Next 2012 BMW 1 Series five-door hatchback

Last week, the first spy photos of the next generation BMW 1 Series popped up on almost all the car websites out there. As usual, we reported on it and gave you more details on what to expect from the new 1 Series line-up.

While the initial photos showed what we believe is the shooting brake variant of the 1er, these new shots are giving us the overall shape of the new five-door hatchback, a model not yet available in the U.S.

As seen across the BMW future line-up, the 2012 BMW 1 Series will have a slightly longer wheelbase and wider track than the current model. Some auto publications speculate that this will allow BMW to introduce it in the U.S. market as well, but take it with a grain of salt, in our opinion, it is still too early to commit to such plans.

Future BMW 1 Series variants also include a Coupe and Convertible model, 3-door hatchback, shooting brake variant and also, the highly-wanted/expected BMW 135i Supersports car, an “M-like” vehicle without the M badge and still developed by the Motorsport division.

Due to the new 1 Series platform which can be extended and used across several bodystyles, BMW is looking into more 1er variants, 3-door touring, 3 and 5-door GT and even a 3-door Sports Activity Coupe. Those models are still in the research phase, so no decision has been made.

What we did hear recently are the talks around a new BMW series, codename Y, which apparently it will use the same 1 Series platform. No other details at this time, but you’ll be the first to know once we hear more.

As far as the engine line-up in the upcoming 1 Series, a large range of powerplants will be offered, from turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, to new 3 cylinder powerplants and hybrids.

[Source: Carmagazine ]