BMW has high hopes of infiltrating the mass market with its much anticipated 1-Series, and it is believed the German manufacturer has set a starting price of R160 000 in Europe, to rival vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf.
BMW has high hopes of infiltrating the mass market with its much anticipated 1-Series, and it is believed the German manufacturer has set a starting price of R160 000 in Europe, to rival vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf.
According to , the 1-Series three- and five-door hatch is expected to début at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2003. It will be followed by estate, coupé and convertible versions, likely to be sold as the 2-Series.
CARtoday.com reported recently that the 1-Series would take its styling cues from the BMW CS1 concept vehicle revealed at the Geneva Motor Show.
BMW has decided that the future mainstream models will use odd numbers, as in the 1-Series, 3-Series and 7-Series, while sports cars will have even numbers, as in 2-Series, 6-Series and 8-Series. It is for this reason that the Z3’s replacement will be called the Z4. The Z4 will adopt a style influenced by the X-Coupé, the controversial concept that was unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in 2001.
The 1-Series will feature rear-wheel drive to retain that typical BMW sporty feel. It will be available in three-door and five-door versions and could be sold as the 116i, 118i and 120i, with Valvetronic units from the current 3-Series range. This will give the series the same capabilities as its bigger sibling.
reports that in addition there will also be a new 127 kW 2,2-litre four-pot, plus a 2,4 M Sport tuned motor, due for launch in 2004. The only diesel version will be the two-litre engine currently used in the 320d and Compact, as well as the Rover 75 and Land Rover Freelander.
As car prices continue to rise, BMW expects the 1-Series to appeal to consumers wanting a new vehicle, but wishing to buy down while still getting a luxury car. This should ensure that customers stay with the BMW name. They have already introduced the Mini in a lower market. Now the 1-Series will slot in between the Mini and the 3-Series.
BMW says it expects to sell at least 150 000 a year in the compact or “lower-medium” sector, in which there were sales of four million vehicles last year.
BMW South Africa says no decision has been taken on whether the 1-Series will be brought to the country. But this is not a “no”. If it does come, it will get here about six months after the European launch.
