BMW is radically re-engineering its 1 Series range as the hatchback moves into its third generation later this year, and fresh spyshots detail it with little disguise.
The new images reveal the front-end design, most notably the trademark kidney grille, will adopt a very similar shape to the recently-launched 3 Series saloon.
Forecast to make its public premiere at the Frankfurt motor show this year before going on sale soon after, a comprehensive under-the-skin revamp will see the Mk3 1 Series forgo traditional rear-wheel drive for a space-saving front-wheel-drive layout, adopting the German car maker’s new FAAR platform.
The versatile high-strength steel structure is already used by the latest BMW X1 and its mechanically identical sibling, the second-generation Mini Countryman.
The switch to front-wheel drive for the entry-level BMW comes 15 years after the original rear-wheel-drive 1 Series was launched in 2004.
BMW’s internal studies have revealed that existing 1 Series customers are more concerned with factors such as interior versatility and accommodation than outright driving dynamics, which is behind the decision to follow the example of key premium-brand rivals such as the Audi A3 and Mercedes A-Class.
However, other factors are in play, too. Industry analysts suggest the new layout, which sites the engine of the new 1 Series transversely rather than longitudinally, is set to save BMW up to €660 per car in comparison to the rear-wheel-drive underpinnings of today’s model. That’s thanks to a simpler rear axle assembly and lack of a rear propshaft.
At the same time, it will draw on greater economies of scale through the sharing of components across a greater number of models, including the complete Mini line-up.
With global 1 Series sales totalling 201,968 in 2017, this points to potential savings of more than €1.3 billion per year – money that high-ranking Munich sources have told Autocar is earmarked for the development of further electric models and autonomous driving technology.
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Premium (badge only) aspirations
"However, other factors are in play, too. Industry analysts suggest the new layout, which sites the engine of the new 1 Series transversely rather than longitudinally, is set to save BMW up to €660 per car in comparison to the rear-wheel-drive underpinnings of today’s model. That’s thanks to a simpler rear axle assembly and lack of a rear propshaft"....hahahaha, a ridiculous "argument" that can only lead to the conclusion that this is not a premium car....it has the badge from a manufacturer that made it's reputation building "premium" RWD saloons.,.the irony of this situation is epic/tragic.
The propshaft...
...and diff will get in the way of the batteries in a car this size . I won't be spending premium/extra on a FWD/transverse 4 cylinder car and I don't care who makes it. it will be the same as every other FWD mainstream hatchback so buy a focus/golf/whatever and save yourself the badge nonsense.
3 or 4
Actually this 'premium' (priced) model will start off with a FWD/transerse & (crappy) 3 cylinder config.
DIRE... DUM CAR.....
DIRE... DUM CAR.....
BMW, focus on getting your
BMW, focus on getting your original cars sold, brexit is going to cause problems in the car market, your putting on modifications that are only degrading former traditions. things like frameless doors are just out of fashion.