In detail, the package comprises a front apron with the the air intakes seen on the 1M, as well as new front fenders with significant stronger wheel arches and the side gills of the 1 Series M Coupe. At the rear, the kit includes matching side skirts and a completely new bumper.

Unlike the 1M, the widebody kit by Prior Design features a bonnet with power dome and vents, reminding of the current M3. The package is called PDM1-WB and here is the full list of parts included:

• Prior-Design PDM1-WB front bumper (fits all BMW 1-Series E82 models except 1M)
• Prior-Design PDM1-WB side skirts (2X) (fits all BMW 1-Series E82 models except 1M)
• Prior-Design PDM1-WB rear bumper (fits all BMW 1-Series E82 models except 1M)
• Prior-Design PDM1-WB front fenders (fits all BMW 1-Series E82 models except 1M)
• Prior-Design PDM1-WB rear widenings (fits all BMW 1-Series E82 models except 1M)
• Prior-Design PDM1-WB front bonnet (fits all BMW 1-Series E82 models except 1M)

The BMW 5 Series continues its series of victories, while the new BMW 1 Series is just getting started. Both models have now been awarded the “Auto Trophy 2011″. Readers of the car magazine “Auto Zeitung” voted the new BMW 1 Series as the clear winner of the compact class and made the BMW 5 Series their clear favourite in the upper-range category. BMW’s outstanding results are rounded off not just with numerous other top-3 placements and but in particular the award of the “Quality Trophy”. This title is awarded by the editors of “Auto Zeitung” in collaboration with the technical inspection organisation Gesellschaft für Technische Überwachung (GTÜ).

The award ceremony for the “Auto Trophy 2011″ was held yesterday at the Meilenwerk in Düsseldorf. Representing the Munich-based premium automobile manufacture and there to receive the trophies presented by TV host Barbara Schöneberger and Volker Koerdt , editor-in-chief of “Auto Zeitung”, were Board Chairman of BMW AG, Dr. Norbert Reithofer, along with Dr. Klaus Draeger, Head of Development, and Ian Robertson, Head of Sales and Marketing.

Class victory in the “Auto Trophy” is the second renowned award for the new BMW 1 Series, coming just a few weeks after it received the “Golden Steering Wheel” from “Bild am Sonntag” and “Auto Bild”. The powerful impression left both on professional testers and the general public by the compact model launched in September is mainly due to its sporty character. Powerful engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and the car’s rear-wheel drive – still unique in the compact class – guarantee unsurpassed driving pleasure. At the same time, the improvement on the predecessor model is characterised by optimised ride comfort, increased interior space and innovative fittings. 28.2% of “Auto Zeitung” readers voted for the BMW 1 Series as the top-ranking car in the compact class.

The BMW 5 Series achieved an even clearer vote in the upper-range class with a 37% share of the vote cast. The “Auto Trophy” is now added to its already impressive collection of titles. The BMW 5 Series is the world’s best-selling automobile in its segment. Both the Sedan and the Touring model embody elegance and sporty flair in unique harmony. The BMW 5 Series also occupies the leading position in its category in terms of its efficiency ranking. A extensively renewed range of engines and new options have added additional appeal since autumn 2011.

The “Auto Trophy” was awarded for the 24th time this year. Over 100,000 “Auto Zeitung” readers took part in the vote, choosing their favourites from almost 400 current models in 29 categories. The most successful models ever in this competition include the BMW 1 Series Convertible, which came top in its class the last three times in succession, finishing second this time around. Other BMW model to finish in the top three were the BMW X3, the BMW X1, the BMW 3 Series, the BMW 6 Series Convertible and the BMW 6 Series Coupé.

The BMW brand also received a special prize awarded by “Auto Zeitung” and the technical inspection organisation Gesellschaft für Technische Überwachung (GTÜ) – the “Quality Trophy 2011″. This prize seeks to recognise the quality and reliability of the current automobile range, with the BMW 1 Series, BMW 6 Series and BMW 7 Series receiving especially good ratings. The ratings are based on the results of some eight million automobile inspections carried out over the last two years. Information from the “Auto Zeitung” quality and service report was also used.

