BMW is about to expand its range with a new 1-Series model priced to compete against the likes of the Audi A3 or even a upper-end VW Golf.
Available in about two years, the 1-series will be a true BMW, featuring rear-wheel-drive, the 3-Series' road manners and the bonus created by BMW's engagement in Formula One. To keep costs low, the 1-Series will use some components of the current 3-series.
The Munich senior staff are particularly keen that the chassis be shared by the new 1-Series saloon and coupé, the future 3-series saloon and estate. This leaves the question whether it's possible to use the same platform for cars with such different price tags.
In comparison to the 7-Series and the new Z4, the 1-Series seems to get a more moderate exterior design with smoother body panels, though the rear end is radically different from all other hatches on the market.
Grille and headlights will not differ much from the concept car shown at the 2002 Geneva show. However basic elements of the new BMW lok will feature on the 1-Series: the newly-shaped twin-kidney grille, the sharp-edged front headlights and the less prominent wedge in the c-post compared to older models.
It's likely that the new hatch and coupé will start with two engines: the 116i will be powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder unit with Valvetronic developing 115 bhp; further up will be a 118i with 1.8-litre engine and 143 bhp.
There are no plans for a six-cylinder version at present, but a performance version, possibly called the M1, might follow the standard engines, though possibly only with the second generation 1-Series.
Munich is also thinking about variants of the new 1-Series, though that too might arise only with the second generation of the small BMW. An estate and a four-seater cabrio are also being considered, though in the end the cabrio might be a sporty two-seater roadster in the style of an MG B or Triumph Spitfire. ... - Automedia