Hmmmm.......another new 1 coming?

DJ · #1 (**permalink**) 05-16-2008, 08:27 AM

BMW released an updated version of the 1-series compact late last year but a suspicious prototype of the hatch is still running around German streets. At first appearance the car looks like an ordinary 1-series hatchback but look closer and you’ll notice several key features that reveal this is something very different.

The car pictured here is in fact an early test-mule for the next-generation 1-series hatch due most likely due in late 2011 or early 2012. Makeshift fender flares reveal the new model will sport a widened track both front and rear, confirming the next 1-series will be bigger than the current model. The larger footprint will also improve the car’s dynamics and road-holding abilities. [/color]

Earlier this month BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer revealed that the four-cylinder engines used in the next-gen 1-series will be the same compact units developed jointly by BMW and France’s PSA Peugeot-Citroen for the Mini and a number of French models. The engines will range from 1.4 to 2.0L in displacement and will be available in both turbocharged and naturally aspirated forms. Expect to see BMW’s award-winning straight six engines also appear in the line-up.

The current 1-series has often been criticized for having a back seat no full-sized adult would be comfortable in, however the rear seat room in this new model is expected to be much improved. This will also allow BMW to finally release a hatchback version of the 1-series in the all-important US market. This 1-series should also help boost BMW’s sales in emerging markets due to its low entry price.

Kenny@JSW · #2 (**permalink**) 05-27-2008, 03:30 PM

A hatchback version!?! That's not going to sell well here in the states.

smglvh · #3 (**permalink**) 10-11-2008, 12:42 PM

Someone please tell me what the European fascination is with miniature station-wagon body styles??? You can have a sports car, a sports coupe, but sports-five-door-hatch is an oxymoron. My gosh, the humanity. This is the ugliest thing I've seen since the Z3-coupe (the two-door-miniature station wagon).

If you're a soccer mom that wants to drop the kids off at practice on your way to yoga class, in a hurry, I suppose this would be HER car. Other than that, it's just morally wrong...so wrong...just like it was when Subaru soccer-mom-ized the once cool STI...so sad.

Sports car OR wagon...NOT BOTH!!!