"Tom Purves, BMW North America president and CEO, says the German luxury carmaker is planning to bring a version of*its 1-Series to the United States. However, it won't reach the U.S. market for another three years, which is when BMW has scheduled a re-do of the vehicle. The problem with bringing the current version to the U.S. sooner is that BMW isn't convinced that Americans really like hatchbacks. Thus the company has decided to wait until other versions of the 1-Series are available for export to the U.S. Purves also said*in the interview that BMW is still hurting from the fluctuations in the exchange rate. "The problem with hedging strategies is that you don't get the full benefit when things turn around (in your favor)," he said. "There is a time lag," he added.-Joe Szczesny"

Gee, overlap with the MINI and limited premium hatchback market giving them cold feet? ;-)

I think only kate moss could squeeze in those backseats

freakin americans! Ugh.

to buy that.

I loved it; plain and simple. I would consider it here depending on engine options. If it came with a Diesel it would be my first choice.

Quality isn't that great. Tried to save some space.<ul><li><a href="http://s61.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=0SB681LAYTR932PTESSW00EBRX">http://s61.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=0SB681LAYTR932PTESSW00EBRX</a</li></ul>

it will offer various pros and cons that will make them distinct from one another. I would have bought a VW R32 if the doors had been shorter (more practical) or it had come with 5 doors.

On the other hand, the only competitor (spacewise) to the BMW 1 series here and now is the MINI (a BMW owned company). You can bet that BMW will enlarge the rear space in the next 1 series. Even the MINI is getting a stretched version.

As for the rest of VW and Audi linup outside of the A3 and TT, the chassis are not shared.

Good for those who want a Z4 but can't afford it.

Clarkson isn't really what I'd call an objective reviewer, though Top Gear is definitely the best show on TV. Their price comparisons aren't always relevant to the NA market either, and that was one of the bigger issues Clarkson had with the car vs the R32.

<ul><li><a href="http://video.google.com/">http://video.google.com/</a</li></ul>

they had a marketers dream .. reissue the 2002 in 2002.
but THEY DROPPED THE BALL. being that i own two 2002's and i'm PNW club moderator.. our team was very disappointed.
we've moved away from chris mangles BMW and are not looking back. However i will drive my 02's forever...with BIG SMILES
Mike
2002 chamonix1971
2002 sahara 1971

"starts to grow on you" ugly. It's definitely an improvement over the old 3 series hatchback thing they used to do (the ti?)which was really crap

so well...

It would be a hard sell for BMW...

They could not offer the current 1-Series in the US, it drives good, but it is expensive and has very poor packaging.

If anything this may spur on Audi to offer Quattro on the 2.0T A3 :)

<ul><li><a href="http://www.finalgear.com/downloads/topgear/">http://www.finalgear.com/downloads/topgear/</a</li></ul>

...because if the A3 bombs it will be a factor to BMW. If the A3 is a sucess then more reason for them to introduce it. Luxury Hatchbacks in the past have failed pretty bad. The A3 had a rough start but I think it'll take off gradually! Which we are already seeing in the sales numbers.

I'd buy one quick

<center><img src="http://members.aol.com/dragula59/HMpalto.jpg"></center><p>

built a much more agreeable looking small car.

<ul><li><a href="http://www.halls.md/chart/height-weight.htm">http://www.halls.md/chart/height-weight.htm</a</li></ul>

Cant wait!!

<center><img src="http://www.germancarfans.com/spyphotos/6060111.001/6060111.001.1L.jpg"></center><p>

besides the 2.0T is under-rated (~225hp) and less front heavy.

I'm not paying a premium.

And if anything the Mini is more of a sports car than the 1-Series...

Actually his wife has it.
She has a 120i.
He absolutely HATES the interior.
He is a big BMW fan as he currently has a 330ci.
He said that the 1 has very cheap plastics.

At least in Europe.

Most auto critics that drove and compared the cost of a 1-Series (3.0l/268hp) against the GOlf R32, the Golf always come out as the winner by far due to better pricing, equipement, performance and handling/grip (thanks to AWD).
To get sports feel out of the 130, you need to compute in the price of the M-Kit. In the R32, the sports package is already included.

I remember Top Gear UK did a review. The video might be out there.