BMW preparing to launch Mini based 0-Series
October 12, 2009 by Matt Brogan
According to a recent article published by UK-based Car magazine, BMW is preparing a Mini-based ‘0-Series’ model range intended to bridge the gap between Mini and BMW 1-Series vehicles.
The plan will not only see the German brand made more appealing to a whole new demographic, but will also be vitally important to BMW’s business plan to pass more stringent upcoming emissions and fuel economy regulations.
In a curious twist, Mini’s architecture will also mean the 0-Series will be front-wheel drive – a first for the BMW brand.
Likely to be powered by a range of new three- and four-cylinder engines efficiency will take priority over outright power, though rumours of forced induction mean performance should be rather lively.
Car went on to say the 0-Series will be available in three- and five-door hatch configurations, as well as a two-door roadster which will sit beneath the upcoming Z2.
No launch date has yet been given.
Print it: 
I think that the car isa good idea but the name just doesnt suit. 0 Series??? C’mon it just doesnt work. Plus i think that BMW should stay loyal to their rear wheel drive heritage.
I agree, stick to the RWD! Bmw have been about quality, but i guess due to the economy they need to produce something a little more affordable to the average joe. It would sell but IMO bmw are lowering their standards to suit economy.
BMW are starting to suffer Mercedes-itis… too many models!
I thought the fact that they were releasing an X1, as well as having an X3 and an X5 in their line up was too much (X3 is kind of pointless being jammed between the X1 and X5), now a 0-series? The gap between the Mini and the 1 series is already minimal, and they are trying to fill it???
Won’t happen. BMW will remain RWD and AWD only.
FWD is the domain of Volkswagen sorry Audi…
I like to refer to them as volkskodaudattini
You forgot Seat, Bentley and Scania.
Not to mention Lamborghini and Porsche!
he put Lambo in, the last three letters.
Thanks, I didn’t notice that. Porsche then! :-)
You could also possibly add MV Augusta to that as well. Apparently VW is circling around that brand now that Harley Davidson are selling their share of the classic Italian brand. H-D are having a “GM style” fire sale offloading MV and discontinuing Buell. I wonder if the US Govt would step in if they looked like going belly up as well…
I think that MB had the idea by producing their small car under a different guise. This could work for BMW but they would really need to market it.
For me, BMW is RWD. This shouldn’t change..
I think it is funny that those who have never driven a BMW are adamant that they should be kept RWD! From reviews I have read the FWD Mini handles excellently, and I see no reason why BMW would abandon their ‘driving purity’ ways and make a doughy front driver. If this is going to be a FWD, you can bet your house it will be better than most RWD cars out there.
I have driven a Cooper S and you are correct. This is more than dynamics, its heritage. We know they could make a perfectly good FWD car but it just wouldn’t be true to their past. As the saying goes, if it aint broke..
BMW never fails to stun and amaze me at the same time…idea sounds really good. Whatever the reason they have for this 0 series, I hope it won’t affect the effect BMW have in many car fanatics…
BMW, please stop making pointless cars. There’s no need to fill the gap between the Mini and 1 Series. What you need to build is the Z6. Don’t let the 911 and R8 run the party by themselves.
I thought they could have just make some even higher spec minis if they want to bridge gap. Like the 2 seater Mini Coupe and cabrio that they are going to make. FWD should really be left in the mini brand where BMW is reserved for RWD and AWDs
I was quite excited to hear about the 0-series at first for even cheaper and more affordable good handling RWDs then I hear it’s gonna be FWD. Boomer!