Spyshots: 2012 BMW 1 Series 5-Door

As announced ever since last year, the 1 Series is attempting to grow in importance for German manufacturer BMW. With the M version of the existing 1 Series released in the last months of 2010, all the eyes of the BMW fans turned towards 2011, the year when the refreshed version of the regular model will hit the market.

We've already presented you a sneak peak at the 3-door version of the 1 Series back in September and now, thanks to the sneaky spyphotographers, the picture is complete with these shots of the 5-door version.

Visually, the model is not a drastic departure of the current lines, even if the new 1 Series will receive a longer body and some new styling here and there, mainly to the grille, bumpers and tail
lights.

The more extensive changes will be noticeable under the hood of the new 1 Series. To be produced by BMW together with PSA (who together make the engines for the MINI range as well), the new units will offer the future customers quite a long list to choose from.

According to the information available, the backbone of the powerplant lineup will consist of two versions of a 2.0l four cylinder turbocharged engine, with the power rated at 204 and 238 horsepower, respectively.

Those with a taste for smaller engines will be able to choose from 1.2l and 1.5l units with power outputs ranging from 70 to 184 horsepower. At the opposite end, the top of the range 135i will be powered by a new N55 petrol twin scroll turbo straight-six engine good for 302 hp.