With the next generation BMW 1-Series due to arrive in 2011, prototype mules wearing the current body have been spotted in the early stages of testing.
Following a mid-life facelift performed in 2007, the new 1-Series spied in BMW’s typical psychedelic camouflage will sport an all-new look along with a rumoured new body style.
Talking with AutoBild, BMW’s product development chief, Klaus Draeger, mentioned that the new 1-Series line-up may feature a type of elongated shooting-brake two-door wagon/hatch variant.
Such a variant, which can accommodate adult size rear passengers unlike the current 1-Series, would allow BMW to offer it to the US market.
The engine offerings will range from 1.4-litres to 3.0-litres with turbocharged models a certainty – although a rumoured M variant is unlikely to be released.
Instead, greener variants are likely to dominate the new additions to the 1-Series range such as low-polluting diesels and a hybrid.
I’m glad the rear door now goes into the wheel arch, freeing up some space for the rear passenger entry. The rear doors on the current model are ridiculously small.
What does “shooting-brake” mean?
I don’t know where the name comes from, but a Shooting Brake is essentially a two-door wagon, or a two-door coupe-wagon. It is more the first though. An example is the Mercedes Benz Concept Fascination, which should go into production in the near future. It is basically a E-Class Estate with the rear doors taken off.
The shooting brake look is usually a squared off (at the rear) 2 door wagon. The previous model liberty wagon had a shooting brake look to it but was a 4 door wagon
Looks like nothing more then a Holden Astra, with a BMW badge and double the price tag. Yawn, another European taxi.