BMW One Series
It's here - what do you reckon to this then?!
BMW have published pictures of its new One Series today. The new car sets itself apart from other shopping cars thanks to rear wheel drive, 50:50 weight distribution and body styling that looks like Scooby Do's head...
The 116i opens the range with a 115bhp followed by a 150bhp 120i. Two diesels are included in the range including the 163bhp 120d. That's capable of sprinting to 60mph in 7.9 seconds - quicker than its petrol powered siblings.
Power is delivered to the road via a six-speed manual in 118d, 120d and 120i models, while the 116i has a five-speed manual gearbox. An optional six-speed automatic will also be offered on 120i and 120d models.
Prices for the all-new 1-Series will be announced later in the Spring.
iains said:
Don't be so fast to condemn this car - it does look different, but we seem to be jumping on the "let's kick Bangle styling" bandwagen here.
You all seem to forget, BMW is a company that is in business to make money, and to do this it needs to sell cars. You have to look at the car's direct price competition to see it's level - which I guess is the Audi A3 level.
Different indeed. But if that's what sells cars then the Fiat Multipla would be the world's top seller.
But it isn't.... is it.
I'm not jumping on a bandwagon, I've always hated Bungle's designs.
BMW may be in the business of making money, but given it's sliding market share, it's obviously not making a very good job of it.
Zod said:
Yeah and of course no one wll buy it because it is the only rwd car in its class and performs well. 
Try to lose the reflex anti-BMW reaction.
Zod - it's not anti-BMW and given that most buyers will be women looking for shopping cars, they don't give a stuff about RWD. In fact, give them some snow and they'll be positively craving an alternative.
Regarding the performance - have you driven one?
Thought not.
Either way, I just don't like it.
M3 - yes please
BMW One - one too many IMHO
iains said:
Some of the people on here are completely missing the point.
This is all about marketing and placing a product in a market place against its direct 'price' rivals - if you look at the compeition then you start to rationalise it.
I suppose the question is - do you buy cars with your head (with an eye for costs / deprecitaion) or your heart?
Unfortunately, I think that it's you who is missing the point.
The general public (in the UK at least) buy cars primarily for the aesthetics. Before you ask, there is plenty of market research that show this to be the case.
Just look at the 318ti - that was supposed to take on Ford in the budget class. Hardly sold though did it!
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