1 Series BMW (F40) 1 Series Hatch - from Leaked to Official

[Matski]

I'm sure that the 7er would have much more space inside if it moves to the UKL platform

7er isn't short on space in the first place, the 1-er has been.

Wanting the 1-er on the same platform as the 760Li and M4 GTS is to want to limit BMW's top end credentials as well limit what they can do with the 1-er against its established rivals.

 

[CrunchSlaughtered]

7er isn't short on space in the first place, the 1-er has been.

Wanting the 1-er on the same platform as the 760Li and M4 GTS is to want to limit BMW's top end credentials as well limit what they can do with the 1-er against its established rivals.

Do you find the 1er more cramped than the A3?

 

[Matski]

Do you find the 1er more cramped than the A3?

Can't say I've much experience with the A3. I'm expecting it to have twice the area as the A4.

 

[CrunchSlaughtered]

Can't say I've much experience with the A3. I'm expecting it to have twice the area as the A4.

People find the 1er very cramped because the seats are very low and the lower you seat the more length you need. The problem is not in the platform but in the height of the car. Audi tried to make the A3 more sporty and the seats are also low, which brings almost the same problems for the occupants like in the 1er. If you put the driver's seat in the 1er much higher than the space in the back seat is almost generous but the roof is polishing the head of the driver. The new 1er will be much higher so the rear seat will be position higher, which will give the impresion for more space. But again the transverse engine does not allow for good driving position (the older of us remember the notorious Alfa position with the knees up) so you either seat higher, which is quite unsporty or if you lower the seat your knees go up.

 

[SCOTT27]

I know people who overlooked both E87 and F20 on account of passenger space. They will take a closer look at the F40.

 

[CrunchSlaughtered]

I know people who overlooked both E87 and F20 on account of passenger space. They will take a closer look at the F40.

Like I tried to express my point above the new platform will have more space for the passengers but on the expense of the driving position. But only a keen driver can notice that. For the rest they are better off with a Skoda.

 

[CrunchSlaughtered]

I belive the reason for switching the 1er to the UKL is to achieve economies of scale in order to keep the UKL profitable. I remember reading somewhere that BMW needs at least 1 mln cars per year for the platform to be profitable. (400 k Minis, 350 k X1 and X2, 80 k 2AT, current 1er is circulating arround 160-200k, so in the future the new 1er together with the 2er GT maybe 300k).

 

[Centurion]

Do you find the 1er more cramped than the A3?

The 1-Series has two issues.

1. Wheel arch intrusion into the rear means no flat surface to rest your arms against. - See photos below
2. Inferior legroom in the rear makes it less practical than rivals for carrying rear passangers or fitting/using a rearward facing child seats.

When I was in the market for a hatchback in 2017 I took an ISO-Fix childseat with me to dealerships and the 1-Series was quickly ruled out.

I expect the F40 to acheive parity in practicality to the extent that it's not a drawback.

1-Series

Audi A3

VW Golf

Skoda Fabia

 

[Betty Swollocks]

Not at all. BMW even said themselves that when they asked people what they want in the next generation 1-Series, the reply was more space.

When smaller hatchbacks a segment below like are more practical, there is a problem and BMW have addressed that by changing the model to a FWD platform. The F20 has one of the most cramped rear seats of any car in its class despite being one of the longest cars.

Don't even waste your time replying to the troll. The sooner people just start ignoring him the better. You're contributing to meaningful discussion. He isn't.

I belive the reason for switching the 1er to the UKL is to achieve economies of scale in order to keep the UKL profitable.

I'm sure it would be profitable anyway. What they mean is "to make as much profit as possible". I think @Cabasse0 alluded to the same thing a few posts above yours.

 

[Betty Swollocks]

I'm really looking forward to the reveal of the new 1er in about four weeks from now. I could even see myself owning one some day, if only so I can say to people "I drive an F40".

 

[Matski]

People find the 1er very cramped because the seats are very low and the lower you seat the more length you need.

I don't think that's how it works out in practice, space to stretch the legs hasn't been a complaint I've ever had in my older 1-er. It's a little cramped, sure, but then it's not a big car anyway so that's to be expected. The two biggest issues, in my experience, have been the rear door aperture being too restricted, and the useable dimensions of the boot being rubbish... the passenger area seems to be set too far back in the car, hence the intrusion of the rear wheel arches to the back seat/doors, and the shortness of the boot, from what I've seen of the F20, yes it's bigger, but relatively, it has similar issues.

But again the transverse engine does not allow for good driving position (the older of us remember the notorious Alfa position with the knees up) so you either seat higher, which is quite unsporty or if you lower the seat your knees go up.

If Alfa built a shit car, it's because they're Alfa, not so much the fault of transverse engine layout in general. If you look at the body structure of UKL vs. The smaller CLAR cars, the splash wall is in about the same position, and it doesn't have the massive intrusion for the longitudinal gearbox.

 

[dalab]

Also in the magazine:

Every year, since 2006, AUTO ZEITUNG has carried out its image report and has asked readers to mention their experiences and evaluations of individual car brands. Once again, more than 23,000 readers voted, a stable base for this market research. As in the past year, BMW has the advantage again. This result is the result of many comparative test victories and better driving dynamics and quality, and in terms of fuel consumption, BMW is the best premium car manufacturer

 

[Rolf]

I'm really looking forward to the reveal of the new 1er in about four weeks from now. I could even see myself owning one some day, if only so I can say to people "I drive an F40".

You will have to buy a red F40 and stand out from the crowd

 

[advantage20]

car scoops

 

[Giannis]

Nice scoop! Acceptable interior. Nothing to write home about.

 

[SCOTT27]

Nice scoop! Acceptable interior. Nothing to write home about.

Far,far better quality than the F20.

 

[advantage20]

Very plasticky so far compared to the A-Class. Hopefully the boomerang-shaped trim pieces underlining the central screen and side vents can be had in metal...

 

[advantage20]

 

[Deleted member 25]

Well it was about f#cking time they gave it a proper interior.

 

[Centurion]

Far,far better quality than the F20.

I wouldn’t be so sure. The F20 wasn’t terrible. Like the F30 the only flaw it had was a plasticky transmission tunnel and centre console. The center console on G20 feels more premium but the transmission tunnel and overall quality of the interior hasn’t moved the needle. It’s still premium economy which is fine.

However in the F40 I can see that the gear selector has a huge plastic surround. No surprises for me. I expected the interior design to be less sexy than in the G20 and Z4 and it is. The tech will be cutting edge and easy to use.