if there’s one...
if there’s one car cleaning gadget that’s really worth investing in, it’s a pressure washer. The ability to blast away grime and rinse off suds with ease makes a real difference, and helps cut down the time you’ll spend valeting.
BMW is heading into...
BMW is heading into Ford Fiesta territory! Auto Express has learned that the German firm is readying a new front-wheel-drive supermini, likely to be badged the 0-Series. And our exclusive pictures give you the best view yet of how the compact contender will look.
As its name suggests, it will fill the gap between the 1-Series and MINI ò€“ satisfying buyersò€™ demands for small cars with a premium feel. Itò€™s set to compete with top-end superminis and prestige models such as Audiò€™s upcoming A1. The hatch will be based on the next-generation MINI platform, making it the first-ever front-wheel-drive BMW.
However, while it might buck the firmò€™s rear-drive tradition, thereò€™s a clear family influence in the design. The twin kidney grilles and front apron take their lead from the 1-Series and are paired with new lights.
At the rear, a sweeping tailgate and subtle spoilers demonstrate that while this is an entry-level BMW, it still prioritises on driving pleasure and sportiness. To ensure a unique experience, the 0-Series will get hi-tech aids such as an electronic diff and active damping ò€“ something that will be reflected in its elevated price tag, which is likely to start from around Ò£16,000.
Customers will be able to choose from the sleek three-door seen here and a more practical five-door. The model could also spawn a compact two-seater for 2013, using shared architecture with the MINI Roadster.
Efficiency is a priority. A range of powerful but clean petrol and diesel motors should make this the most frugal BMW ever. A development of the 161bhp 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbodiesel, which debuted as a range extender on the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept, may be among the choices, while an all-electric powertrain will follow at a later date.
The 0-Series will form part of BMWò€™s Project ò€˜iò€™ range ò€“ a new breed of ultra-efficient cars featuring electric, petrol, hybrid and diesel variants with two, three or four wheels. Expect the 0-Series to go into production as soon as 2012, meaning a concept car could be as little as 18 months away.