Spyshots of a PRODUCTION BMW 1-series coupe

[850CSi]

I don't really see this doing very well over here. Especially if a an M version costs more than a 335i (which I'd rather have).

It'll be an absolute kick in the pants to drive, though.

[LonghornTX]

I don't really see this doing very well over here. Especially if a an M version costs more than a 335i (which I'd rather have).

Why do you say that?

[Raza]

Why do you say that?

Americans do have a tough time buying small cars, and an even tougher time buying small cars with premium badges.

[850CSi]

Why do you say that?

What are you asking about specifically?

The first part Raza answered for me, the second part is just because I love the E92 and while I like smaller cars, I don't like small cars.

[LonghornTX]

Americans do have a tough time buying small cars, and an even tougher time buying small cars with premium badges.

The MINI doesn't seem to have that problem  .

[LonghornTX]

What are you asking about specifically?

The first part Raza answered for me, the second part is just because I love the E92 and while I like smaller cars, I don't like small cars.

Well, I think it is a bit far fetched to think that this car will be doomed to poor sales simply because it is a small car with a premium badge.  Like I brought up with Raza, the MINI has enjoyed considerable success here in the states and it is much smaller than the coupe and is not that much cheaper (on the lower end of course).  All this, WITHOUT the BMW badge.  I think that if they can produce a product that has premium features, interior, and performance while still maintaining a price below the 3 series, the rest will take care of itself.

Another thing to remember is this car will more than likely enjoy a HUGE marketing push from BMW, something the A3 here in the states did without....

[850CSi]

Is the A3 selling well? I never see any of them, and Chicagoland seems to be one of Audi's bigger markets.

[LonghornTX]

Is the A3 selling well? I never see any of them, and Chicagoland seems to be one of Audi's bigger markets.

Not particularly, but it is easy to see why.  They have had almost no direct advertisements, no lease incentives, and a horrible model selection.

I see a bunch of them here in Austin, but Austin is a particularly early adopter of new cars/technology due to the high % of techies that live here.

[ro51092]

Audi placed the A3 weirdly. The GTI, which is the same car, without the premium badge is cheaper, has a nicer (IMO) interior, and does everything better. I don't know why they didn't use the TT's Haldex AWD system instead of the FWD. I guess it isn't a bad choice for the price, but VW's own GTI makes more sense.

[red_shift]

Well, I think it is a bit far fetched to think that this car will be doomed to poor sales simply because it is a small car with a premium badge.? Like I brought up with Raza, the MINI has enjoyed considerable success here in the states and it is much smaller than the coupe and is not that much cheaper (on the lower end of course).? All this, WITHOUT the BMW badge.? I think that if they can produce a product that has premium features, interior, and performance while still maintaining a price below the 3 series, the rest will take care of itself.

Another thing to remember is this car will more than likely enjoy a HUGE marketing push from BMW, something the A3 here in the states did without....

Mini is a good point, although Mini Cooper is a different vehicle than the 1 series. 1 series is a smaller sibling of a family. Mini is all alone, and is more of a 'statement' vehicle than the 1 series.

having said all that, I love the short front overhang and the taut profile of the 1 series, which reminds (to me) the E46 coupe proportions. I don't like the overall design however. It will be a hoot to drive (I'm sure) and will be very tough for me to resist.

At the risk of sounding a lot like Raza, I have to say, this is the bonafide torch bearer for the small, agile car in the true BMW spirit.

[Raza]

The MINI doesn't seem to have that problem  .

Mini cracked open a niche; it's a great car with trendy little styling.  Because it's actually a great car, it survived.

[Raza]

At the risk of sounding a lot like Raza, I have to say, this is the bonafide torch bearer for the small, agile car in the true BMW spirit.

[ro51092]

I think the 3er's extremely agile, as well as small. However, the 1er will only be moreso, which I'm TOTALLY down with.

[TheIntrepid]

Your sig has too many lines IMO. Clubs are so, last year.

[Raza]

I think the 3er's extremely agile, as well as small. However, the 1er will only be moreso, which I'm TOTALLY down with.

The 3 series is huge. 

[Minpin]

I think the 3er's extremely agile, as well as small. However, the 1er will only be moreso, which I'm TOTALLY down with.

I have a feeling that everyone will be let down by the 1er. I don't see it as being that great of a car.

[LonghornTX]

Mini is a good point, although Mini Cooper is a different vehicle than the 1 series. 1 series is a smaller sibling of a family. Mini is all alone, and is more of a 'statement' vehicle than the 1 series.

having said all that, I love the short front overhang and the taut profile of the 1 series, which reminds (to me) the E46 coupe proportions. I don't like the overall design however. It will be a hoot to drive (I'm sure) and will be very tough for me to resist.

At the risk of sounding a lot like Raza, I have to say, this is the bonafide torch bearer for the small, agile car in the true BMW spirit.

You can look for the coupe to be marketed as a 'statement' vehicle for sure  .

[LonghornTX]

Mini cracked open a niche; it's a great car with trendy little styling.? Because it's actually a great car, it survived.

Well, I guess we will have to see how this model turns out.  If it indeed drives as well as most expect it to and it comes with the updated interior from the facelifted HB, I think all should be gravy as far as sales are concerned.  BMWs sell on a premium on the regular; if this model pocesses the traditional BMW qualities, why should it not be successful?  It has no real direct competitors and the model line for the company has a wide open spot for it.

[LonghornTX]

I have a feeling that everyone will be let down by the 1er. I don't see it as being that great of a car.

What makes you think that?  It is a great driver's car already and this coupe will be even more so.  Furthermore, the interior that was once regarded as poor quality has now been updated.  There should be no more gripes about lack of rear space because now it is a true 2 door.

[ro51092]

The 3 series is huge. 

The E90 still weighs as mugh as the E46.

[Raza]

The E90 still weighs as mugh as the E46.

It weighs more, and when did I say anything about weight?  Have you been in a 3 series?  It's cavernous.

[nickdrinkwater]

It doesn't look bad but it all seems a bit pointless to me.

[Raza]

It doesn't look bad but it all seems a bit pointless to me.

Backseats in the hatch are pretty useless anyway.  This way, they can sell the car to a bunch of image conscious Americans who wouldn't want a hatch. 

[ChrisV]

It doesn't look bad but it all seems a bit pointless to me.

The point being a modern version of the 2002 or E30. A smaller, lighter less expensive version, exactly what the 3 series stopped being.

[omicron]

It's going to be fantastic. I can't wait.