Arguably, the 1 Series is BMW’s most fun car to drive today and has been a huge seller for the Bavarians in Europe. But the 1 Series hatchback as we know it, will make room for a new generation of compact sport hatches in 2018.
The new 1 Series will use the UKL platform – and will continue to be built under the Fxx designation, F40 – featured on the BMW X1 and MINI range, which means the power will now be sent to the front-wheels. Therefore, the longer wheelbase and absence of a propshaft will free up more space for passengers in the back, and also increase boot capacity. The new 1 Series should also be marginally taller and wider.
The design language will continue to be along the recently unveiled BMWs, so expect slimmer LED headlights connecting to the kidney grille, sleeker side views and a sportier lower front fascia.
As the UKL platform is only compatible with four-cylinder engines, that means the next flagship M140i will have to ditch its sonorous straight-six engine in favor of a turbocharged four-cylinder. The all-wheel drive xDrive system will continue to be offered on certain models.
The engines range will be adopted from the MINI and X1 line-ups. Entry-level cars, likely to be badged 116d, should come powered by an updated version of BMW’s 1.5-liter three-cylinder diesel, while a turbocharged three-cylinder petrol unit should appear in the 118i. Larger and more powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines will be found in the 120i and 120d respectively.
BMW will also use the next 1 Series to launch a wider roll-out of its iPerformance line-up. Joining BMW’s five other plug-in hybrid models will be an electrified 1 Series using a tuned version of the powertrain found in the MINI Countryman Cooper E.
Whether the hatch as we know it today will continue to carry the 1 Series badge or the rumored 2 Series moniker, it remains to be seen, but the new model will be a direct competitor with models such as the Volkswagen Golf R, Mercedes-AMG A45 and Ford Focus RS.
[Source: AutoExpress]
FWD. What a shame. Welps, still hoping that this hatchback makes it into US soil. AWD hatch bimmer is badly needed in this congested world we live it. Perfect daily commuter w a roundel badge. Yes please!
P.S. Still pissed that its going from RWD to FWD and losing the mighty inlines. Smh
They won’t sell this in the states, cause it will make BMWs look affordable. They have to preserve the image for badge snobs.
Thats strange because in the UK they are seen as a very common car. Only the twats fall for the marketing badge and silly ‘Ultimate bullshit’ slogan.
Its already way too affordable. So many bimmers on the road. I think they need to increase prices on all their models so its not so attainable. Bump up the profit margin. Make ///M cars really special by increase their price by 3x lol. I like exclusivity and badge snobbery is the sh*t.
This can still make it here. Just bump up a pricing a bit so it doesn’t make the brand cheaper.
I too wish it remained RWD and was brought to the US.
We can only hope in a next generation 2 Series coupé.
Sweet. The cost cutting and brand dilution continues as BMW fights for bigger marketshare. Can’t wait for a 4-door FWD 2 series to fight the A3
Does it mean that 2 series will be fwd too? M2 will be like mercedes CLA Amg and it would gain xdrive?
Not necessarily. It is possible that it will be based on a shrunken 3-series platform.
Why would they do that? Sales of the FWD 1 series will be sky high. The 2 series active tourer outsells the coupe 5-1. There is no business case for the 2 series coupe. BMW has given up competing with Porsche and won’t be needing a compact RWD platform. The RWD 2 series will most likely disappear. Before idiot fanboys get started, I own an M2 and I was here telling everyone 6 months ago that the next 1 series would be FWD and UKL based. I wonder if any of the idiots who flamed me back then will apologise?
I read on Motoringfile that upcoming MINIs will have the option of a DCT. Does that mean this will have that option as well? Still hoping it is sold in the US.
The FWD vs RWD discussion will be obsolete when the move to BEV is finished.