[Source: BMW ]

First pictures of the AC Schnitzer 1 Series were shown approximately two months, but since then, the Aachen-based company has updated their offering.

At the front, the 1 Series features a sportier look thanks to the redesigned front spoiler, a rear roof spoiler, a racing tailpipe trim and alloy wheels in 18 or 19 inches. For a more sporty driving performance, AC Schnitzer offers an optional spring kit.

The AC Schnitzer performance upgrades take the standard 118d from 143 to 171 horsepower, and the 120d from 184 to 210 horsepower. This is reflected visually in the AC Schnitzer engine styling and the chromed “Racing” exhaust tailpipe.

Dynamics and lifestyle are also presented in the interior of the BMW 1 Series by AC Schnitzer. The aluminium “Black Line” gear knob, a gear knob with digital gear display, or an illuminated leather gear knob are available for the discerning BMW customer.

And that’s not all: the AC Schnitzer “Black Line” aluminium cover for the i-Drive system controller, aluminium handbrake handle with chrome details or fully in “Black Line”, aluminium foot rest and pedal set, and velours floor mats offer plenty of scope for customizing the interior.

There’s a similarly wide choice when it comes to filling the wheelarches in the 1 Series by AC Schnitzer. These can be customized – with corresponding tires – with the Type VIII forged alloys in BiColor, Type VIII rims in BiColor in 19 inch, or Type IV wheels in silver or BiColor in 18 and 19 inch.

More photos will follow from the 2011 Essen Motor Show.

[Source: AC Schnitzer via BimmerToday ]

On the current Euro NCAP crash test, the new BMW 1 Series achieved the top score of 5 stars. After analysis of all the data collected in the course of extensive testing procedures, the testers officially confirmed that the new BMW compact model provides outstanding occupant protection over a range of different collision types.

In addition, the car’s pedestrian protection and its numerous standard safety fittings also attracted a positive rating. Among other things, the new BMW 1 Series can be fitted with the extended emergency call including automatic position finding and accident severity identification – the BMW Assist Advanced eCall. BMW received the special Euro NCAP Advanced Award for this BMW ConnectedDrive service a year ago.

The current Euro NCAP crash test determined the risk of injury as a result of a frontal impact and side impact collision as well as on the so-called side-impact pole crash. In all scenarios the new BMW 1 Series provided both driver and passengers with extensive protection from injury, regardless of their height or seating position. The test verdict on child safety was also positive.

The BMW 1 Series was said to offer excellent protection on both the front impact and the side impact tests.  In conjunction with seat systems for children aged three and one and a half, the test dummies with mounted sensors registered a stable position and reduced head movement at the moment of impact.

The effective seat occupant protection in the new BMW 1 Series is the result of an integrated safety concept which includes not just an extremely torsionally stiff passenger cell but also large-format deformation zones and precisely defined bearing structures to absorb and dissipate the forces which take effect when an accident occurs. The new BMW 1 Series is fitted as standard with front airbags, side airbags integrated in the backrests, head airbags for the front and back seats, three-point automatic seatbelts on all seats, belt force limiters and belt tensioners at the front and ISOFIX children’s seat attachments at the rear. It also features the driving stability system DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) and a Run Flat Indicator.

The Euro NCAP crash test attaches particular importance to pedestrian protection, and this has been optimised in the new BMW 1 Series by such elements as selectively modelled body elements with yielding structures on the front of the vehicle. The testers awarded maximum points to the design of the front bumpers in particular, as well as for those elements of the front section which are relevant to the risk of head injury to children in the event of a collision.

The Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) is recognised throughout Europe by governments, automobile clubs and consumer organisations as a benchmark of vehicle accident safety. By achieving the top score, the BMW 1 Series repeats the result of its predecessor model which was also awarded 5 stars in 2004. Since then the demands of the Euro NCAP have been raised significantly with the introduction of additional test criteria. Since the extension of the test program in 2009, all BMW models to have undergone the Euro NCAP crash test have scored the top rating.

So following the BMW X1, the BMW 5 Series and the BMW X3, the new BMW 1 Series is the brand’s fourth new model to emerge from the revised, much more demanding test with a result of 5 stars.

