So is this the much discussed 2009 BMW 1 Series coupe that could be headed for the U.S.? Well, it sure looks ready for production and the fact that it's getting what looks like a full on brochure quality photo shoot in the American southwest would seem to point in that direction as well. For awhile there we weren't sure if the 1 Series was ever going to make it Stateside, but recent rumors suggest we'll be getting this coupe sometime next year. Although there are four-cylinder 1 Series models in Europe, our versions will be six-cylinder models only...
With that in mind, expect this coupe to show up badged as either the BMW 130i or BMW 135i. Our money is on 130i as BMW will want to get the price down below $30K. Even still, were talking 230 horsepower and 200 pound feet of torque in a relatively small, rear wheel drive package. Then again, with the Volkwagen GTI offering 200hp and 207 lb-ft of torque for just over $22K, the 130i isn't necessarily a slam dunk.
estreka says:
02:48 PM, 03/18/07
People don't buy Bimmers because they're cheap.
hondacura4 says:
03:50 PM, 03/18/07
I would certainly consider this over any VW! Did I see 135? That motor in this small car would be a hoot to drive!
jschaffer180 says:
05:43 PM, 03/18/07
I hope they use the 3.0 engine from the Z4 with around 255hp. No doubt 230hp is decent, but more is obviously better.
autoboy16 says:
07:50 PM, 03/18/07
Hopefully we'll get a 130d and 125d and 125i and 130i. I actually like the look of the hatch, I hope we get it too. The 130 coupe reminds me of the E46.
A 215hp RWD coupe or a 250hp RWD coupe.... I wish BMW luck on this one.
Anyone not notice that horbilly applied sticker?
-Cj
akitadog says:
09:45 PM, 03/18/07
I'm very disappointed BMW wouldn't bring the hatch to the US from the beginning. I love the hatch and it makes so much more sense than a notchback version of such a small car. It's on my short list for my next car, but apparently I'll have to scratch that one off.
Unfortunately, the majority of the poseurs who would lease this car won't know that a better (and better-looking) hatch exists, hence dampening any kind of grass-roots demand for the hatch to be brought stateside.
I mean, BMW owns the premium hatch segment in the US (MINI, anyone?), so why would we get teased with the next step up, only to be fed what the lowest common denominator expects?
blueguydotcom says:
11:03 PM, 03/18/07
If it's sub 3000 lbs I'd sell off whatever car I had to get it. Sub 3200 lbs, I'll find a way eventually to ditch a current car for it. Sub 3400 lbs, I'll wonder why they bothered.
crashtestdingo says:
12:59 AM, 03/19/07
Let's not forget the convertible: http://66.160.188.111/Straightline/2398
bbechtel16 says:
05:59 AM, 03/19/07
BMW, if you don't offer the "big" (2.0?) 4 cylinder gasser in a hatch and/ot wagon, I'll kill ya! Diesel would be cool too, but with PA diesel prices I don't think you can justify the cost. I was hoping this would be the economical high performance RWD hatch/wagon I've been waiting for.
mr42hh says:
06:40 AM, 03/19/07
Here are the specs for both 1-series diesel versions, converted to US mpgs:
118d: 143hp, 300 Nm at 2000 rpm, 9 seconds 0-62
41.5 mpg urban, 57.5 highway, 50 mpg combined
120d: 177hp, 350 Nm at 2000 rpm, 7.5 seconds 0-62
38 mpg urban, 57.5 highway, 48 mpg combined
I've been in an "old" 118d, 2006 model, with the older, 122hp diesel. It's so quiet you don't even notice it's a diesel, yet strong enough to really move the little 1-series. The new ones can only be better.
rennf says:
09:05 AM, 03/19/07
I'll second akitadog and vote for the hatch, although I doubt BMW will bring it over. Don't know why, but the styling on this coupe does little for me -- on just about every spy shot I've seen I find the rear end boring (and I don't think it was b/c of the camouflage). I agree a reasonably-priced convertible option might be attractive (closest competitor: VW Eos?), but as for the styling of this coupe, I'll have to see one in person and hope for a pleasant surprise.
But a hatch...mmmm, nice.
ateixeira says:
10:51 AM, 03/19/07
The hatch is ugly, though. Plus the A3 did OK at first but sales have slowed.
I predict this coupe will be a huge hit for them, like no hatch ever could (in the USA).
desmolicious says:
02:32 PM, 03/19/07
I always wondered what happened to Cooter from Dukes Of Hazard. I see he is pumping gas.
racerboi25 says:
11:35 PM, 03/20/07
pffft hatches will never take off in the US...im sorry, what do we call the MINI & New Beetle then? yea both retro-cars, but it shows that with the right styling, a hatchback can take off in the US
the 1-series hatch is slightly cramped in the rear, but it is a fantastic car...trust me if they were as cheap here in Australia as they will be in the US, more people would be buying them
the hatch+coupe should go to the US, the hatch set up with 4-cylinder petrol&diesel engines, whilst the coupe should come with a base diesel engine & a small 6-cylinder/high-powered 4-cyl
the convertible would come with the coupe's engines.BMW needs this car quick.hatches are taking off in the US...people doubted Hybrids, and look what happened to them....
estreka says:
02:51 PM, 03/21/07
The Mini and New Beetle are purchased because of nostalgia, not because Americans are in love with hatchbacks. Ironically, some of the best compacts were/are hatchbacks.