Photo: SB-Medien
For many BMW fans, the arrival of the next 1 Series in 2019 is sad news. So we're not glad to announce that the moment of its reveal is drawing near, with a prototype being spied recently wearing less camo than before.
But if we're honest, the F40 is not such a horrible little thing. You see, it shows that BMW still wants to be a player in the compact premium hatchback segment, whereas all the other carmakers are just flooding the market with crossovers.
There are ways in which you can make a front-wheel-drive hatch fun. Just as the Hyundai i30 N, which was tuned by an ex BMW engineer. But anyway, this particular model has the makings of a hot hatch, though it's difficult to be sure.
The dual exhaust tips, body kit, and blue brake calipers are indicative of the M Performance model. But it could also be an M Sport. What do you guys think?
Back at the beginning of the year, Autocar published a report saying the new M-tuned 1 Series would be called M130iX M Performance. This contradicted our belief that it was an M135i xDrive, and since BMW recently launched a 300 horsepower X2 M35i...
But an interesting thought just popped up in our head: what if there are two models after all. Not like the Mercedes-AMG A35 and A45, but like the Golf GTI and Golf R, with around 250 and 300 HP, respectively. That would make more sense, considering BMW is newer at this FWD game the Benz boys.
Regardless, the new 1 Series is based on the new FAAR, which is all about hybrid system integration. Forget about hitting 300 km/h on the autobahn, a real premium hatch should be allowed into all the major city centers and run on buttery-smooth engines. Also, don't expect BMW to be shy with the technology - 360-degree cameras, iDrive with Apple and "Hey, BMW" or some level of autonomy.
There are ways in which you can make a front-wheel-drive hatch fun. Just as the Hyundai i30 N, which was tuned by an ex BMW engineer. But anyway, this particular model has the makings of a hot hatch, though it's difficult to be sure.
The dual exhaust tips, body kit, and blue brake calipers are indicative of the M Performance model. But it could also be an M Sport. What do you guys think?
Back at the beginning of the year, Autocar published a report saying the new M-tuned 1 Series would be called M130iX M Performance. This contradicted our belief that it was an M135i xDrive, and since BMW recently launched a 300 horsepower X2 M35i...
But an interesting thought just popped up in our head: what if there are two models after all. Not like the Mercedes-AMG A35 and A45, but like the Golf GTI and Golf R, with around 250 and 300 HP, respectively. That would make more sense, considering BMW is newer at this FWD game the Benz boys.
Regardless, the new 1 Series is based on the new FAAR, which is all about hybrid system integration. Forget about hitting 300 km/h on the autobahn, a real premium hatch should be allowed into all the major city centers and run on buttery-smooth engines. Also, don't expect BMW to be shy with the technology - 360-degree cameras, iDrive with Apple and "Hey, BMW" or some level of autonomy.
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