Coming to North America?
It's hard to believe, but after years of speculation the Golf-sized BMW 1-Series is finally finished and ready for production. Well, at least we can be sure of the 5-door version being finalized.
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| After years of speculation it's finally official, BMW will have the tools to compete in the luxury hatchback market. (Photo: BMW Canada) |
Having been designed to fit under the 3-Series Compact in Europe as BMW's new entry-level model, it just might do some damage within the luxury hatchback market - but it won't be easy. It targets the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Audi A3, posh versions of Volkswagen's Golf and a few other high-end compacts after all.
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| Like it or lump it, the 1-Series incorporates BMW's new flaming surface design language. (Photo: BMW Canada) |
The brand marked by the blue and white propeller badge is known for standing above and going beyond its class rivals when it comes to performance and appearances, the latter obviously being up for personal interpretation since Bangle and Hooydonk have been in charge of design. But no matter what you think of the brand's styling direction, its move down market into the C-segment is a bold venture.
Being a modern BMW the 1 has been penned with the brand's new flaming surface design language, similar in fashion to the Z4 especially. Like it or lump it at the very least the brand's key styling characteristics, such as the double kidney grille and dual headlights, are incorporated into the design. Other than the Z4, inspiration for the 1 comes mostly from the car initially designed for the segment, the CS1 concept of 2002. Much of its proportion, shapes, curves and contortions are close to identical. In addition, the long front hood with rearwards-mounted cabin, thick C-pillars and low, swooping roofline further define this car as a BMW.