[Source: BMW ]

Munich. Just a few weeks after its market launch, the new BMW 1 Series has already won its first internationally significant automobile award. The edition of the BMW compact model is the winner of the “Golden Steering Wheel” awarded by “Auto Bild” and “Bild am Sonntag”. The coveted trophy was presented to BMW AG Board Chairman Dr. Norbert Reithofer at a gala event in Berlin yesterday. The BMW 1 Series asserted itself in the class of compact automobiles. The second BMW model to compete for the “Golden Steering Wheel”, the new BMW 6 Series Convertible, likewise achieved an outstanding result with second place in the category of open-top vehicles.

It was the 36th time “Golden Steering Wheel” has been awarded, making it one of the most important and tradition-steeped automobile awards in Europe. It goes to the most impressive new models which have been launched on the automobile market during the year in question. This year, 46 new models competed in various segments. The choice of best in each class was based on a readers’ vote, in which some 260,00 readers of the automobile magazine group “Auto Bild” and the Sunday newspaper “Bild am Sonntag” took part, as well as the verdict of a 42-strong jury made up of racing drivers, engineers, editors and celebrity testers.

In the star-studded compact vehicle category, the new BMW 1 Series came out top in both the readers’ vote and the jury’s verdict. It was able to outshine the competition with its outstanding sporty style and efficiency, optimised comfort and extended space, expressive design and premium quality. “The success of the new BMW 1 Series shows that we are doing excellently in this segment, too,” said Dr. Norbert Reithofer after the award ceremony. The current trophy is the second “Golden Steering Wheel” to be won by BMW for a compact model. The BMW 1 Series Coupé won the sought-after award in 2008.

The BMW 1 Series stands out as an exceptional automobile within the compact segment not least due to its rear-wheel drive, still unique in this class. Its sporty character is also underlined by a fully updated portfolio of engines. Two newly developed petrol engines and three diesel power units cover an output range from 85 kW/116 bhp to 135 kW/184 bhp. Due to BMW Twin Power Turbo Technology and the large number of standard BMW EfficientDynamics measures used in all engines, the excellent driving pleasure offered by this model is combined with often significant reductions in fuel consumption and emission levels.

As compared to the predecessor model, the luggage volume of the new BMW 1 Series has increased to 360 litres and it also offers additional leg space at the rear. Its extensively refined chassis technology also ensures perceptibly optimised ride comfort. In addition to the air conditioning system, standard fittings include the drive experience switch with ECO PRO mode for individual vehicle set-up and fuel consumption optimisation. The new BMW 1 Series is the first model in its class to be fitted with an optional 8-speed automatic transmission. What is more, the range of driver assistance systems and mobility services under BMW ConnectedDrive reaches a level previously only available in much higher vehicle segments. Some of the features available for the BMW 1 Series include the BMW parking assistant, lane departure warning including rear collision warning, Speed Limit Info with overtaking ban display, real-time traffic information and apps for use of the online services Facebook and Twitter inside the vehicle.

[Source: BMW ]

Let’s have a look at an excerpt from Top Gear’s review, and we already look forward to a full video review by Jeremy Clarkson.

“Time to hit the road. BMW’s smallest car now has a cabin that’s on a par with its much bigger, pricier siblings. It’s almost a decade since iDrive appeared in its brave but misfiring v1.0 incarnation, and, for my money, BMW’s current multi-media system is easily the most elegant and user-friendly of the lot.

Hard drive-based navigation and 12-speaker Harman/Kardon hi-fi with DAB and a digital amplifier are all brilliant if pricey options, but even a parched 1-Series is a handsome place to be. Good materials, great driving position and some decent design flourishes. I love the interior doorhandles, and the cup-holder recesses in the base of the doors are cleverly designed and spacious. Here, at least, it kicks a Golf or A3 into touch.

It gets better. As with the previous 1, this might be a small BMW, but the bits underneath are very grown-up. The suspension is independent all-round, with MacPherson struts on the front and a sophisticated five-link axle at the rear. The front axle is mostly aluminium, which reduces unsprung mass, and the suspension’s kinematics have all been sharpened. You can tell immediately. A veteran of numerous ruinously run-flat-clad BMWs, I actually got out after 10 minutes to double-check that TG’s test car was actually on them and that my arse wasn’t lying to me. It’s still firm enough, don’t get me wrong, but it filters out the worst that the UK’s beaten roads can chuck at it while maintaining a decent entertainment focus.”

