Report - BMW 1 Series sedan postponed to 2017

28/09/2013 - 13:07 | ,   | Shrawan Raja

According to an article on AutoNews.com, BMW has planned a 1 Series sedan, but it won't arrive before 2017. The current 1 Series, which will diversify into a 2 Series next year, upgrades the convertible and coupe version into the higher series, while retaining the three- and five-door hatchbacks.

The entry-level sedan BMW is planning to rival the Audi A3 Sedan and the Mercedes CLA Class is part of a new family of front wheel drive models that begins with the new generation Mini which will launch at the LA Auto Show in November.

Front left three quarter of the BMW 1 Series
The next generation BMW 1 Series, which is expected in 2017, will be based on the front-wheel drive UKL platform.

The platform of the 2018 BMW 1 Series goes by the name UKL (Unter Klasse, or entry-level) and will also underpin the next generation BMW X1. Most of the lower segment BMW vehicles such as the 1 Series and 2 Series families, would be eventually on the UKL.

Codenamed NES (New Entry-level Sedan), a BMW insider says the car is "integral to BMW's growth plans". As sales of premium brand four-door saloons in China and US are increasing, this model is believed to be an important pillar to the company's growth plans.

The four-door model is developed by BMW to support front-wheel drive as well as four-wheel drive, the latter which is an option across its entire portfolio.

Audi A3 sedan red
The 1 Series sedan will have to fight it out with the Audi A3 Sedan and the Mercedes CLA.

BMW is moving to the testing and development phase of the 1 Series sedan. Though a production site has not been decided yet, insiders believe that the model would be built in China, Brazil and Germany.

Engine options would include three- and four-cylinder direct-injection petrol and turbocharged diesel units. As a part of BMW's EfficientDynamics initiative, a plug-in hybrid would be offered later in the car's lifecycle.

[Source - AutoNews.com]

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