Our spy photographers have caught the next-generation BMW 1-series five-door hatchback out for a spot of track-testing.
It’s a good chance for a look at the F20-era 1-series ahead of its launch in autumn 2011.
BMW 1-series F20: still the ugly duckling of the BMW range?
Our new spy photos show that the new 2012 1-series may be less divisive than the current Bangle-era One. BMW’s current evolutionary styling philosophy is evident on this lightly disguised F20, with a more pronounced ‘shark-nose’ forward lean to the front end. That contentious ‘banana sill’ on the side may also have been straightened out on the new 1-series.
Upstairs, the roofline leaves bystanders in no doubt it’s a 1-series. BMW has sold a million 1-series models since launch in 2004 – that’s almost the same level of production as the 5-series, so there was no pressure to radically alter the shape.
But there are longer rear doors for easier access, and we expect the F20 will be longer overall to benefit rear passenger space – a current 1-series weakness compared to FWD rivals.
So the new 2012 BMW 1-series isn’t switching to front-drive?
Although BMW research showed that 80% of 1-series owners didn’t know whether their car was front- or rear-wheel drive, BMW is persevering with powering the rear wheels on this generation of 1-series.
Ultimately, we expect this car’s successor to switch to a front-drive platform shared with Mini, around 2016-2017.
Anything else we should know about the new 1-series?
The F20 will see a new range of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, starting with the 116i’s 1.6-litre turbo (related to Mini’s powerplant) and a 1.6 TDVi direct-injection diesel in the 116d.
ZF’s new eight-speed transmission will arrive in the 1-series, and there is a possibility we may see a hybrid edition of the F20 as that ‘box is available with a hybrid module. All models will have engine stop-start as standard, and the latest version of BMW’s iDrive infotainment system will be available.
The F20 1-series will arrive in hatchback form at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show, with sales to begin in late 2011. Additional variants, such as the three-door hatch, coupe and cabriolet, will be launched during 2012-2013.