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New 3 door 1 series.

I'm biased because I have a 1 series, but I'm liking this a lot

Especially the wheel/arch relationship. Very squat and wide tracked.

This is no lowered photoshop, but the real thing. Ok, its on the sports supsention and the big wheels, but neither are expensive options.

Matteeboy

Still looks crap.

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No surprise there then

stilover

Think I'd rather walk !!

Matteeboy

...but probably drives like a dream.

I'm not anti BMW by the way, just not keen on the 1 series looks.

Like the 5 series, 7 series, X5, Z4.

The X3, 1 series and 3 series just look wrong.

misty

Yeah get it fitted with the 335 twin turbo diesel and I'd buy one
Dave

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There's talk of the twin turbo petrol going in, to create a 135i

Brendan Hughes

This is what I said years ago. All it needs is a bit of bodykit (well helloooo Hartge...)

Didn't this also polarise opinions?

billythekid

Another 130 owner here.

I prefer the new 3 door over the current 5. I think it looks better.

I also heard that the 135 might come out later in the year as there is a mule running atm apparently.

The 265bhp 130 is quick but 300 bhp will be something else. Traction may be an issue though..

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Sure did

Its an interesting concept. Do you go with the masses and buy a Golf or A3 which is inoffensive and generally more acceptable in its looks to most, but is poorer dynamically, or do you go with the 1 series which has its detractors but is dynamically superior?

I'm happy with my choice, as I suspect Billy is too , but that 3 door certainly looks better than the five.

Ps - Matteeboy, there's more to vehicle dynamics than traction

Brendan Hughes

Well, let's just re-word that for the hard of thinking:

Sport160

Difficult to tell from that one photo, it doesn't really look any different to a 5 door, you really need to see a proper side shot and rear 3/4 shot.

ScoobyDoo555

Still can't get over the 1 series. Not my cup of tea. I do like what BMW are doing with their styling, but not with this particular model.

And yes, I've got an Audi


Dan

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Some more

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Need to click - the automatic resize screws up the images

Matteeboy

Where did that idea come from?!

Audis are classics at gripping like limpets but being a bit dull to drive - Usually.

Brendan Hughes

New BMW 1-series 3-door revealed is another report with some pics.

This paves the way for an M1 (M2?), though I worry to think it might take away sales from the Z4M Coupe (2 seats) and the 335/M3 - they might find it falling between two stools and not bother

Flatcapdriver

I can't see it taking too many sales away from the Z4M as its a different market altogether, plus they're limiting production anyway. The next M3 will have the V8 and its rumoured the E89 will benefit from this engine too. Granted, a M1 model may conflict with the 335 but it would make sense to have an M version of all it's road going vehicles.

MY00PPP

like it.

RM
E46 Coupe Driver

CaptainJohn

And heres the owners handbook:

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My thread title was quite apt, I see

AudiLover

still looks ugly

RS Grant

I think it looks way better than the 5dr, which I think looks awful.. Still not a fan of the large front headlights, they look a bit big for the car IMO.


Cheers,
Grant

Rokerlad

Much better looking than the hideous 5-door, but still f'ugly.

f1_fan

iTrader: (9)

You really must be desperate for that badge to consider one of these. I know looks aren't everything, but that is a dog's breakfast of a car.

billythekid

I was not desperate for the badge in any way TBH, and considering the 130iM starts from 26k you could get a 3 series for that money... a decenet spec is going to cost 30 grand. I came from Porsche ownership - could easily have stayed there if I wanted too.

The 130 is, imho, a very very good car to drive. I spend a lot of my time on track (not in the 130 though!) and the chassis on the 1 series is very very good for a road car - one of the best I have driven. The turn in is sublime and balance is fantastic. The 120i and 120d just lack a bit of power though to get the most from it. For fans of RWD cars like myself its something special to find a road car that handles like this. The only 2 minor problems are the obvious looks issue which for me is no worse than a subaru and second the very hard suspension on the 130iM. It can get a bit too much sometimes, but on smooth tarmac or track its perfect. If it had an LSD it would be better than perfect

f1_fan

iTrader: (9)

I don't care how well it handles, drives etc. look at it - it's one of the ugliest cars ever created and as for the price tag

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Been watching top gear repeats, have we

Yes, its got a BMW badge on the front. But they are way ahead of the competition in terms of how good they are to drive and worthy of that badge.

Have you driven one/owned one/lived with one?

CrisPDuk

What's happened Has it suddenly become illegal to buy a small hatchback from a non-German manufacturer

Has anyone told Renault, Peugeot, Honda, Toyota, Ford, Vauxhall or Alfa Romeo. All of whom make cars equally as good/ as the three safe (boring) choices you give



Courtesy of our friends at sniffpetrol