BMW moves its arsenal of prototypes to south of Spain where several mules have been spotted this week. Yesterday we saw the X7 being tested, while earlier today the G20 3 Series made an appearance. Now, it’s the 1 Series’ turn to go out for a testing session in the hot weather. This new generation of compact BMWs will undergo its greatest evolution to date, with a change of platform included that will eliminate the configuration of front longitudinal engine and rear-wheel drive in favor of a simpler, less expensive scheme – front transverse engines and traction. This change will be possible thanks to the move to the UKL platform of all the products of the brand’s compact vehicles, including the MINI range.
Losing the rear traction will not be a problem for the new model, since in this segment was more a rarity than an advantage, but in addition, will bring benefits in terms of space, allowing to gain centimeters in the area of the rear bench and the trunk as the rear axle is technically simplified. The new F40 1 Series will grow slightly in size, in addition to modifying some of its basic geometries by the new position of the engine and axles. At a glance, the new 1er will have dimensions very similar to those of other models in the segment, such as the Volkswagen Golf.
Design wise, the 1er hatchback builds atop the current BMW design language, but with a small twist – the headlights are slimmer and more angular, and full LED lights are standard. The front grille takes its cues from the recent BMW models, like the new 5 Series, being oversized and paired with 3D-sculpted slats. The lower front end gets drawn with a more aggressive bumper which incorporates the chrome fins seen on other BMWs as well, paired with the large air intakes. We don’t expect a major deviation from the current 1 Series hatchback design, so those of us that love the balanced package and performance of the hot hatch will still be able to enjoy the new F40 generation.
In the technical section we will find a renewed range of diesel and gasoline engines, counting even some M-tuned models. Although the new engine arrangement suggests that we will likely never see the six-cylinder inline engines, like the one that animates the M140i version of the current model, which features a 3.0-liter block and 340 hp.
BMW is expected to launch the new 1 Series family in 2019.
A class and the 1 series are going to look so similar
Well yes and no, the B and the Active Tourer have a very similar shape yet they look very different
true here in the UK both are super common can see atleast 20 in 1 day
I think the A class will look better. It’s impossible to resolve the kidney grilles in a short bonnet design without it looking like a KIA, just look at the active tourer vs KIA Carens. This UrKeL (as in Steve) platform is going to be horrific visually.
Small Mercedes are dull, generic, bland. Any small BMW looks like just that – why wouldn’t they? They’ve been doing them for generations and use the same design cues throughout the range. Even when they go into new segments, you know it’s a BMW, 1 Series to 7, X1 to X7. Ditto MINI, Rolls-Royce, Range Rover. KIA ripped off the Active Tourer Concept, of course they look alike. Sans kidneys.
Though it’s FWD, BMW needs to bring this car to The States.
This seems to be a generic shape for compact hatches. Tho I agree with you Icebreakerr, I also agree with Kaisuke971. When the original 1 series came out, I was convinced it would look like the little Alfa from that era. Once the whole car is unveiled, I’m sure it will have a strong identity.
So the all new A or 1er? The LCD display on the new A looks awesome though so it will take bmw a lot of effort to surprise me
Window bottom line seem to be in quite high at rear doors. Not good, children cannot see out and cabin feeling is like dark jail. Hopefully BMW doesn’t make the suspension as hard they have in X1 and Active tourer. These models are little uncomfortable on spike eaten Nordic roads, as road noise and vibration are disturbing too much compared to rear wheel drive models that have soft touch to road but progressively tightening for high speeds.
And to add something that could improve the normal life ride comfortability for Nordic customers, there should be available an option to choose non run flat tyres from Nokian tyres for new cars. They are designed for Nordic roads with little softer rubber that eliminates road noise and vibration. It makes the car drive like real premium also here in northern part of Europe. But for now, when you order a new car, it is a lottery of what kind of tyres you get finally from factory. And your own car might feel and sound totally different that you test drove before the order.