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2005 BMW 1-Series 5-Door Preview

Coming to North America?

Its hard to believe, but after years of speculation the Golf-sized BMW 1-Series is finally finished and ready for production. Well, at least we can be sure of the 5-door version being finalized.

Having been designed to fit under the 3-Series Compact in Europe as BMWs new entry-level model, it just might do some damage within the luxury hatchback market - but it wont be easy. It targets the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Audi A3, posh versions of Volkswagens Golf and a few other high-end compacts after all.

The brand marked by the blue and white propeller badge is known for standing above and going beyond its class rivals when it comes to performance and appearances, the latter obviously

After years of speculation its finally official, BMW will have the tools to compete in the luxury hatchback market. (Photo: BMW of North America)

being up for personal interpretation since Bangle and Hooydonk have been in charge of design. But no matter what you think of the brands styling direction, its move down market into the C-segment is a bold venture.

Being a modern BMW the 1 has been penned with the brands new flaming surface design language, similar in fashion to the Z4 especially. Like it or lump it at the very least the brands key styling characteristics,

Like it or lump it, the 1-Series incorporates BMWs new flaming surface design language. (Photo: BMW of North America)

such as the double kidney grille and dual headlights, are incorporated into the design. Other than the Z4, inspiration for the 1 comes mostly from the car initially designed for the segment, the CS1 concept of 2002. Much of its proportion, shapes, curves and contortions are close to identical. In addition, the long front hood with rearwards-mounted cabin, thick C-pillars and low, swooping roofline further define this car as a BMW.

Overall, the 1-Series five-door hatchback measures in a 166.54 inches in length, 9.45 inches

BMW claims that rear-wheel drive in a small car like the 1-Series is a must. (Photo: BMW of North America)

shorter than the current 3-Series sedan, but 0.79 inches longer than the new Golf. Cargo capacity is 11.7 cubic feet with the rear seats up, and 40.6 cubic feet with the seatbacks folded, impressive for this class.

When Mercedes-Benz entered the compact hatchback market with its A-Class, it started from scratch by creating a front-wheel driven car. Though BMW has done this before, having suffered through a short stint developing the Rover 75, and then a much more successful experience with the new MINI, it chose to stick to a rear-wheel drive configuration with the new 1-Series in order to stay true to its brand identity. BMW claims

Being that its from BMW you can expect the 1-Series to have a class-topping handling and ride combination. (Photo: BMW of North America)

that rear-wheel drive in a small car is a must, helping to create balanced weight distribution (50:50 in the 1-Series), a steering system free from drivetrain influence, and optimal traction under a full load. Whether or not other manufacturers or their customers, all of which have been born and raised on the supposed supremacy of front-wheel drive, agree with BMWs opinion, its a one-of-a-kind in the segment. Of course, being more expensive to produce a rear-wheel drive car, it makes sense that BMW is hardly trying to sell ice to the Inuit.

Though small, BMW doesnt seem to have cut any corners in engineering the 1. Up front, a complex suspension system is crafted from aluminum to reduce weight, while the rear utilizes

Upon its European introduction the 1-Series will feature four engines, two being gasoline and two diesel. (Photo: BMW of North America)

BMWs Z-Axle five-link setup. Expect class-topping handling and ride - if for some reason you would expect anything less from a BMW.

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