First Sight: BMW 1 Series

A little more compact that the 3 Series (which will grow in size with next year's new model) the 1 Series effectively replaces the 3 Series-based Compact and extends the brand downward to just above the Mini.

The 1 Series was previewed by the CS1 two door convertible concept shown two years ago at Geneva, with which it shares much of its exterior proportions and form, and some interior design themes.

Proportionally the car is clearly rear wheel drive, and this unique attribute in this class will be key to its appeal.The five door is on the hatchback side of being an estate and this careful balance enables it to compete with hatchbacks whilst retaining the appeal and status of the 'lifestyle estate'.

Classic BMW design cues such as the ?Hofmeister kink' in the DLO and the kidney grille are evolved in a design that also features the flame surfacing now typical of smaller and more sporting orientated BMWs.

Unlike the 7, 6 and 5 Series cars, the 1 Series does not have indicator lamps shrouding the top of its headlamps, or a bonnet surface that extends over the top of them as previous BMW designs had, which is the reason the car has a slightly startled, wide-eyed appearance.

Inside the car evolves design themes similar to the X3, but has a more playful design identity; witness the sweeping door grab handles, gear shift surround and passenger side IP split.

Specification

The 1 Series is uniquely rear wheel drive in this class and has an aluminium front axle and a battery mounted in the boot floor (run flat tyres so no spare wheel) to help provide the 50/50 weight distribution (for the lighter petrol engine variants) that BMW strives for in all of its cars.

At launch there will be two petrol and two diesel engines, all 1.6 or 2.0 litre four cylinder engines, with more to follow. The five door car will be joined by a three door and later a two door 2 Series coupe and cabrio.

With a length of 4230mm, width 1750mm and height 1430mm, it is marginally wider and taller than the current E46 3 series, but 248mm shorter (than the 5 door Touring). Interestingly it has exactly the same length as the old BMW 2002 sedan, although it is much wider and a little higher.

I-drive is an option on the car and all 1 Series have a starter button and high level of safety equipment.

Conclusion

BMW are to produce approximately 150,000 1 Series per year (now not to be sold in North America), less than half the number of the 3 series sold in Europe and a little more than Audi typically sells of the A3 in Europe.

On the roads in Autumn, its unique rear wheel drive package, brand appeal, classical lifestyle-estate proportion and modern form language will combine with what shall likely be exemplary performance characteristics to ensure that this is a very successful product. BMW will be watching carefully to see that the 3 Series doesn't become a victim of its new small brother's success...

By Sam Livingstone