BMW is upgrading its product range for the 2017 model year with more efficient, stronger-performing new four and six cylinder engines for the BMW 1 and 2 Series, the introduction of a BMW iPerformance range of plug-in-hybrid models and improved connectivity systems.

The pinnacle of the 2017 BMW 1 Series three-and five-door hatch ranges and the BMW 2 series Coupé and Convertible line-ups are the new M Performance models.

They are powered by a new 3.0-litre straight-six engine also employing TwinPower Turbo technology to develop a power increase of 14bhp and torque increase of 50Nm delivering a maximum of 340bhp and 500Nm of torque respectively ensuring rapid acceleration across almost the entire rev range.

Acceleration in the BMW M140i is achieved 0.3 seconds quicker than the previous model, the M135i, and the car now has a zero to 62mph time of 4.6 seconds when fitted with an automatic transmission.

The BMW M240i Coupe performs the sprint in the same time with a reduction of 0.2 seconds from the previous M235i Coupe while the M240i Convertible goes from rest to 62mph in just 4.7 seconds yet with a reduction of up to seven per cent in fuel consumption.

There are also improvements to the four cylinder engines used in the 1 and 2 Series models which makes them livelier and other upgrades include twin exhuasts on the 120i.

Prices for the new M series cars start from £31,200 for the M140i, £34,543 for the M240i Coupe and £37,715 for the convertible - increases of less than £1,000 over the models they replace.

The 1 Series range is now priced from £23,980 while the 2 Series begins ar £26,865 for the coupe and £29,830 for the convertible.

At this year's Geneva Motor Show in March BMW announced a new iPerformance range of electrified fuel-saving, emissions-reducing models. These will take technologies developed for the BMW i low emission cars and introduce them into mainstream models.

Three of these plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models - the BMW 225xe Active Tourer, BMW 330e saloon and BMW X5 xDrive40e - are already on sale.

They are now to be joined by the BMW 740e and 740Le xDrive saloons, all to be sold under the new iPerformance banner.

Also new for 2017 is a high definition sat nav display and a wireless phone charging cradle which will be available across the 1 and 2 Series ranges as well as on 3 and 4 Series cars plus the X5 and X6 models.