2012 BMW 1-Series

The spy photos teasing continues with the soon-to-unveiled BMW F20 1 Series Hatchback. The second generation 1 Series will debut later this year with sales starting in early 2012. The new 1 Series will first launch in three and five-door variants. The Coupe and Convertible bodystyle will follow at the end of 2012.

As we mentioned several times before, the 2012 1 Series hatchback is built under the codename F20, and will feature a slightly longer wheelbase and wider track than the current model. The car is set to go head-to-head with the Audi A3, one of the market leaders in the entry-level premium segment.

Design wise, the F20 1 Series sports a lower character line that gives the car a more aerodynamic look. The design is considered to be an evolution of the current generation 1 Series, but with much more convex and concave shapes, 3D surfaces, a trend that evolves from recently unveiled BMWs.
At the front end, BMW revamped the headlights, bumper and kidney grille design. For the first time, LED signals made their way onto the side mirrors, an interesting move by BMW and likely followed by future models. Inside, the steering wheel design and dashboard controls align with the current design language at BMW, including the new LCD screen that takes a similar stand as the one recently displayed in the new 6 Series Concept. The car will inherit some cues from the 5 Series, taking the sometimes criticized 1er interior to higher luxury levels .
At launch time we suspected the new 1er will be using a range of three and four-cylinder engines, but latest information reveal that the F20 1 Series will debut with four-cylinder bangers only. The 116i and 118i will be powered by a new four-cylinder turbocharger, while the 116d and 118d will make use of diesel powerplants.

The public debut will take place on home turf at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September.