Whatever happened to interest in the 1-Series M Coupe? Everyone was all jazzed about that situation like Daft Punk was coming to town, and then...nothing. Anyway, moving further forward into the future here are some spy shots of the next-generation 1-Series hatch, codenamed F20, which is set to show up late next year.
The F20 will come with 4-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines and, if the age-old rumors are true, four-cylinder and perhaps even three-cylinder turbo petrols. 6-cylinders might be carried over, but could be phased out in the future in favor of the turbocharged fours. Also, a second generation of BMW's ActivE concept is likely to show up in more widespread form (think the Mini E's lease plan).
After the hatch debuts (in 5- and 3-door body styles), we'll get second generations of the coupe and convertible (and maybe even a 1GT at the rate BMW's going).
Don't expect any major market distribution changes; if you've got the hatchbacks, you're probably keeping the hatchbacks. America will get our Coupes and Convertibles, but anyone thinking a 1-Series hatch could appear Stateside is kidding themselves.
Externally, the car will be gaining LEDs front and back, and its own version of the 7-Series baby-eating grille, evolving much like the rest of the family. Underneath, its segment-busting rear-wheel drive will be retained.
By Phil Alex
