The BMW 1 Series GT will arrive in UK showrooms towards the end of 2014, and these latest spy shots show how the car’s look is evolving.
The 1 Series GT follows the BMW 5 Series GT and forthcoming BMW 3 Series GT as a more practical, spacious alternative to the car on which it's based. The 1 GT breaks with tradition as it will become BMW’s first front-wheel-drive car, as previewed by the Concept Active Tourer shown at the Paris Motor Show last year.
Like the CAT, the 1 Series GT features a relatively low-set kidney grille, while the creased bonnet rakes steeply towards the front windscreen. In profile, the 1 GT has a rising beltline, while a front quarterlight window ahead of the door mirrors aids the driver’s visibility.
The rear wing extends down each side of the rear window, enhancing aerodynamic efficiency – a feature which will also be used on the next BMW X5. The prototype seen here has roof rails, which weren’t featured on the CAT concept.
The BMW 1 Series GT will be a five-seater with dimensions very similar to the Mercedes B-Class, with the CAT concept measuring in at 4,353mm long, 1,834mm wide and 1,560mm tall. A seven-seater version is also planned to join the range at a later date.
The GT will share its platform with the all-new third generation MINI, which is slated to arrive towards the end of this year. It will be powered by BMW’s new 1.5-litre three-cylinder modular petrol and diesel engines, while a hybrid version, previewed by the CAT concept, is also expected to be offered.
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So it's an A3 Sportback competitor. If it comes with BMW's xDrive to compete with my quattro I might be interested to return to BMW
If it looks like all the rest of the ugly BMW range, just leave the disguise on, it looks better!
"GT"? It looks more like another dumpy MPV to me.