BMW Unveils New 1-series

Second-gen entry-level BMW hatch revealed ahead of Frankfurt show debut

This is the all-new BMW 1-series. The replacement for BMW's entry-level model isn't due to meet the public 'in the metal' until the Frankfurt motor show this autumn, but BMW has already released the full gen on the next 1-series.

The new car will, of course, come in all manner of petrol and diesel guises, ranging from thoroughly sensible tax-friendly and cost-effective diesel and petrol options up to more interesting models. Topping the range will be a turbocharged 128is, with 245hp. Sadly, this blown 2.0-litre four-pot is the replacement for the old 130i's six-cylinder motor, austerity motoring and green pressures being what they are.

Expect the usual complement of bodystyles over the years, but for now the only shape you can get is the five-door hatch, while power is transmitted to the rear wheels (no doubt to the surprise of many of the model's future owners), by a six-speed manual or an eight-speed ZF auto.

What the new 1er also means, of course, is that the just-launched 1-series M coupe is now based around an obsolete model, but then it was only ever going to be a low-volume special at any rate.

Whether the new 1-series, codenamed F20 (BMW ran out of 'E' numbers a little while ago now), will spawn an M-badged spin-off remains to be seen, but since the current 1M was the pet project of Dr Kay Segler, who has now relinquished his position as boss of BMW's M division, the M badge may not make a return to the 1-series. But even if it does, it won't be before the twilight years of the F20's model cycle, so don't expect it for a while yet.