2005 BMW 1-Series 5-Door Preview

Overall, the 1-Series five-door hatchback measures in a 4.23 meters (166.54 inches) in length, 24 centimeters (9.45 inches) shorter than the current 3-Series sedan, but two centimeters longer than the new Golf. Cargo

BMW claims that rear-wheel drive in a small car like the 1-Series is a must. (Photo: BMW Canada)

capacity is 330 liters (11.7 cubic feet) with the rear seats up, and 1,150 liters (40.6 cubic feet) with the seatbacks folded, impressive for this class.

When Mercedes-Benz entered the compact hatchback market with its A-Class, it started from scratch by creating a front-wheel driven car. Though BMW has done this before, having suffered through a short stint developing the Rover 75, and then a much more successful experience with the new MINI, it chose to stick to a rear-wheel drive configuration with the new 1-Series in order to stay true to its brand identity. BMW claims that rear-wheel drive in a small car is a must, helping to create balanced weight distribution (50:50 in the 1-Series), a steering system free

Being that it's from BMW you can expect the 1-Series to have a class-topping handling and ride combination. (Photo: BMW Canada)

from drivetrain influence, and optimal traction under a full load. Whether or not other manufacturers or their customers, all of which have been born and raised on the supposed supremacy of front-wheel drive, agree with BMW's opinion, it's a one-of-a-kind in the segment. Of course, being more expensive to produce a rear-wheel drive car, it makes sense that BMW is hardly trying to sell ice to the Inuit.

Though small, BMW doesn't seem to have cut any corners in engineering the 1. Up front, a complex suspension system is crafted from aluminum to reduce weight, while the rear utilizes BMW's Z-Axle five-link setup. Expect class-topping handling and ride - if for some reason you would expect anything less from a BMW.