Facelifted BMW 1-series coupe and convertible

BMW has revealed a subtly altered 1-series coupe and convertible carrying a similar set of styling changes to those seen on the 1-series M coupe revealed earlier this week. To be included among BMW’s spread at the upcoming Detroit auto show, the new models are planned to go on sale in March, just six months before the second-generation 1-series hatchback is due out.

Stylistically, there’s little to report. Included among the changes is a new front bumper with integrated fog lights and what BMW describes as air curtains – the name given to the German car maker’s new vertically stacked air ducts, which it says further enhances efficiency by improving front end air flow.

The head- and tail lights have also been subtly reworked with new graphics, giving the facelifted 1-series coupe and convertible a more distinctive night time appearance. Buyers will also be able to choose among a further range of colors, with Vermilion Red and Marrakesh Brown added to the existing pallet.

Mechanically, it’s the same as before. Europe gets two versions of BMW's 2.0-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine developing 141bhp (105kW) in the 118i coupe/convertible and 168bhp (125kW) in the 120i coupe/convertible together with a naturally aspirated version of BMW’s 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder with 215bhp (160kW) in the 125i.

Heading the line-up is a turbocharged version of the same engine with 302bhp (225kW) in the range topping 135i, which BMW claims can hit 62mph (100km/h) in just 5.2sec when running the optional seven-speed DCT (double clutch transmission).

There are also three versions of BMW’s excellent 2.0-litre four-cylinder common rail diesel. It packs 141bhp (105kW) in the 118d, 175bhp (130kW) in the 120d and 201bhp (150kW) in the 123d – the latter capable of running a 7.0sec 0-62mph (100km/h) while returning a combined 42.8mpg (5.5L/100km).

 North America will continue with just two models: the 128i running a specially tuned version of the naturally aspirated 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder rated slightly above the European version at 230bhp (172kW) and the twin scroll turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder, the N55 as it is designated by BMW, with an official 300bhp (224kW) in the US-market 135i.