During its debut, it was revealed that the F52 BMW 1 Series Sedan will be sold exclusively in China, its biggest market. However, CarAdvice reports the front-wheel drive model could make its way to Australia, where the current F20 1 Series hatchback is sold.
“The 1 Series sedan is not part of our planning for Australia at this point, although, as ever, anything is possible and it certainly may be considered at a later date,” said Lenore Fletcher, general manager of corporate communications at BMW Australia.
The Land Down Under isn’t the only country said to receive the 1 Series Sedan either, with Automotive News claiming the sedan will go on sale in the United States by early 2019. This is likely in response to Mercedes-Benz’s plans to introduce the A-Class sedan in selected markets by 2018, and the availability of the CLA and Audi A3 Sedan.
The F52 is manufactured at the BMW and Brilliance JV’s Tiexi plant in Shenyang, and rides on the brand’s UKL platform. In China, it is offered with a choice of three trim levels– 118i, 120i and 125i – all of which are powered by turbocharged three- or four-cylinder (125i) petrol engines.
Sounds like a good proposition then, but would you welcome a “smaller 3 Series” here?
GALLERY: BMW 1 Series Sedan
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Purists will not be impressed by a FWD BMW, but the runaway success of Merc CLA & Audi A3 Compact Sedans proves that the majority of the buyers don’t really care, especially those first-time/young car buyers who were enticed by the more affordable model range of the Premium brands. BMW should market this model in the S.E.A region because the demand for these type of cars are there. And perhaps, Jaguar should join this arena too.
Jag did try the affordable-fwd route with the X type 2.0l
Wheelbase is the shortest amongst C segment sedan, only slightly longer than Preve
Oh just bring it, i am sure plenty yearn for this :(
Like the size….but don’t like the interior…what’s with the tall gear selector??