Our latest prototype spotting is a surprise... and it isn't. It appears that BMW is already updating the F20/F21 1 Series hatchback's front end look, much earlier than the usual LCI facelift schedule (3rd model year or later).
That BMW is updating a model's look only 1-2 years after introduction is a surprise, but given the negative reactions that the 1 Series' front end (headlights, in particular) has garnered, perhaps this sighting isn't so surprising afterall.
Our spy photos clearly show that the front end (and only the front) of the F20/F21 is receiving some cosmetic changes. From what we can see, the headlights will be made smaller, taking away some of the Angry Birds look that many have jokingly compared headlights to. They seem to retain a teardrop shape, albeit a less dramatic one.
As for the rest of the front end, the photos are not yet telling as to the exact changes, but there are likely to be revisions, or BMW would not have bothered to cover up the front fascia.
With the
recent sighting of the 2 Series (which is built on the 1 Series' platform) and its smaller headlights, this could be a plan to more closely align the 1 and 2 Series front appearances.
Expect the updated 1 Series hatchback to debut sometime in 2013, as well as the 2 Series Coupe.