Posted on Friday 16 May 2008
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.
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.
Expect to see stop-start and electrical-regenerative systems carry over into the new series as well as possible new EfficientDynamics technologies such as heat-recovery systems and solar panels. BMW revealed yesterday that initial testing of thermoelectric generators and solar panels on its cars showed savings of up to 5% in fuel consumption.
can we also make the hatch look a little more like a hatch instead of a wagon? that would be nice. cause right now, the closest thing it looks like is a dodge magnum.
dodge magnum?? have you even seen a 1-series hatch on the road?
have you ever seen a magnum?
Why will the next 1 be larger? Are they making room for a 0.5 Series?
Good news. This is actually a hot hatch once dressed up from the likes of tuner ACS. A tweeked version would be great competition in NA for the VW R32.
sure have.. that’s why i can’t see why you think they look alike
ok.. well…
http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-2006/2006-Dodge-Magnum-SRT8-S-Studio-1280×960.jpg
http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-2005/2005-AC-Schnitzer-BMW-ACS1-Side-1280×960.jpg
compared to some more iconic hatch backs:
http://www.forddesktops.com/image.asp?f=focus&i=Ford_Focus_ST170_Side.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1179/533042470_df0bf5878c.jpg?v=0
theres 3 things about a hatch back:
the bonnet is short and raked
the rear bumper is VERY close to the rear wheels
the overall appearance is tall, squashed, and bubbly. It looks cute and muscular at the same time.
The BMW 1 “hatch” isnt any of this.
Totally different kinds of cars:
The Magnum is about 1m (30in) longer and weighs about 400kg (800-900lbs) more.
dodge magnum’s suck
@ Jim
Here’s your 0.5 series: http://www.stern.de/auto/erlkoenige/bmw/596801.html
oh dont get me wrong… I’m certain that a 1 series would be better than a magnum.. in the long run.. but they look the same.. clearly.. ones a small car, the others a full sized car.. but still.
just saying.. i really have a problem with BMW calling this a hatchback. its not a hatch. its a wagon. its really friggen cool,… and so is the magnum. maybe its cause theres like 5 black magnum cop cars cruising around my town… but I really think they’re badass. especially the SRT8 versions… oh man can those things cook.