BMW set to introduce a family-oriented, front-wheel-drive version of 1-Series to rival Audi's new supermini
The new 1-Series has developed a split personality, Auto Express has learned. Alongside a family of rear-wheel-drive, sports-biased machines, BMW will offer three more practical cars with either front or four-wheel drive.
This will allow the firm to produce a more versatile model to rival the Audi A1, and our pictures reveal how it could look. The launch of the new 1-Series will start later this year, with traditional rear-wheel-drive cars in three and five-door guise. This layout will still be used in the Coupé and Convertible, due in 2012.
After that, BMW will introduce its trio of more spacious front-wheel-drive models. All will be based on the new UKL1 platform developed for the next-generation MINI, with the first a people mover to rival the Mercedes B-Class.
This will allow the firm to produce a more versatile model to rival the Audi A1, and our pictures reveal how it could look. The launch of the new 1-Series will start later this year, with traditional rear-wheel-drive cars in three and five-door guise. This layout will still be used in the Coupé and Convertible, due in 2012.
After that, BMW will introduce its trio of more spacious front-wheel-drive models. All will be based on the new UKL1 platform developed for the next-generation MINI, with the first a people mover to rival the Mercedes B-Class.
Due in 2013, it could be badged 1-Series GT. The high-riding car will offer much more space than regular models in a bid to appeal to families. What’s more, our sources say the firm is planning a small SUV that will sit under the X1. This will use the next MINI Countryman platform, and come in both front and four-wheel-drive variants.
All of these new models will be powered by a range of next-generation petrol and diesel engines. This includes a 1.5-litre three-cylinder unit capable of producing around 150bhp, while emitting less than 100g/km of CO2.
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