Full review at Top Gear

The entry-level bimmer is being built at the Regensburg plant. Official pictures from the production lines show the painting, cathodic dip and body shop, along with assembly process of wheels, seats and doors.

At launch time, the F20 1er is offered in a variety of exterior colors: Black Sapphire, Alpine White, Crimson Red, Mineral Gray, Midnight Blue, Deep Sea blue, Glacier Silver, Mineral White, Liquid Blue, Valencia Orange. In the fall, the M Sport package becomes available and among the usual exterior and interior upgrades, will also include the historical Estoril Blue paint.

Today, BMW releases a new video showing the production process of the F20 1 Series.

Video is in German

The 1 Series scored maximum points for protection of the 3 year infant, and an overall 83% for child occupant protection.

In pedestrian safety, the entry-level BMW scored 63%.

Below are some of the findings are reported by Euro NCAP.

Adult occupant
The passenger compartment remained stable in the frontal impact. Dummy readings showed good protection of the knees and femurs of driver and passenger. BMW showed that a similar level of protection would be provided for occupants of different sizes and to those sat in different seating positions. In the side barrier test, the car provided adequate protection for the chest and good protection for other body areas. In the more severe side pole test, dummy readings of rib compression indicated weak protection for the chest area. The front seats and head restraints provided marginal protection against whiplash injuries in the event of a rear-end collision.

Child occupant
Based on dummy readings in the frontal and side impacts, the 1 Series scored maximum points for protection of the 3 year infant. Forward movement of that dummy in the frontal impact was not excessive and, in the side impact, both dummies were properly contained within the shells of their restraints, minimising the likelihood of dangerous head contacts. A switch is available as an option which allows the passenger airbag to be disabled, allowing a rearward facing restraint to be used in that seating position. Information provided to the driver about the status of the airbag does not meet Euro NCAP’s requirements. The dangers of using a rearward facing seat in that position without disabling the airbag are clearly explained in a permanently-attached label.

Pedestrian
In all areas likely to be struck by a child’s head, the bonnet offered good protection and the car scored maximum points for this part of the assessment. For an adult’s head, protection was predominantly poor, although some areas tested were good. The bumper offered good protection to pedestrians’ legs in all areas, and scored maximum points. However, the front edge of the bonnet was poor and scored no points.

Safety assist
Electronic stability control is standard equipment on the 1 series and met Euro NCAP’s test requirements. A seatbelt reminder is provided for the driver, passenger and rear positions. A speed limitation device is available as an option but did not meet Euro NCAP’s fitment requirements, so was not assessed.

Frontal Impact takes place at 64 Km/h, 40% of the width of the car striking a deformable barrier. In the side impact, a mobile deformable barrier impacts the driver’s door at 50 km/h. In the pole test, the car tested is propelled sideways at 29km/h into a rigid pole.

The super sporty package includes a front and rear aprons, side skirts and a modified rear spoiler, black grilles and carbon fiber mirror covers. Black decorative stripes add a sporty touch to the white paint and fit well with the dark gray painted alloy wheels in 19 inch format.

Inside, the 120d showcases a BMW performance steering wheel with the yellow market at the top, alcantara trim, a shift knob dressed up in carbon fiber as well as sportier pedals.

For increased performance, a new set of brakes were fitted to the car as well.

Stay tuned for more information!

[Photos: Bimmertoday ]

Just as the new BMW 1 Series Sport and Urban models embody different interpretations of one classic design, the film’s curator Mark Kermode has chosen four pairs of films which explore a single unifying theme in distinct ways. The theme ‘A Life of Crime’ is explored with screenings of the classic gangster movie ‘Goodfellas’ and Jean-François Richet’s ‘Mesrine: Killer Instinct’ – two films about men seduced by the mythology of crime.  Other themes including ‘Rites of Passage’ and ‘Tricks of the Mind’ are personified with films such as ‘Y Tu Mama Tambien’, ‘The Graduate’, ‘Memento’, ‘Adaptation’, ‘A Clockwork Orange’ and ‘Quadrophenia’.

