BMW 1-Series

Spied testing outside the manufacturer's Munich headquarters, the new 1-Series Coupé is expected to debut this summer, before going on sale in the autumn. The two-door follows the styling first revealed by the daring CS-1 concept car, which was originally unveiled in 2002.

Although it will share much of its engineering with the 1-Series hatchback, the new rear-wheel-drive Coupé promises a distinct shape all of its own. As well as the obvious addition of a boot, the two-door will also receive new-look front lights and a unique radiator grille to set it apart.

Inside, the car will get an updated dashboard, complete with BMW's iDrive cabin control system. Under the bonnet, there's the choice of a range of engines almost completely derived from the hatchback. That means entry-level 116i-badged cars will come with a 115bhp four-cylinder petrol motor, while top-of-the-range 130i models will feature a 3.0-litre 265bhp six-cylinder unit.

At first, only one diesel powerplant will be offered, the 2.0-litre 120d, which delivers 165bhp and returns around 50mpg. This will eventually be joined by a 122bhp 1.8-litre variant, badged 118d. However, despite enthusiasm for the new model, it's worth bearing in mind that development of the Coupé has taken a lot longer than originally anticipated. This is because the new two-door has also been designed to share its chassis with a forthcoming cabriolet, due later in 2008.

Aimed at cars such as the next generation Volkswagen Golf and revised Audi A3, it's estimated that prices for the 1-Series Coupé will start from around £16,500.

Black roof of new Coupé hints at the forthcoming 1-Series cabrio which is due to arrive in 2008. autoexpress.co.uk Driver Power Special Issue exclusive