BMW's To Broaden 1-Series Lineup With FWD, GT-Like Small Car

If BMW hasn't become enough niche for your taste, just wait! There's more! New reports are saying that in addition to the second-generation rear-wheel drive 1-Series, there will be a pair of front-wheel drive cars set to go head-to-head with the Audi A3.

Autocar mentions that there will be a five-door hatchback and a "sporting estate," whatever that means. However, the key is that Autocar mentions later on that its shape will be similar to that of the 5-Series GT. And you though BMW gave up on that look. Nope, not quite.

More importantly, what say you, Spies? Is this a wise move or is this overkill?

Two roomy and highly practical front-wheel-drive BMWs are set to broaden the reach and appeal of the forthcoming second-generation 1-series.

The new front-drive models will be aimed squarely at the Audi A3. They will also provide added environmental credentials to BMW’s entry-level line-up through the introduction of a ground-breaking new three-cylinder engine...

[Source: Autocar]

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carE10 - 12/13/2010 11:13:58 PM

+6 Boost

OOR what's with the BMW bashing rhetoric "If BMW hasn't become enough niche for your taste, just wait!"

Audi and Mercedes are in just as many niches as BMW.

"Autocar mentions that there will be a five-door hatchback
and a "sporting estate," whatever that means."

In Europe the term Estate refers to a station wagon.
So Sporting estate = sporty station wagon. If you don't know that I have to question your knowledge on cars, and your qualifications to admin the site.

"However, the key is that Autocar mentions later on that its shape will be similar to that of the 5-Series GT."

Why is this key, to induce a flame war? Why cant any of the site administrators not be biased? OR at least be professional and not let their biases be so transparent.

Agent00R - 12/13/2010 11:41:36 PM

-4 Boost

First off, it's 00R not "OOR."

Secondly, I don't need you to explain what an estate is. I am sure BMW would love to tell you that a 5GT is a sporting estate too but that isn't really sporting nor an estate, is it? That's the point.

Lastly, the beauty of a social media platform is to discuss topics in a forum-like atmosphere as you have chosen to do.

Oh yes, and you can say we're bias all you want but if you don't let us call it as we see it, then how are we suppose to give you the truth?

Unlike other automotive publications we've taken a different route so we can provide you insight that's straightforward and not going to beat around the bush.

carE10 - 12/14/2010 12:02:01 AM

+5 Boost

"if you don't let us call it as we see it, then how are we suppose to give you the truth?"

How YOU see it may not be the truth or how OTHERS see it. Stick with the facts.

BMW tells us the 5GT is a GT. Not a 5 series estate.

bmwdrvr - 12/14/2010 8:44:10 AM

+4 Boost

im not sure why you even have to waste your time carE10 responding to his poor writing opionated pseudo elitist blow hard that actually speaks in third person in own articles like some pompous ingrate. Do like most people do ignore him and just respon to the topic his view points are useless.....

Agent00R - 12/14/2010 12:39:18 PM

-1 Boost

@bmwdrvr

I'll keep you around just for laughs.

0to60 - 12/14/2010 10:40:25 AM

+1 Boost

Time to implement some spam control...

Willis - 12/14/2010 12:47:58 PM

0 Boost

Average consumer: What is FWD?