[BMW-RaceR]

1-Series is now the F20/21 hatchback with RWD.

2-series will arrive in form of a gran coupe (4/5 door), and probably other versions as well (2 door coupe, and convertible). Chassis will be based on the current one series as I understand.

So when the new FWD 1-series hits the dealerships (late 2013?), what will happen with the current RWD 1-series?

Im thinking it would be strange for BMW to have two 1-series at the same time. Calling one the RWD hatchback which is available in 3 and 5 door versions, and the other FWD 1-series for Active Grand Tourer. Which will probably be available in 3 and 5 door versions and is essentialy a hatcback.

Could the F20/F21 risk having EOL already in 2014?

[BMW-RaceR]

E36 Compact lived from 1993–2000.

E46 Compact was only in production between 2000–2004. Then it got replaced by the E87 1-series.
Like the F20/F21 it was not know to be the best looking BMW in its time.
And it was not sold in North-America.

Seems like history might repeat itself in some regards. F20/F21 2011-2014/2015? Replaced by 2-series and new FWD 1-series.

[logiclee]

The f20/21/22 platform is only just over a year old and the second varient has only just been released (f21)

The new FWD cars share the mini platform and will be separate to the normal RWD Series cars. UK dealer told be they will be named differently as not to weaken the brands (Ultimate Driving Machine) image.

The 1 Series will continue to be a rival for the A-Class and A3, the new FWD cars will be packaged to compete with the spacious B-Class.

The coupe was always planned to be a 2 series same as the new 3 series coupe will be a 4 series. This is to lift the coupe's to a higher price point and compete with Audi's branding with the A5 and A7.

Cheers
Lee

[Howard1972]

Big mistake they should still keep the RWD 1 series as it is. every car I've had was front wheel drive they all had poor handling then I got 1 series RWD best car I have ever had if they do away with RWD I will not come back to BMW for my next car no way.

[KoenG]

Current F20/21 still has several years to go before retirement. I hope the RWD proposal will remain for many years to come in this segment!

[BMW-RaceR]

It is just strange that BMW maybe will put two completely different drivetrains into the 1-series "range".
Especially considering that they are splitting up other series so that they can use all the numbers.
A FWD car, and a RWD car with different design into the same series is just strange in my opinion..

[logiclee]

Originally Posted by BMW-RaceR

It is just strange that BMW maybe will put two completely different drivetrains into the 1-series "range".
Especially considering that they are splitting up other series so that they can use all the numbers.
A FWD car, and a RWD car with different design into the same series is just strange in my opinion..

The UK dealerships have been in constant meetings with BMW as will the rest of the network. The feeling on the ground is the fwd models will not be series cars of any description but will be named independently to distinquish them from the rwd models.

Cheers
Lee

[BMW-RaceR]

Originally Posted by logiclee

The UK dealerships have been in constant meetings with BMW as will the rest of the network. The feeling on the ground is the fwd models will not be series cars of any description but will be named independently to distinquish them from the rwd models.

Cheers
Lee

That would make sense! I hope that is how they solve the "problem"..
When reading here, or in the media you only get the impression that the FWD BMWs is the "new" 1-series.. At least that is the impression I get..

[SCOTT26]

The upcoming BMW City Compactive is based on the MINI and will be available as a 3dr and 5dr hatch think of it is BMW's answer to Audi's A1.
That will come in 2014.

The next generation 1er Sporthatch which will launch sometime in 2017.
Will be completely FWD .
There is no concern with the BMW transition to FWD as the chief engineers on the entire sub-compact/MINI promise to make a better entertaining and dynamic FWD car than Audi.

Having seen the range of FWD models BMW are soon to unleash on the market alongside the Active Tourer which is 90% the production car.

Every model is entirely unique and highly desirable and embodies the typical BMW sporting profile. What is essential is that these cars are entirely distinguished from their MINI counterparts - there is nothing bar you take the car down to its bare platform and components to suggest they are the same cars.

