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Given the enlarging of the 3-series (and its price), plus the new entry models from Audi and Mercedes (for similar reasons / chasing similar customer), this lower-priced entry-level Bimmer seems likely to be a big seller. No, it won't have the driving dynamics of a RWD car, but can we pause for a moment to acknowledge how many people love the go-cart handling of the MINI? With this on the same platform as the latest MINI, it should hopefully handle well, even if it inevitably exhibits FWD characteristics.
As a manual transmission enthusiast, I'm disappointed that BMW has scaled back which models it offers with manual (i.e., AWD + manual), but given I live in an area with long, snowy winters, I'm down with a FWD 120i + manual (not offered on new A3 or CLA in U.S.).
Obviously RWD devotees will stay away, but price-conscious shoppers who are open to FWD (and/or have little awareness of FWD vs. RWD) will hop right on it.
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