The New 1-Series

After what appears to have been a successful first generation for the 1-series, the new generation will possibly be launched in autumn 2012, once the present 1-series six year cycle is complete.
                

The engines earmarked for initial sales of the second generation 1-series are all four-cylinders; the 1.6 and 1.8 petrol engines along with three diesel engines; the 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0. Unsurprisingly, BMW are launching more diesel engines than petrol for their premium small car. Gone are the days when only one diesel engine was on offer when a new model was released.

Although there has been some debate with the BMW fan community about the looks of the new 1-series, I feel that it is not altogether bad looking. In fact it has remained true to its predecessors style, the front end has experienced the facelift of other BMW models including the new 5-series and 3-series. The new 1 also incorporates styling from the past, accentuated in the Z3M, when looked at from a side angle.

    
Although little information has been officially released on the new 1-series, I can inform you that the output of the engines aforementioned is as follows: 116i: 136 hp, 118i: 170 hp, 116d: 116 hp, 118d: 143 hp, 120d: 184 hp.

As and when more information regarding launch date and confirmation of pricing is released, I will update you.

Photos are courtesy of BMW AG.