FWD 1 Series hatch on track for 2018

1 Series sedan launched in China last year, for that market only.

BMW is well advanced in testing prototypes of its 1 Series replacement, due for reveal next year, writes Brian Byrne.

The next generation of the car will ditch the rear-wheel-drive signature of BMWs and use the UKL FWD platform which underpins the current Mini and the 1 Series sedan (above) launched in China last year. The 2 Series Active Tourer and Gran Tourer also use the architecture.

The next 1 Series hatch is expected to offer more room inside thanks to the UKL platform and is likely to be powered by 3- and 4-cylinder engines and a hybrid powertrain.