These cars are hugely important for the global market due to the prospects of growth for sub-compact luxury cars and will be instrumental in driving the gap wider between BMW and Audi in terms of sales.

The next generation X1 model is also looking great , which will also transist to FWD.

[ovekvam]

So that means the F20/F21 is the last BMW RWD hatchback?

[SCOTT26]

Originally Posted by ovekvam

So that means the F20/F21 is the last BMW RWD hatchback?

It depends as there will be a 3er GT and (possible) 2er Gran Sports Tourer which is a bit like a Hyundai Veloster type Hatch-Coupe to satisfy those that want a RWD hatch.

Think of this render as the direction of the FWD City Compactive - Sporting ,dynamic , desireable. That is the aim of the new range of FWD BMW's , BMW completely understand the need to distinguish these cars from their MINI Counterparts so if you want the same car with a different badge go to VW where they will sell you the Up,Citigo and Mii.
The FWD cars will have completely different characters compared to their MINI compatriots that is the aim.

Aswell as distinguishing the cars BMW will also invest millions into a marketing campaign for the new car it wont feature Justin Timberlake or really bad acting nor will it plagerize BMW's own The Hire series , despite BMW being the sole creative entity for "The Hire".

[BMW-RaceR]

Thanks for the info scott26!
That BMW in the picture looks quite good for a non m-package car.

Based on what you are saying I would assume the RWD 1-series may end in 2017. That would be a pretty normal life expectation. Which is good! But ending compact RWD cars would be bad!
I do hope BMW will come with a nice facelift for the F20/F21 soon that would make people change from looks ok but ugly headlights. To looks good and nice headlights.

I really hope that they will make a 2-series hatch-coupe style car!
BMW needs a RWD practical compact car!
Or else the market will only have sport cars, or RWD heavier larger cars. Not a fun drivers car in between that is also practical. I hate it when you have to choose between unpractical sports car, or half practical sedan/coupe where you cant fit big objects.

BMW also needs proper LSDs on their options lists!

[rickk]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

There is no concern with the BMW transition to FWD as the chief engineers on the entire sub-compact/MINI promise to make a better entertaining and dynamic FWD car than Audi.

Well, that's not exactly setting the bar high...

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

Aswell as distinguishing the cars BMW will also invest millions into a marketing campaign for the new car it wont feature Justin Timberlake or really bad acting

So no Lund brothers anymore?

- Rick

[bimmerjph]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

Think of this render as the direction of the FWD City Compactive - Sporting ,dynamic , desireable.

I see a lot of Zagato in the front of that car.

[ovekvam]

Originally Posted by BMW-RaceR

I really hope that they will make a 2-series hatch-coupe style car!
BMW needs a RWD practical compact car!
Or else the market will only have sport cars, or RWD heavier larger cars. Not a fun drivers car in between that is also practical. I hate it when you have to choose between unpractical sports car, or half practical sedan/coupe where you cant fit big objects.

BMW also needs proper LSDs on their options lists!

+1

Buying an F20 was an easy choice, since it is the only car of this type that exists on the market. When there are no more cars of this type anymore, I will have to buy a car that does not suit us. Maybe a sports car, and maybe not a BMW.

[AusF20/F48]

Originally Posted by ovekvam

+1

Buying an F20 was an easy choice, since it is the only car of this type that exists on the market. When there are no more cars of this type anymore, I will have to buy a car that does not suit us. Maybe a sports car, and maybe not a BMW.

+1 (BMW, we are serious)

[advantage20]

+1
Once on FWD, the main reason for buying a 1er over an A3 (thus sacrificing what the A3 is better for) will be gone

[SCOTT26]

I will shortly be going over the new BMW URBANIC compact in detail.

[theotherjohn]

It's the result I want, so not really too bothered about how it's achieved

[wolz]

Originally Posted by advantage20

+1
Once on FWD, the main reason for buying a 1er over an A3 (thus sacrificing what the A3 is better for) will be gone

+1