Not only is BMW planning a more economical 1-Series, plans are already in place for its 2-Series spin-off as the German manufacturer pushes into the tough hatch market.
The unveiling of the BMW CS1 concept vehicle at the Geneva Motor Show this month drew a lot of attention as it is likely to be the blueprint for the 1-Series, even though it was only shown in cabriolet form.
CARtoday.com reported on the CS1 and BMW’s move into the mid-range segment last week, but now there are details of the 2-Series.
magazine reports in its February 2002 issue that the 1-Series will feature rear-wheel drive to have 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.
BMW has already planned saloon, estate and coupe spinoffs for the 1-Series. These models will be sold as the 2-Series.
The magazine also said that 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. 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.
Many critics did not like the flame-surfacing look and the fact that there was no C-pillar at the passenger side. a feature that allows the whole rear section of the car to be opened and tilted for free access to the interior (pictured below). But the Z4 is unlikely to be as controversial. The CS1 concept has also evolved from the X-Coupé.
On the subject of the 1-Series, a company official told that the aim is to ensure the car has the same handling capabilities as its bigger siblings, giving it the edge over competitors like the Golf and Audi A3.
“The big pull is that it will be a focused driver’s car. It might be competing against mainstream hatchbacks, but we will not dilute BMW’s driving dynamics just because it is smaller,” the official said.
The 1-Series will be powered by engines ranging from a 1,6 with 78 kW to a 2,0 diesel engine offering 106 kW power.
But there is likely to be a two-year wait before the 1-Series hits the market.
