BMW has released the first official images of its new 1 Series hatchback while dispelling some of the rumours that have surrounded the car in recent months.
The images show a heavily camouflaged version of the hatchback undergoing its final test in Miramas, France, which marks the end of the vehicle’s rigorous five-year development programme, the German carmaker says.
Judging by the images, the new 1 Series will incorporate a similar front-end design to BMW’s recent models. This includes the vast kidney grille that first appeared on the 8 Series last year, and angular LED headlights.
Moving further back, the hatchback appears to have a lower roofline that gradually slopes downwards towards the rear, giving it a more sporty look. The boot lid also looks wider than the old car, so loading larger objects should be less hassle on the next 1 Series.
Overall, though, the new 1 Series looks slightly larger than its predecessor, which puts it firmly into competition with the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and the Audi A3.
The company also confirmed that the new 1 Series will be front-wheel drive, as opposed to the rear-wheel drive layout that has featured on every version of the hatchback since its arrival in 2004.
That’s a significant shift, says Autocar, as BMW favoured rear-wheel drive layouts because it made their cars more enjoyable to drive.
BMW will launch the car at the Frankfurt Motor Show, which runs from 12 to 22 September. However, the critics have already been behind the wheel of a prototype 1 Series to see whether the move to a front-driven layout has changed the car’s handling.
What’s it like to drive?
“The move to front-wheel drive has undoubtedly robbed the 1 Series of some of its defining character”, but that doesn’t necessarily mean BMW has taken a step backwards, Auto Express claims.
A rear-wheel drive family hatchback is “something of an anachronism”, the motoring magazine says, as the car’s focus on practicality means its handling will always be compromised compared to the likes of a sports car.
The 1 Series’s wider design and “rigid body shell” means it is “more agile” than ever before, Auto Express adds. This results in a driving characteristics that are “obviously different”, but will still live up to the expectation of BMW fans.
The steering has also been improved over the last model, says Autocar. It’s “pleasingly direct and reassuring” on twisty roads, though drivers will notice “a hint of understeer” if they carry too much speed into a corner.
However, the 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine in the prototype, which will be badged 118i when it goes on sale, “didn’t necessarily feel as responsive as some rivals’ and won’t offer much in the way of thrills”, the magazine notes.
CarBuyer, meanwhile, tested the four-wheel drive M135i xDrive model. The reviews site says the sporty model is “unflappable”, and it’s “possible for a driver unfamiliar with it to hop in and drive quickly from the off.”
But the site says it was only able to test the car on a racing circuit, adding that the performance-focused 1 Series may feel different on public roads.
What are the specs?
Three models have been confirmed so far. Entry-level 118i cars are powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine producing 140bhp, says Autocar. Above that sits the 120d, which comes with a 190bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine.
At the top of the range sits the four-wheel drive M135i xDrive. Performance specs have yet to be announced, but CarBuyer says the range-topper’s engine is derived from the 302bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol motor from the X3 SUV.
When does it come out?
The wraps are expected to come off at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, before sales open either at the end of the year or in early 2020.
How much will it cost?
Prospective buyers will have to wait a little longer for news on the car’s pricing. However, Auto Express estimates a price tag of around £25,000.
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