These are the best close-up photos of the F20 1-series 5-door hatchback yet. Everything can be seen clearly - from the front bumper design, the more upright front fascia and grilles, to the camouflaged headlights purposely taped to trick the eyes into thinking they are larger, and the rear lights powered by LED light bars. A closeup of the side view mirrors confirms that the next gen 1-series will be the first BMWs with integrated side view mirror turn signals.
This particular model is a 2.0 diesel (indicated by the N47D20 motor designation on the dash label) auto start-stop engine technology, paired with an 8 speed auto transmission, and appears to be an FEP prototype (final evaluation phase).
What's most interesting about these photos is the interior, which hasn't been spied since
last November. The dash shows a very driver-oriented angle and design with a large fixed navigation screen. This particular test car has a bit of style splashed into the interior - from the red stitching on the steering wheel, to the matching speedometer line, and the red passenger side trim. We're unsure at this point if these will be regular options, parts of a special package, or special edition.
Both cars are due out later this year, with the 1-Series hatchback (a car not likely to come to the USA) expected to make its World Premiere at the Frankfurt Autoshow in September (
http://www.bimmerpost.com/future-bmw/).
In usual BMW fashion, the Coupe body style (F22?) should arrive roughly 1 Year later, and would be expected as a 2013 model. BMW M will also have its hands at the new 1-Series and an M version should arrive 2 Years after the arrival of the hatchback this year.