Film critic Mark Kermode has chosen some of the highlights of the past forty years of film, and each screening will be accompanied by a filmed introduction by Kermode. BMW has had a long association with the big screen from appearing in James Bond films through to supporting art house pictures from fledgling directors and film producers.

For more information on the Origins Film Season please visit:

www.facebook.com/BMWUK.

To view the trailer for the Origins Film Season see:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58hFkouxOrw

To view a film on the new 1 Series visit:

http://www.youtube.com/user/bmwuk?ob=5#p/u/7/KLKA41g7biA http://www.youtube.com/user/bmwuk?ob=5

The super sporty package includes a front and rear aprons, side skirts and a modified rear spoiler, black grilles and carbon fiber mirror covers. Black decorative stripes add a sporty touch to the white paint and fit well with the dark gray painted alloy wheels in 19 inch format.

Inside, the 120d showcases a BMW performance steering wheel with the yellow market at the top, alcantara trim, a shift knob dressed up in carbon fiber as well as sportier pedals.

For increased performance, a new set of brakes were fitted to the car as well.

The BMW 1 Series Performance Accessories study will make its official debut at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show.

The model will be introduced under the Performance Studie badge.

To improve the somewhat controversial look of the new F20 1 Series, BMW is bringing a series of cosmectic changes developed under the M-badge. The front showcases an aggressive M-Sport spoiler with larger than usual air intakes.  The sportiness of this model is also enhanced by the blacked out kidney grille.

As with the previous BMW 1 Series tii model, black racing stripes are covering the car from front-to-back.

Down the side, the Performance Studie features black-shadowed wheels with polished spoke surfaces. The two-tone theme is carried over to the chunky rear bumper bar with black details.

It remains unknown at the moment if a power upgrade will be included in the Performance Studie package, but we will find out more in less than two weeks at the biggest European auto show of the year.

As we wrote prior to the official press launch, Styling wise, the F20 1 Series follows the design language initiated by BMW back in 2009 when the new 7 Series came to market. The car features a bold front that aims to stand out with what we believe are a pair of oversized headlights surrounding a flat and smaller than expected kidney grille.

In the back, the taillights are a bit too busy for our taste with an integrated LED L-shape. The car continues to feature a similar hatch-look as the previous generation with a lower positioned trunk and a a more emphasized trunk-lid.

Inside is where the new F20 really shines. The interior upgrades are bringing back the premium feel and touch, along with the usual driver oriented position. The Sports line of the new 1er stands out even more, with beautiful red accents inserted and gorgeous dashboard and gauges.

But how does it drive?

Our test drive editor Shawn Molnar spent some time with the 1er Hatchback in Berlin and here are some his thoughts on the driving experience:

One of the best character traits of the new 1 series is its overt turbocharging. The 1.6 liter was full of playful turbo humor, audibly whining as the turbo spooled under throttle, and hissing as the waste gate dropped the boost pressure. What fun! Why not embellish the cheerful character of this turbo engine instead of trying to mask its forced induction? BMW has done a great job allowing the new 118i’s engine to shine through and delight – not just in performance, but in the sound department too.

The 1.6 liter inline-4 is equipped with Valvetronic, double VANOS and direct injection along with its turbo. The results are staggering from a 1.6 liter: 170 hp, at 4,800 rpm, 184 lb ft of torque from 1,500 rpm to 4,500 rpm, 0-60 in 7.4 seconds, and a blistering top speed approaching 230 km/hour (we believe it was good for more, but we had to get on the brakes for a slower car meandering into our lane). Pivotal to the new 4 cylinder’s performance was its balance and smoothness. Honestly, this was the smoothest 4 cylinder I’ve ever encountered and while it idles a bit rough, above idle it becomes silky – almost fooling you in the cylinder-count department for an inline-6.

Now, let’s have a look at the Fifth Gear review:

In the London area, BMW UK held a photoshoot session of a 118i model with 17-inch light-allow wheel start spoke 379.

