2006 BMW 130i Preview

On the inside, it's business as usual for the 130i. The standard, Z4-meets-5-Series layout has been fettled with

On the inside, it's business as usual for the 130i. (Photo: BMW of North America)

slightly, and includes a new set of instruments and sporty front bucket seats with supportive side bolsters. As with all other 1-Series, the 130i features a push-button starter and intelligent key, and is available with a retractable navigation system, connected to the infamous iDrive system. Surprisingly, BMW will also offer their Active Steering system from the 5 and 6-Series, though the option won't be cheap.

When the 130i makes its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in a few weeks' time, BMW will sit at the top of the sport hatchback scene. It will have toppled the European powerhouses in the class, including the Volkswagen GTI, Audi A3

The 130i is the biggest hope yet for the 1-Series arriving here in North America. (Photo: BMW of North America)

V6, Renaultsport Megane 225, and the Alfa Romeo 147 GTA. Pricing for this hatchback benchmark will be revealed closer to its release date, which BMW claims will be around summer, 2005.

To us in North America, the 130i is the biggest hope yet for the 1-Series arriving on our shores. With the new R6 powerplant on hand, it has successfully answered the public's cry for more power, and has done so in a way which sets the path for the competition to follow. While the 1-Series is only available as a five-door hatchback, spy photos have revealed that BMW is indeed working on alternative bodystyles.