Report: Next-gen BMW 1-series to get four new variants

By Nelson Ireson

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The new variants include a new version of both the Coupe and Cabrio, a GT-style Estate, and a crossover-like vehicle possibly wearing a Y1 badge. A roadster version called the Z2 and potentially a small coupe version of that car are also up for production, reports Autocar. Bringing the car to market now is thought to make sense both from a consumer perspective and for competitive reasons - Volkswagen is also reported to be going forward with the Bluesport roadster, which may also share its underpinnings with entry-level Porsche and Audi roadsters.

So far the GT-style Estate and the crossover-like variant are still only possibilities, without official approval. A four-door sedan-profile car on the 1-series platform is also among the talk.

The next-generation 1-series is expected to include a range of powertrains. A 1.3L three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine could replace the current 1.6L four-cylinder. If so, in Europe at least, five petrol models should be available: the 116i with a 136hp (101kW) 1.3L turbo; the 118i with a 177hp (132kW) 1.3L turbo; the 120i with a 218hp (162kW) 2.0L turbo; the 130i with the 272hp (203kW) naturally-aspirated 3.0L inline six; and the 135i with a 326hp (243kW) turbo six-cylinder.

The diesel range will be somewhat more compact with a 118d featuring a 150hp (112kW) 2.0L turbodiesel, a 120d with a 184hp (137kW) 2.0L turbodiesel and a 123d with a 211hp (157kW) 2.0L turbodiesel.

A series of high-performance 'ti' models could also come with design assistance from the M Division, though exactly what shape those might take is still up in the air.

BMW's Megacity urban vehicle project, which had previously been linked to the next-gen 1-series, will not play a role in the coming lineup. The Megacity project is independent of the 1-series because of the unique nature of its design goals.

According to previous reports, the first model released - the five-door hatch - will hit the market around 2011, while the top-end model will wait until early 2012 to make its debut, while the standard coupe will come toward the end of 2012. A cabrio will come in early 2013 as the last of the certain-to-be-produced models.