[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

2012 BMW 1-Series Hatch (F20) Spied in Black with Premium Wheels

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BMW continues winter testing of the F20 1-series 5-door hatchback. This is the first time we see a black model with less camouflage, showing its sculpted hood and showing premium wheels for the first time. The hood provides us an advance preview of the styling language we should expect to see on the next generation 1-Series and 3-Series.

From the first look, this is the most sculpted hood ever seen on a 1-Series (not hard with only 1 Generation), or even a 3-Series for that matter, and takes a tangential design direction from the F01 7-Series, F10 5-Series and even F25 X3 hood design. A new central column is now raised (whereas it is sunken by sharp lines on the F10), giving a very very sporty effect and is reminscent of the Fisker Karma.

Just a quick note before someone makes a comment about it. The headlights are not as massive as you may think they are from looking at the pictures. BMW has cleverly masked the headlights into a strange shape as an illusion, to make you think they are giant L shaped pieces. In fact, if you look closely you can see that these headlights are somethin more akin to the pieces you would see on the 5-Series GT.

The overall effect is too give the new 1-Series a much more upmarket elegant/sport visual appeal; I have to assume the same styling language will be seen on the other parts of the car that are still covered up. BMW has long talked about stepping up the quality and attention to detail on this car, as the 1-Series is expected to make a bigger part of the sales pie for the next generation.

The F20 1-series hatchback is expected to make its world premiere at the Frankfurt Autoshow in September (see: 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. Rumors have been afloat as to whether the next generation 1-Series Coupe would indeed be spun off as its own series, presumably the 2-Series, which opens the door for the 1M to be renamed more properly as the M2.

Bonus photos of the previously spied red F20 prototype are also attached below.

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[M2]

Looks a lot like the New Lexus CT 200h but with a longer nose.

[Touring]

I wonder if the black car is four-wheel drive, if you look at some of the pictures the car is oversteering but the front wheels are pointing into the turn, not countersteering as you would expect from a RWD.

[SCOTT26]

I fly to CapeTown, South Africa, tomorrow to begin media work on the new 1er in time for it's April launch. We have two engine examples a Petrol and Diesel.

[Mako]

Originally Posted by Touring

I wonder if the black car is four-wheel drive, if you look at some of the pictures the car is oversteering but the front wheels are pointing into the turn, not countersteering as you would expect from a RWD.

Well I thought the future 1 series was supposed to be FWD, and the Coupe would be the 2 series and stay RWD...

They might make it AWD, but isn't that what the X1 is for?
I would love a 1M hatch like this but not if its FWD and not if its the tiny engine upgrade they are using on the current 1M (it would be fine if the car weighed less).

I do like how this car looks though, reminds me of a Mazda 3 a little, good styling.

And to the other post, it looks NOTHING like that Lexus, LOL

[b9boy]

Originally Posted by Mako

And to the other post, it looks NOTHING like that Lexus, LOL

You're right, the Lexus looks much nicer

[Diver]

Well, we will not see this one in the USA. Will the F20 be four banger only? Will the E82 reemerge as a 2 series? Will the world end in 2012? Will Egypt collapse?

Stay tuned...

[Coni]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

I fly to CapeTown, South Africa, tomorrow to begin media work on the new 1er in time for it's April launch. We have two engine examples a Petrol and Diesel.

Ooh exciting, presumably you will see it completely un-camouflaged.

I really like the lower fascia on the front bumper, it's a lot better than the gaping maws present on the newer designs (LCI 3 coupe, 5, new 6, and 7). It's always looked a bit off to me, like its trying to suck up the ground.

[M2]

Originally Posted by b9boy

You're right, the Lexus looks much nicer

Agreed.

And unlike the hatchback 1 series, the Lexus will be available in the US on March of 2011. Who knows when BMW will realize that the hatchback is alive and well in the US. Look at Mazda, VW, Ford, Volvo and now Lexus. People in the US are willing to pay for a top of the line hatchback. I'm just po'd we didn't get the current 1 series hatchback, it looks better than this new model IMO.

[111R]

It's still ugly. I don't get the reversed 'C' pillar look that the 1 series hatch, Mazda 3, and others have. If the windows matched the roofline down to the base of the 'C' pillar, not only would it look better, but visibility would be much improved. It's academic, as BMW will never bring it here, much less with either a 4 cylinder diesel or M engine. Meanwhile, the 3 series is about to gain weight and size.

[SCOTT26]

Meanwhile, the 3 series is about to gain weight and size.

know that for sure , do you?

The X3 suggests otherwise.

[BimmerEngineer]

The 1 series 5 door hatch has been available in other countriesw for over 4 years....

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by BimmerEngineer

The 1 series 5 door hatch has been available in other countriesw for over 4 years....

It's actually been available since 2003 as a 2004 model. But this is the F20, not the E87.

[SCOTT26]

The latest AutoZeitung are running with a visual comparison with the new BMW 1er Sporthatch alongside the current VW Golf.

The rendering bar some detail changes to the front is almost spot on exact for the new Sporthatch. The key thing to understand is that there is more detail and sculpture in the facia as this rendering lets on in that it gives it a kind of bland look.
For example the headlights are more sculptured especially at the top edge with allows a ledge that forms in line with the front nose cone and bonnet lid.

As for the car itself? It is absolutely fantastic to drive it really enjoys the corners, and the steering is nice and agile. It is also very well insulated. The inside is like a mini-7er when equipped with full options and yes due to the wheelbase there is now an abundance of space if you choose to sit in the rear...

[jade767]

When can we order in Europe? March? Or September?

[SCOTT26]

The 1er will arrive in Europe just after the world premiere @ the IAA in Frankfurt this September. First details in the early summer.

[jade767]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

The 1er will arrive in Europe just after the world premiere @ the IAA in Frankfurt this September. First details in the early summer.

Thanks, guess I'll won't have it as an option as company car then

[SCOTT26]

A bit more accuracy...

[BMWDAD]

Can anyone enlarge Scott 26 pic of the 3 door 1 series?

[SCOTT26]

[BMWDAD]

Now I can picture what the coupe will look like. Thank you

[did75]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

Hi Scott,

Is that a french magazine?

I wonder if you know if the 3dr would be released at the same time as the 5dr hatch.

Thanks!