The interior shots showcase the new, luxurious design with the freestanding 8.8-inch infotainment screen. The Dakota leather in Coral Red provides a beautiful contrast with the metallic black.

As seen in the video below, the new 1 Series features a bold front that aims to stand out with a pair of large headlights surrounding a flat and smaller than expected kidney grille. The hood sports the creases seen on all the new BMWs and facelifted models.

From the side, the usual character line flows from the rear to the front end, and on its way it creates a series of convex and concave shapes. In the back, the taillights feature integrated LED with the usual L-shape. The car continues to feature a similar hatch-look as the previous generation with a lower positioned trunk and a a more emphasized trunk-lid.

The F20 1 Series remains an European-only model and there are no indication that BMW will bring it across the ocean.

The new 1er hatch goes on sale in Europe and at the moment, BMW has no plans to bring the popular premium hatchback to the US.

Here are some of our initial impressions:

“Approaching the new 118i Sport, the bold, provocative lines make sense. Whereas in photos most readers have found the new 1er to have polarizing looks, in person it is a different story. Among the international body of journalists here, everyone seemed to have positive conclusions on the exterior styling – including myself. Frankly, it’s hot from certain angles (front 3/4 for example) and clean from other angles at worst. We will bring you a styling analysis shortly, but first, let’s get down to business: how does BMW’s new F20 1 series perform?

Leaving the city, the 118i feels perfectly at home on the highway. Cabin noise is muted and the array of driver aids make for a safe trip. Included among them is a lane departure warning system, available for the first time on a compact car in this segment. After a long sleepless flight, I really appreciated this feature for its security should I have gotten sloppy and wandered to the edge of my lane. BMW’s connected drive also goes a long way to keep you safe and on track, with posted speed limits shown on the dash as a small road sign, and passing zones indicated just to the right of the posted speed. I found this feature particularly helpful while on the autobahn as the unrestricted areas were flashed onto the screen.

One of the best character traits of the new 1 series is its overt turbocharging. The 1.6 liter was full of playful turbo humor, audibly whining as the turbo spooled under throttle, and hissing as the waste gate dropped the boost pressure. What fun! Why not embellish the cheerful character of this turbo engine instead of trying to mask its forced induction? BMW has done a great job allowing the new 118i’s engine to shine through and delight – not just in performance, but in the sound department too

Read the full 2012 BMW 1 Series test drive

What a difference a day can make. Fast forward to BMW’s launch presentation for the new 2012 BMW 1 Series in Berlin and we found a sight for our sore eyes; the very hatch-back sedan that made them sore in photos. My first moments with the car went something like this: walk out of airport following arduous 11 hour flight toting gear and suitcase en-route to the BMW pavilion, a stone’s throw from the terminal. Finally, rubbing eyes, and enjoying a big yawn, lift head from asphalt to assess line of red cars to my left. Holly jumping schnitzels. It’s beautiful.

Did they put something in the Kool-aid? No, in-fact they didn’t serve any Kool-aid and Germans are far too cultured to spike wheat beer. The truth is, and we’ll cut to the chase: BMW’s F20 1 series is a handsome car from most angles, gorgeous from some, and at the very least ‘clean’ from one other.

In all honesty, this was a big surprise, even after becoming acquainted in recent years to a line of BMW cars that appear far better in 3D than 2D. Initial complaints from the early photos were as follows: too much dead space to the lower medial area beside the head lights, a rather boring and uninteresting rear end, and according to some readers, “saggy head light fixtures,” “kidney grills too small in size,” and “overall poor proportions.” Well that pretty much wraps it up, no? But before you drag ‘Ol Yeller out to the back-yard shed and put him out of his misery, we urge you to lay your eyes upon this one in person. You will be surprised or our name is MERCEDESBLOG.

Styling, by definition, is a subjective topic, so of course personal opinion reigns supreme – but general consensus still holds its clout and at the end of the day, this largely determines which cars sell. Considering the importance of BMW’s 1 series for the brand in an ever-increasingly compact automotive world, the looks of this car are worth a few words of consideration.

