SPY PICS: 1 Series full frontal

This pert little box is said to be BMW’s next generation 1 Series model, complete with angular proportions, cab-forward architecture – and a front-drive transaxle to be shared with the next generation MINI.

There is not a lot about the heavily disguised prototype identifying it as a BMW, apart maybe from the typically BMW camouflage itself, and the rear end that shares its dished-in look with the current rear-drive 1 Series.

But the spy photographers from Carparazzi assure us the car is indeed a BMW, is indeed front-drive and is bigger than it looks.

But while it is certain BMW is to adopt the front-drive development of the next MINI range to produce at least some 1 Series variants, it is not clear exactly which version we are looking at here.

Industry rumour mongers say the company is developing a more utilitarian small car around the same size as 1 Series to fill the gap between the current small Bavarian and the X1 SUV (sorry, SAV – Sports Activity Vehicle - in BMW parlance).

Given the utilitarian packaging indicated here, it is hard to imagine such a shape fulfilling normal BMW customer requirements. It suggests plenty of internal space, but doesn’t appear to have the visual grace normally associated with BMWs.

The Carparazzi team certainly reckoned the boxy test mule had generous room for four passengers, which is not something you’d really say about the current rear-drive models.

Be that as it may, the front-drive BMW definitely appears to be edging closer to reality as it nears its international launch in 2013.

-- with Carparazzi

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