Covers come off the new BMW 1-Series

The first images of the yet to launch BMW 1-Series have hit the web and just like the compact sedan concept which was unveiled by BMW at the Guangzhou Auto Show last year the new 1-Series borrows a lot of its styling cues from the concept model. There is no official announcement as to whether BMW will bring the 1-Series to India. However the Chinese market will get the production version of the sedan which may debut in the Guangzhou Auto Show.

The new BMW 1-Series looks compact from every angle and is by far one of the smallest sedans being brought out by the company. The sedan gets fog lamps and a new set of 5-twin spoke alloys as well. The 1-Series does resemble the 3-series from many angles but the vehicle does not have the same proportions. 

The new 1-Series will come with two different turbocharged engine options with multiple configurations -- a 1.5 litre, 136hp engine (118i Base model) and a 2.0 litre, 192hp engine (120i Luxury) and a 2.0 litre, 231hp engine (125i Sport). The 1-Series is based on BMW's UKL2 front wheel drive platform and measures 4456mm in length, 1803 in width and 1446 in height. The sedan will also get a wheelbase of 2670mm.   

The 1-Series will rival sedans like the Audi A3 and Mercedes CLA which have already been launched in the Indian market. The manufacturer however has not disclosed whether their 1-Series will make it to Indian shores or not. At present BMW is selling the 1-Series as a premium hatchback in India and could bring the compact sedan version under a different badge.