Let’s start at the front end. BMW has installed its aggressive and bold “shark nose,” which has a pronounced negative angle dropping down to the bumper. The grill at first jaunts out from the top, then folding each slat in on it-self, reclines into the bumper along a horizontal line. This horizontal line continues into the body work on both sides of the grill where it goes on to meet up with a diagonal line dropping down parallel to the lower aspect of the head lights. Another prominence in the sheet metal rises diagonally off the top edge of the kidney grill and runs closely parallel to the top aspect of the head light. This sculpturing in its entirety creates a folding “Z” design which splashes paint into your eyes no matter what angle you are viewing the car from. It’s bold, it’s aggressive, and we like it. The headlights look menacing in person and we can’t heap enough praise upon their edgy, aggressive look. We can picture a very intimidating M car based upon this front end’s look.

The horizontal elements housed in the lower fascia air-intakes add symmetry and balance to the car, and we like how they intersect the fog lights. In a stroke of homage to BMW classic design, the bonnet features stamped lines spreading like a bow wave from the hood roundel to meet the windshield at roughly the noses of driver and passenger. This long power dome is a tribute to the longitudinally mounted engines of BMWs since the brand’s inception.

Moving to the front three-quarter aspect, we note a sharp, short sideways “V” crease sitting low in front of the front wheel. This crease picks up behind the front wheel, runs parallel to the rocker panel along the bottom edge of the car and then swoops upward diagonally before reaching the rear wheel. As BMW designers on-hand explained, this accentuates the rear-wheel-drive layout and lends to bragging rights as the only power-drifter in the hotly competitive segment. We fell in love with this bulging-muscle rear fender flare which borders on M car proportions. The side mirrors now feature integrated turn signals for the first time on the 1 series thanks to European safety standards.

From the side, BMW’s new 1 series features the now common convex shoulder line running the length of the car below the window line, this time incorporating the door handles within its shape. This shoulder line continues on to tuck neatly into the rear tail light housing, cleanly closing the long, drawn-out surface. When viewed from the side, the proportions of BMW’s latest car appear sporty and more roadster than hatch-back. The hood appears very long, leading to a raked back windshield. The rear of the green house stops just in front of the rear wheel, with the apex of the Hofmeister kink pointing just behind the rear wheel’s roundel. It all lends to a rakish design that looks polished yet sharp, and very sporty for a 5-door. If you look quickly (and this is a bit of a stretch), the overall proportions almost lend themselves to the Z3 based M roadster of yesteryear, again, the long hood being the key factor here.

Our biggest gripe is found at the rear. It looks almost identical to the VW Polo. I noticed this while driving along the autobahn following another 1 series, which happened upon a Polo. As fate had generously prepared for this visual comparison, the Polo happened to be sporting nearly the same shade of orange paint, and it made for a double-take, head-shake moment. They really are nearly identical when viewed squarely from behind. Move a few degrees left or right and the broad rear wheel fenders of the 1er will immediately differentiate it – but nonetheless, when you’re paying a premium price for a premium car, you expect it not to look like a Polo from any angle.

With tail lights on, the LED “L” shape design goes some way to compensate, the narrow and wide rear window looks imposing like a bunker gun slot, and the deeply concave horizontal sculpting of the rear hatch looks clean – but that’s the furthest we can go to compliment the rear end design. For our North American readers, this is not of much concern as BMW is not expected to bring this model State-side, but our European and Asian readers may find the rear styling more vexing. Or perhaps not – it’s your opinion that matters at the end of the day, before you sign the paperwork.

Two trim lines are optional when ordering BMW’s new 1 series. The sport line looks understated and focused with a blacked out grill and mirrors, larger 17″ wheels, and a 10 mm lower ride height. It is more to our sporting tastes, while the urban line models feature white mirrors, grill, lower front and rear central fascia lips, and bold, look-at-me white wheels.

When it comes to the interior, we can only offer praise. The 1 series’ inner confines are more reminiscent of the 6 series than any compact car’s interior has business being, and surrounds you in luxurious, upscale comfort. Thanks to increases in the 1 series’ dimensions to the tune of 85 mm in additional length and 17 mm of increased width, the F20 feels spacious for a car in this segment and now offers 21 mm more rear legroom. The luggage compartment has been expanded from 330 to 360 liters. With the rear seats folded down completely flat, luggage capacity is now expandable to 1,200 liters. The 40/20/40 rear seats lending to this added space are available as an option.

