SPY PICS: Front-drive BMW 1 Series sprung

Peel the paisley and this BMW test mule, snapped by Carparazzi’s spy photographers during winter testing in northern Europe, reveals pretty clearly the basic shape of the company’s upcoming front-drive 1 Series GT hatchback.

Although BMW’s first front-driver will share its platform (dubbed UKL) with the next generation MINI, the five-door 1 Series GT is destined to be a bigger vehicle – a lot bigger than the photographs suggest.

Interior space is said to benefit from the GT’s transverse front-drive layout, potentially providing more space for passengers than the current rear-drive 1 Series. The more efficient packaging is hinted at by the absence of the traditional BMW long-bonnet look.

The engine lineup is certain to include the new family of small engines developed by BMW, including three-cylinder varieties. Front-drive will be standard, while all-wheel drive is expected to be an option.

The profile view is interesting. A first glance indicates the trademark BMW “Hofmeister kink” may be missing from the Golf-size front-driver, but a closer look indicates it may well be lurking beneath the cladding. Check out the rearmost view of the test mule and the kink appears to be securely in place.

The rear end’s configuration otherwise looks pretty clear, with a roof spoiler above the back window, deep-opening tailgate and, on this variant, twin exhaust outlets. The test mule’s cheeky bug-eyed taillights are not likely to represent production reality though.

The front-drive 1 Series is reportedly set for an international launch date some time later this year.

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