport suspension included as standard.

Exterior Styling:

Ah, the best part about all that’s new with the facelifted 1 Series, its new exterior design. Criticised largely for not being the prettiest model BMW had to offer, the new 1er wears dramatically revised front and rear-end styling.

The front kidney grille has been slightly stretched out, with the bumper itself being heavily revised to appear a lot more masculine and broad, with larger air intakes featured on both sides. The new-look slimmer headlamps feature integrated LED daytime running lights, but you’ll have to specify the full Adaptive LED headlamps if you must have them.

To the rear of the vehicle, and the new L-shaped LED taillights that push right into the tailgate is probably the easiest way to distinguish the new boy from the old, which had a more box-like shape. The rear bumper has also been refreshed on the new model.

The M Sport design line here sees the 120i equipped with the sportier choice M Aerodynamic exterior kit: front bumper, side skirts, rear bumper and exhaust, and also the large 18-inch M Sport alloy wheels as standard.

Interior Design & Features:

There aren’t too many surprises inside the updated 1er, but for a slight change to the gloss-black trim that now surrounds the air-conditioning controls on the dash.

The seats are Alcantara and Cloth and the leather-wrapped steering are courtesy of the M Sport kit specified as standard, while on the dash, you’ll now find an 8.8-inch free-standing control display screen with the larger iDrive Touch Controller located on the center console – typically an optional bit of equipment over the usual 6.5-inch screen, but BMW Malaysia must be feeling generous. This also means that the 120i M Sport features the newest version of the Professional Navigation infotainment system.

There’s a heft of BMW ConnectedDrive features here, too. With a smartphone connected, drivers and passengers can access services such as Spotify, Amazon Cloud Player and others via the BMW Apps menu.

Other Information:

As announced by BMW Group Malaysia earlier this month, all BMW vehicles registered post June 1, 2015 will benefit from the company’s new Five-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Schedule Service Program. The new five-year unlimited mileage warranty is manufacturer backed, and the program includes free scheduled service and maintenance of up to 100,000km.

The all-new locally-assembled BMW 120i M Sport will be available in a choice of Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Glacier Silver, Mineral Grey and Estoril Blue colours.

Here's a look at the optional M Performance equipment available:

Watch the unveiling of the facelift BMW 1 Series here: