The edgy styling won"t...
The edgy styling won"t suit everyone, but it means the five-door model certainly stands out.
Thanks to the exclusive...
Thanks to the exclusive spy shots in this week"s mag, Auto Express can reveal how the newcomer will look. With its handsome lines, it should be one of the German manufacturer"s most popular models when it goes on sale in 2007.
Stylists have lengthened the front doors and added a sweeping line to the C-pillar, highlighting the dramatic hockey-stick shape with chrome. This emphasises the car"s coupé profile.
Chunky rear wheelarches and the steeply chopped tailgate contribute to the strong design. Like Volvo with its C30, BMW will be aiming the new 1-Series at single buyers and young couples. Thanks to those extended doors, getting in and out should be easy - certainly for those in the front.
With an identical wheelbase to the five-door, there will be the same amount of space inside. The firm isn"t likely to alter the suspension settings significantly, while the front-engined, rear-drive chassis will give a smooth ride offering precise handling.
Under the bonnet, expect the same line-up as for the existing car, with a mix of 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrols, as well as 1.8 and 2.0-litre diesels. There will also be the range-topping 261bhp 3.0-litre 130i version seen here, identified by its alloys and twin exhausts.
Prices are likely to start at around ÷£15,500, undercutting the five-door model-for-model by around ÷£500.