For us, the highlight of the interior design would have to be the striking blade-like front door handles. We learned from BMW’s interior designer that Asian calligraphy was of key inspiration for his design, and we can see the cutting edges of a samurai sword frequently throughout the interior and across the layered dash.

Thanks to its playful dynamics, our favorite angle to view BMW’s new 1 series is from behind the driver’s seat – and with turbos spooled we suspect most fellow road goers will view it from the rear. Truth be told, we enjoy viewing the new 1er from most angles – and the upcoming coupe and cabrio models will no doubt lend a kinder brush-stroke to the rear. But before you make your final pronouncements, see it in the flesh! We would hate to say, “I told you so.”

Stay tuned to BMWBLOG for our comprehensive coverage of the new 1 series coupe and cabrio versions upon their release.

At the Berlin press launch of the new 1er, we had the opportunity to observe the two vehicles from up-close and capture them side-by-side. Styling wise, the F20 1 Series follows the design language initiated by BMW back in 2009 when the new 7 Series came to market. The car features a bold front that aims to stand out with what we believe are a pair of oversized headlights surrounding a flat and smaller than expected kidney grille. The hood sports the creases seen on all the new BMWs and facelifted models.

From the side, the usual character line flows from the rear to the front end, and on its way it creates a series of convex and concave shapes. In the back, the taillights feature integrated LED with the usual L-shape. The car continues to feature a similar hatch-look as the previous generation with a lower positioned trunk and a a more emphasized trunk-lid.

With seven years under its belt, the previous generation E87 1 Series looks slightly outdated. The softer lines and less aggressive look is easily observed from all angles. As we mentioned before, the new F20 1 Series is considered an evolutionary model, and major changes are expected in the third generation.

Those of you looking for a direct comparison against the VW Polo will have to wait a bit longer, no car was available on site to compare it against the new 1 Series.

We like the appearance of the M sport package on BMW’s latest 1er and trust us – it looks even better in real life than it does in photos.

The new 1 Series hatchback continue to be a rear-wheel drive vehicle and for the time being, it will sit at the entry of the BMW family. In 2013 BMW will launch the Coupe and Convertible models which will go through a name and identity change, becoming the all-new 2 Series.

Initially regarded as one of the most controversial BMW designs in the last decade. Styling wise, the F20 1 Series follows the design language initiated by BMW back in 2009 when the new 7 Series came to market. The car features a bold front that aims to stand out with what we believe are a pair of oversized headlights surrounding a flat and smaller than expected kidney grille. The hood sports the creases seen on all the new BMWs and facelift models.

The car continues to feature a similar hatch-look as the previous generation with a lower positioned trunk and a a more emphasized trunk-lid.

At the back, the taillights are a bit too busy for our taste with an integrated LED L-shape. The car continues to feature a similar hatch-look as the previous generation with a lower positioned trunk and a a more emphasized trunk-lid.

The car is longer than the current 1er, with a good chunk of that extended length in the wheelbase (30 mm) and wider than before, not by much, but enough to make the interior feel more spacious.

In the next hours, BMWBLOG will prepare our first driving impressions report and we will tell you more about the looks of the new 1er when seen from upclose.

The new small size premium BMW goes on sale late this year and will be available for the European market only. At launch time, the F20 1er is offered in a variety of exterior colors: Black Sapphire, Alpine White, Crimson Red, Mineral Gray, Midnight Blue, Deep Sea blue, Glacier Silver, Mineral White, Liquid Blue, Valencia Orange. In the fall, the M Sport package becomes available and among the usual exterior and interior upgrades, will also include the historical Estoril Blue paint.

According to our sources, BMW AG is the owner of the paint and the M Division licensed the rights to use it on the new 1 Series M Coupe.

With a bold front-end design, the 1 Series continues the design language initiated by BMW with the new 7 Series. The front-end design resembles to a point the 5 GT, but with cues matched to the smaller body.

At the back, the design is less controversial and more of an evolution from the previous E87 generation.

But how does the new 1 Series handle on the road? Stay tuned on BMWBLOG for an exclusive driving report!