When the new 2012 BMW 1 Series Hatchback was revealed in June, we sat down and created a photo comparison against its predecessor. The comparison focused solely on the design aspect and used official photos from BMW.
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At the Berlin press launch of the new 1er, we had the opportunity to observe the two vehicles from up-close and capture them side-by-side. Styling wise, the F20 1 Series follows the design language initiated by BMW back in 2009 when the new 7 Series came to market. The car features a bold front that aims to stand out with what we believe are a pair of oversized headlights surrounding a flat and smaller than expected kidney grille. The hood sports the creases seen on all the new BMWs and facelifted models.
From the side, the usual character line flows from the rear to the front end, and on its way it creates a series of convex and concave shapes. In the back, the taillights feature integrated LED with the usual L-shape. The car continues to feature a similar hatch-look as the previous generation with a lower positioned trunk and a a more emphasized trunk-lid.
With seven years under its belt, the previous generation E87 1 Series looks slightly outdated. The softer lines and less aggressive look is easily observed from all angles. As we mentioned before, the new F20 1 Series is considered an evolutionary model, and major changes are expected in the third generation.
Those of you looking for a direct comparison against the VW Polo will have to wait a bit longer, no car was available on site to compare it against the new 1 Series.
I like E8X series MUCH more :)
Both Ugly, disappointing BMW
With this chromed grill its even worse…
No contest. The old 1er looked worlds better. Lexus CT200h beats them both in design though.
PS: BTW, if you’re NOT a BMW fan, and in fact you like LEXUS more.. STOP POSTING HERE and search for a Lexus blog. Thanks a lot.
EXACTLY! STOP DOING THAT! JUST GET OVER IT!
A redesign in the front and a life-cycle impulse in the rear… a completely outdated car and an incompletely updated one.
To be honest, I must see it in the flesh.
Nice to see both together. Must admit, the old car doesn’t look bad at all. But F20s’ front design looks very futuristic. I think it’s a design that will win many friends over during it’s life span. After reading all the driving impressions from lots of magazines and blogs, I’m even more excited! Another home run for BMW!
The F20 is just outstanding! sincerely! I know it’s a bit strange.. but that’s what I love. The same with the new X3. The first generations of this two were.. odd. The second ones.. still odd, but MUCH MORE better looking, which makes them interesting and fun.
Just saying though, cause I know many people don’t like the design. But give this little ugly duck a chance, it may even seem as a swan to you (:
Neither of those are my “glass of wine”
To be honest i like the new car, i must admit, the first time i saw the new 1 series i didn´t like, but now it´s looking good, it´s nice, ist´s modern
obviously the current model e8x are much better…just caon’t get what the BMW designers’ idea is…
obviously the current model e8x are much better…just caon’t get what the BMW designers’ idea is…
The E87 looks way better and will certainly become a classic. Shame on you, BMW.
EWWWWWWWWWWWWWW………
WHAT THE F?
both suck. end.
no, you suck… the e87 is a great car!
no, you suck… the e87 is a great car!
the e87 (I own one) is prettier to me… the gap between the headlights and the kidney grill is way too big… the front headlights have a strange shape and are very big, the rear lights are ok but are obviously inspired by the vw polo… the interior was improved a lot tho and from recent tests that I’ve been reading its seems to be a fun car to drive!
You can’t compare this with a VW Polo!
just the rear lights… compare them and you’ll see :)
The old one looks way much better! Omfg….. i hope some tunners will shape it better!
I don’t understand why everybody is bashing this car! I think it looks amazing!