While the newly redesigned 3-series is still the reigning sports sedan benchmark according to most fellow auto journos, one criticism has been that it is gotten bigger and heavier. In fact, the 2013 3-series is a massive 26 cms longer than the first generation 3-series. Some claim that this takes away from the spirit and rawness that made the original such a hit in the first place.
Well the good news about the growing 3-series was that it allowed BMW to slot in a smaller model underneath the 3-series in the line up. The 1-series happily took up the all the accolades of being a more raw, nimble, excellent handling BMW. It is even constantly referred to as a successor to the old 2002 (high praise).
However the 1-series is only available in either 5-door or 3-door hatchback abroad and only as coupe or cabriolet here in North America. What about those who are looking to a true successor to the original 3-series sedan?
Well BMW is planning on satisfying those wants with a 1-series sedan that BMW calls “the spiritual successor to the E30-generation 3 Series four-door.”
In that spirit, it will be 1-series sized, with rear wheel drive, a manual transmission and be lighter than the 3-series. There were rumours of the 1-series turning to front-wheel drive, however the latest report is that only a 1-series GT will be front wheel drive, while the rest of the line-up remains rear-wheel drive.
As for power plants, expect a host of four cylinders and diesels for the rest of the world while our choices will be limited to just fours and sixes. Not a bad thing, but having the choice of a diesel would be great. Also, X drive all-wheel drive is expected to be optional. An all-electric version is also being considered.
The 1-series sedan is also expected to give some competition to Mercedes-Benz’s CLA and Audi’s A3 sedan.
Are you looking forward to a supposed 3-series inspired 1-series sedan?
PS – if the pic above makes the 1-series sedan look awfully disproportionate and awkward, don’t worry, that’s just a photoshop.
[Autocar]
