BMW released an updated version of the 1-series compact late last year but a suspicious prototype of the hatch is still running around German streets. At first appearance the car looks like an ordinary 1-series hatchback but look closer and you’ll notice several key features that reveal this is something very different.

The car pictured here is in fact an early test-mule for the next-generation 1-series hatch due most likely due in late 2011 or early 2012. Makeshift fender flares reveal the new model will sport a widened track both front and rear, confirming the next 1-series will be bigger than the current model. The larger footprint will also improve the car’s dynamics and road-holding abilities.

Earlier this month BMW CEO - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER that the four-cylinder engines used in the next-gen 1-series will be the same compact units developed jointly by BMW and France’s PSA Peugeot-Citroen for the Mini and a number of French models. The engines will range from 1.4 to 2.0L in displacement and will be available in both turbocharged and naturally aspirated forms. Expect to see BMW’s - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER also appear in the line-up.

The current 1-series has often been criticized for having a back seat no full-sized adult would be comfortable in, however the rear seat room in this new model is expected to be much improved. This will also allow BMW to finally release a hatchback version of the 1-series in the all-important US market. This 1-series should also help boost BMW’s sales in emerging markets due to its low entry price.

Expect to see stop-start and electrical-regenerative systems carry over into the new series as well as possible new EfficientDynamics technologies such as heat-recovery systems and solar panels. BMW revealed yesterday that - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER and solar panels on its cars showed savings of up to 5% in fuel consumption.


- ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER


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The current one was on sale in 2004, so the next one should be 2012? Extremely early to be testing it already.

It's not early to be testing the chassi and underlying components. The car was facelifted last year meaning that a new model should hit the show room in 2 years.

As a owner of current 1er Im very curious how the next one will look like. 4-cylinder turbo and I will sign the paper

2011 I'd say.

Could this be an X1 mule??

Actually the car is being used for development on the next 1er platform, But it is not the hatch/Coupe/Cabrio/X. The first prototypes allbeit disguised will appear later this year .

When ready for Introduction the car will offer two petrol and two diesel powered engines. Two models will use BMW's upcoming Advanced Turbo technology with four cylinders in petrol guise disclosing 240 PS and a new four cylinder diesel of 1.8 litres which will offer even more efficiency that the current green car of the year to sit under the current 204PS diesel. Efficient Dynamics will feature as will lightweight materials , The design offers elements of the past , present and future - wheels in each corner will offer excellent handling and dynamics will head the class.

The introduction of a new model due later this year creates an opening just as the 3er did for it's baby brother. Within BMW it is billed as offering something environmentally friendly but without losing core BMW attributes - It is BMW's wish to offer something efficient but to think out the box on what it is expected to be. As for the look go back to 1987 (But modern safety regulations forbid the doors) to see how BMW are seeing this exciting KSP Kompact Sportscar programme. But add current and future Z-design cues for added emotion.

At least BMW will get to offer a "2" series at last .

A 2 series. Oh! boy. How many variants does BMW need off one platform.
The 5-series will have so many variants-= X5, X6, F5 PAS, etc...

Z2?

A lightweight 240 HP Z2 would be yummy!

Yes, the Z2!





As many market wants, and BMW is able to deliver a true BMW experience with the ne vehicle.

It was announced in the first Reithofer's speech as BMW CEO: greater diversity of models, greater platform flexibility, more niche vehicles.