All new BMW 1-Series undergoing tests in Europe

2011 BMW 1-Series

The smallest offering from the BMW stable, the 1-Series was BMW’s attempt at capturing VW’s market share. The legendary VW Golf was, or rather still is the king of the Hot Hatch segment. This segment was already crowded a few years back when BMW launched the 1-Series.

Ford’s Focus RS, Mini Cooper S, Renault Megane R26, Citroen C4 were some of the cars fighting over the expensive end of the small car segment. The 1-Series did look promising, except for its price. A 1-Series with almost all the creature comforts would have set you back more than 30,000 quids. Apart from that, the 1-Series did have the electrifying performance of the Golf.

BMW 1-Series rear

BMW has been working on a new 1-Series lately and test prototypes are already out on the roads. The new car will have an all new 1.5lt, 3 cylinder engine which has been engineered to reduce noise and vibrations of typical 3 pot motors. CO2 emissions have also been reduced.

2011 BMW 1-Series side

If you are ready to shell out more than 35 grand on a 1-Series, well, then you’ve got the option of the M1. At 38,000 quids which is 8 grand more than the 135i Coupe M sport. The M1 is speculated to have a mighty 350 bhp, twin-turbo 6 pot. Expect 0-60mph blasts in around 5.5 secs, thanks to the standard six-speed dual-clutch gearbox and an electronically controlled M differential. Fuel-saving measures such as brake energy regeneration and a stop-start system should also ensure pretty descent mileage figures of 30.7mpg.

Image Courtesy: Autocar