The 1-Series will slot into the BMW range under the current 3-Series and its arrival should mark the end of the road for the uninspiring but accomplished 3-Series Compact.

There will be both three- and five-door versions of the 1-Series, together with a two-door notchback-cum-coupe. BMW's expectation is that they will provide very stiff competition for premium models of the mk5 Golf. And the 1's rear-wheel drive will also make it unique within this market segment, giving it great appeal to enthusiast drivers.
The key to the 1-Series' market acceptability lurks beneath the black plastic disguise panels on the side of the car. Because although the nose and tail treatments are reasonably conventional, the side of the 1-Series is heavily scalloped and has a swooping sill line. The overall effect is not unlike the side profile of the Z4 roadster.

There are rumours that the 1-Series will spawn an open-top derivative, but it's unclear at the moment whether it would take the form of a conventional, Golf Cabrio-style cruiser, or be rebodied into a full-on roadster. Either one has the potential for volume sales, and BMW is looking for big numbers from the 1-Series - the regular versions are expected to add 200,000 units a year, taking BMW's total to 1.2 million.