2019 BMW 1 Series interior spied

Although large swaths of the cabin are covered, we see can make out some details through the cladding. There looks to be a larger and better integrated infotainment screen sitting in the middle of the dashboard, for one.

There's a large iDrive controller sitting on the transmission tunnel, situated alongside a new-style automatic transmission shifter and an electronic parking brake.

Ahead of the driver is a high resolution screen for displaying instrumentation, navigation and infotainment functions. There are buttons on the steering wheel for the audio and radar-guided cruise control systems.

Externally, this latest prototype doesn't look any different to the car spotted in September on the Nurburgring, with false body panels and temporary lighting units hiding many of the car's styling details.

The third-generation 1 Series hatch will ditch its rear-wheel drive underpinnings in favour of a front- and all-wheel drive platform shared with Mini and other small BMW models, including the X1, X2, 2 Series Active Tourer, and the China-only 1 Series sedan.

While the move to a front-wheel architecture will have some purists sobbing into their steins, the change should ensure the new hatchback has improved space efficiency and more interior room, especially for those sitting down back.

Under the bonnet, the new 1 Series is expected to feature a selection of three- and four-cylinder turbocharged petrol and diesel engines.

The rumour mill indicates the new 1 Series hatch will likely make its debut either in late 2018 or early 2019.

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