German Car Zone

That rear looks horrible-what were they thinking?

If what you just said was true, I would hold back my criticism of this car. However, entry level or not, this is a proper BMW Coupe and will not be selling in North America for a pittance. This isn't nor should it be the Civic of BMW's range. It's properly seen as such in Europe, but the North American situation is an entirely different story.

Just as I learned while shopping for an A3 - If you want the car you really want, you're looking at a sticker around $32k, and if you want said car with a big engine under the hood (in this case the turbo 3.0) then you can add another $4,000 to that figure.

Make no mistake, this is a huge product for North America, and this car's styling is key to its success or failure. There's a huge difference between a "Stripped-Down No-Nonsense Driver's BMW" and a "Entry-Level BMW for the Budget-Minded."

The problem I already see is that the 135i we all really want will sticker so high that you'll easily be within pissing distance of a similarly equipped 328i that, theoretically, has higher curb appeal. If this car is marketed and packaged correctly, the "curb factor" won't be an issue - however, if it's percieved as a half-asseed imitation of BMW's usual fare, the curb factor will become everything (Case in point - Look at the failure of the MB C-Hatch in North America). I'm afraid it's going to be all to easy for this car to become the entry-level poseurmobile, without the performance credentials to match.

I'm really on the fence right now. I think the car's rear looks much better in that light than it did in the first photo. On the other hand, there's too much here that's lifted directly from the 1er 3-door and 5-door. It's like I can't shake it from my head.

Since North America is loaded with "Virgin Eyes" who don't have exposure to the 1er hatch I think this car could be a hit. I'm just afraid that the pricing will be weighted to the point where the value quotient becomes difficult to swallow. The 1er must be a bang for the buck, but at the same time, priced out of reach for entry-level buyers.

You guys really shouldn't be getting all worked up over crappy photos. And like I said(IMO of course) the rims are crappy, there will be far better wheel options that will make for a far better look than what you see in these guerrilla marketing shots..

This is true. But really, what are you going to do? Pepole are going to buy what they're going to buy for their reasons, which we may or may not like, which is entirely besides the point. It won't be that much different from some prissy daddies girl who has a 335i kitted out to the nines that we automotive fanboys already despise and envy her greatly for.

dont like it one little bit atm... will wait for official picture before making my final judgement

Is it only me seeing the old 3er E46 when looking at the rear, particulary the shape of the rearlights:





L-shape

There are quite a few BMW's with the traditional L shaped headlight design, even before the E46. Do you notice how this theme is continued but upside down on most of the newer models? Pretty cool that they decided to retain that feature for the 1er coupe.

The E46 still looks brillaint doesnt it... i have hopes for this new 1 series

BMW

Makes me scratch my head that BMW never used the CS1 concepts ultra cool looking tail lights....

I like the new M-Pack!

About the car now...I don't know how I feel...I have to see it in flesh I guess to decide. My first thoughts, however, are not that great. I prefer the 3dr so far.