The mid-life update includes a substantial redesign of the front and rear sections of the car, bringing it closer to the 2 Series Coupe and Convertible launched in the UK last year. All versions will now include the BMW Radio Professional package with iDrive, plus new options including radar-based cruise control and a more advanced parking assistant.

BMW has also comprehensively updated the engine range, adding three-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol and diesel units shared with the new MINI Cooper.  The 110PS 116i returns 5l/100km and emits 113g/km CO2, while the 116d produces 116PS and returns 78.5mpg with 97g/km emissions, or 3.4l/100km and 89g/km for the 116d Efficient Dynamics.

Diesel options also comprise three versions of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit, with fuel economy from 4.3l/100km for the 224PS 125d to 3.8l/100km for the 150PS 118d. An eight-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox will be available on the 125d, 120d xDrive and M135i xDrive.