2009 BMW 1-Series Preview-part 3

When you get around to the back seats, however, disaster strikes. The multi-link rear suspension, bulky differential, and four-inch wheelbase deficit over the (already cramped) 3-Series mean the 1-Series is a packaging calamity, with miserable rear legroom and extremely limited rear headroom, too. That probably won't worry many of the younger buyers the 1-Series will be aimed at in the States, but in Europe (where people of all life stages buy small cars) it's a serious detraction.

The upshot of the poor packaging becomes apparent when you hit the open road. Unlike the Audi A3, which feels like a stiff-riding VW Golf, and a Mercedes A-Class, which doesn't feel like anything, the 1-Series drives like a proper BMW. The rear-drive chassis is just as balanced and composed as its bigger brothers', while the steering is just as sharp and the gearbox and brakes are every bit as slick as you'd expect. As with most BMWs these days, there's not much in the way of steering feel, however, and on big wheels the ride quality does suffer, but overall it's difficult not to enjoy driving the socks off the baby Bimmer. Fun levels depend heavily on engine choice, of course, which is why we expect most American 1-Series owners will be smiling broadly.

There's no market for the gutless four-cylinder engines in the U.S. so the entry-level 1-Series will probably be the 128i, powered by a 230-hp 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that's more than up to the task of propelling the hefty 3200-pound 1-Series along. Expect a 0-60 time of around six seconds and a limited top speed of 155 mph.

Enthusiasts will be more taken with the 135i, which will be powered by a 300-hp, 300 lb-ft 3.0-liter, twin-turbo six-banger. Just 40 hp or so down on the old M3, the 135i will be blisteringly fast, capable of hitting 60 in five seconds, reined in at 155 mph. Six-speed manuals and six-speed automatics will be available but those hoping for an M-powered 1-Series will be disappointed -- it's not planned. A ragtop convertible is in the pipeline, however, and will be clogging up the high-school parking lots of well-to-do neighborhoods by 2010.

Rear styling and packaging aside, the appeal of the 1-Series to younger buyers is obvious -- it's aggressive, fast, sporty, and has one of the best badges in the business. However, its success will hinge as much on its price as it does on its image. BMW are hoping that the currency exchange rates will swing in their favor by the time the 1-Series goes on sale in 2008 allowing them to make a little money on the car. Its margins on the 1 are tighter than Audi's are on the A3 so BMW has to tread carefully to avoid ending up with dealer lots full of cars priced too closely to the ubiquitous 3-Series.

The expression might go: "The grass is always greener on the other side," but in the case of the American subcompact market, there might be surprisingly little green for the taking by the time BMW eventually gets there.

2009 BMW 1-Series
Base price: $28,000 (estimated)Engines: 230-hp, 3.0-liter six-cylinder; 300-hp, 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder
Performance: (est) 128i: 0-60 mph 6.0 sec., 155 mph; 135i 0-60 mph 5.0 sec., 155 mph
Transmission: Six-speed manual or six-speed auto, rear-wheel driveLength x width x height: 166.4 x 68.9 x 56.2 inWheelbase: 104.7 inCurb weight: 3196 lbFuel economy (city/hwy, est): 128i manual 21/30 mpg; 135i manual 20/30 mpgSafety equipment: Front, side, curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control, adaptive brake lamps
Major standard equipment: CD/MP3 player; climate control; power windows/locks/mirrors, 16-inch alloys, leather steering wheel
Warranty: Four years/50,000 miles