BMW's Number One

BMW's new 2008 1-series debuted earlier this year and BMW announced it would be selling it in the United States early next spring. The 1-Series comes with the option of having a hybrid engine but BMW isn't marketing the car as a hybrid because they fear the 1-series will loose it "cool factor." But will the new baby Bimmer's looks win over buyers in the US and will it get assigned a cool factor like the 3-series and M3 have?

That is yet to be determined. So far though the design has been met with some mixed results. Some say it looks like all the other BMW's in this current generation (especially like current 3-series). It does have very similar aspects to the current 3-series, especially the front fascia and the headlights. It almost looks like a smaller 325i. The 3 styling influence suggest linage but many are noting the current 3-series design is watered down, thus making the 1-series design also watered down.

The triangular front turn signals are very similar to the 3-series and the BMW X3 which also show ties to the BMW badge, but using nearly exact parts from other series seems like a way to save money on manufacturing which is good for reducing cost but not good for marketing.

The small subcompact size reminds me of another baby BMW from the past, the BMW 2002 from the 60's and 70's. Is the 1-series the 2002 resurrected under a new name?

It's in the same class as the 2002 was so perhaps. But no retro styling to be found here though, it's all new. Especially the back.

The back looks a little like it was inspired from an Asian import, especially the hatchback version. The taillights seem to take after the Toyota Matrix. In a way the car seems like it was designed for the upscale youth market (18-25) or BMW enthusiasts.

The convertible looks better. The BMW 1-series looks like a car that was meant to be a convertible. With the canvas top up the 1-series looks good zipping around town. with it down it looks even better. It's likely the convertible will be the hottest selling vehicle in the 1-series lineup.

Moving inside we see the familiar i-drive which takes a little getting used to. Stylish soft leather seats welcome the driver, and the dash has a sporty feel to it, Though, some people who test drove it reported the interior materials had a slightly cheap feel to them and wasn't as well made as the other BMW interiors of other classes were.

Though, whatever the case and whether you love it or hate it, the BMW 1-series is coming to America next year.