Just a while ago, we brought you photographs of the upcoming F52 BMW 1 Series Sedan undergoing tests. Now, more shots are up – showing for the first time what the interior could possibly look like. Being a test mule, it’s understood the interior looks far from completed but a closer look will reveal the basic design layout.
The new BMW 1 Series Sedan is expected to make an appearance in late 2016 or early 2017 and will square up against the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and Audi A3. Under the skin, the BMW 1 Series Sedan is expected to be based on the UKL platform which underpins the F45 BMW 2-Series Active Tourer and F56 MINI hatch.
As such, the entry-level sedan will feature front-wheel drive with the possibility of four-wheel drive afforded by said platform. As for engine options, the new baby BMW could employ a derivative of engines currently utilised in the 2 Series Active Tourer – which include the B38 1.5 litre, three-cylinder petrol unit.
Transmission options should include a six-speed manual, six-speed auto and the eight-speed auto gearboxes. With BMW’s naming structure set for odd numbers being reserved for sedans and even numbers for coupes, it is highly likely the new car will carry the 1 Series badge despite the existence of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer.
With plenty of CLAs and A3s roaming our streets, it shouldn’t be a difficult decision for BMW Malaysia to introduce this model when global sales commence in the near future.
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hope that when this arrived on our shore, it will be priced below rm170 k
RM 124,999???
1.5l 3 cyl engine? BMW? Are they serious?
Yes they’re serious,that engine used in BMW i8 which from Mini
I’ll buy one for my maid
I really dislike what the German’s are doing with their model line ups. With the advent of the smaller series (BMW’s 1, Merc’s A, Audi’s A1/A3), they are pushing the luxury C segment up the price bracket. This will happen with the 3-series for sure as we’ve now seen happen with the new C-Class.
It’s just another sign of how influential the German marques are to the premium car industry. They set the industry standard. It’s a mammoth task to challenge that , unless other carmakers (Jaguar, Lexus ,Maserati, Alfa Romeo etc.) can produce really outstanding cars (design, technology, quality & performance-wise).
I think what is more interesting is how will they price this. Right now, the bigger 316i is about the same price as the CLA 200 and A3 1.8T. Assuming there will be like a 118i and a 120i, with the potential for the 125i (this mirrors the UK petrol lineup for the 2 AT, there could be a chance to have just the 120 and 125i), it would be likely that the 125i will be priced around the price of the 316i. Which could lead to the 120i falling to about 160 or so…. But what is more interesting is if the 118i makes it. Will that be priced about the price of a Golf or Jetta? That would definitely change the market cause now instead of a Civic or Corolla, for about 10k more you can get a BMW 1 series.
Plus, since this is a FWD platform, the rear seats should be more spacious compared to the F20.
BMW is edging closer to the meanstream market. The Civic & Corolla are priced way below RM 150K, so I guess it’s VW who will feel heat, and forced to bring down the Jetta’s price much closer to the Japanese/Korean offerings! The Golf on the other hand is already a rival to the 1 series.
man these cars are so ugly. including the A3 and the CLA
BMW should expedite it to late 2015 launch!
its basically a mini cooper sedan.
You’re right sir,BMW owned Mini and use Mini engine. This just like Mini with BMW looks
Now everybody can own a BMW.
Later vomit blood after warranty expires
bmw’s should do a radical change in their interior design , while solid and intuitive , its been the same for all variants for too long , look what Merc have beeing doing to their interiors latley ,looks awesome….
im kinda with bmw when thy reckon that in the class of 1 series , buyers dont actually bother about rear wheel drive , they want the badge,and probably the space that a fwd platform promises
Agreed. Among the German premium marques, BMW’s interior feels a bit ordinary compared to Merc & Audi..
I spot the same steering wheel as the 2 Series Acive Tourer…and this car if it does launch here will be quite an interesting one but I don’t expect it to be a volume seller due to its lack of cabin and boot space. Haven’t seen any Audi A3 on the road yet but I’ve seen 3 CLA’s so far.
Everything is perfect on this car but where RWD platform?