First official images: New BMW 1 Series

These are the first official images of BMW's all-new 1 Series hatchback, claimed to be more spacious and better appointed than the first-gen model that launched six years ago.

The newcomer shares much of its hardware with the existing E90 3 Series and will be offered initially in five-door guise, with a three-door variant and other body styles following in its wheeltracks.

The F20 1 Series is a distinct visual departure from the outgoing model, with styling that seemingly draws inspiration from the somewhat polarising 5 Series GT. Its shark-like nose is adorned by a forward-thrusting twin-kidney grille, while the angular headlights are far more aggressive than those worn by the oldie.

Prominently flared rear guards are a notable feature, highlighting that the 1 Series is a rear-drive car, in contrast to its almost exclusively front-drive opposition.

Although carrying over the wagon-esque proportions of its forerunner, the new model stretches 4234mm from bumper to bumper (an increase of 85mm), while width has been boosted to 1765mm (+17mm).

The 2690mm wheelbase is 30mm longer than before, and this is said to significantly boost rear legroom, while wider rear doors are said to make for easier ingress/egress.

Extra interior space is also the result of wider front and rear tracks – increased by 51mm and 72mm respectively – and the broader footprint is also claimed to deliver greater high-speed stability.

Further boosting its practicality credentials, luggage space has swelled to 360 litres, which exceeds the storage capacity offered by the majority of its mainstream rivals.

The new 1 Series rides on MacPherson strut suspension at the front and a multilink set-up at the rear, and extensive use of aluminium is said to reduce unsprung weight.

Powertrain choices will include a north-south mounted version of the 1.6-litre direct-injection engine that propels the MINI Cooper, with 100kW on offer in the entry-level 116i and 125kW in the 118i.

There will also be a trio of diesels, all displacing 2.0 litres, but with outputs of 87kW in the 116d, 105kW in the 118d and 135kW in the range-topping 120d. BMW quotes a sharp 7.2sec 0-100km/h split for the latter.

All engines are mated to a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, but the ZF eight-speeder that features in the likes of the 5 Series will reportedly be available as an option.

Other optional extras will include high beam assist, reversing camera, a lane departure warning system including collision warning, cruise control with brake function, speed limit sign recognition and internet connectivity.

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