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BMW’s new baby zeroes in on Fiesta

Sub-1-Series model sets sights on Ford and front-wheel drive will be most frugal BMW

bmw

By Jack Rix

02nd November 2009

BMW is heading into Ford Fiesta territory! Auto Express has learned that the German firm is readying a new front-wheel-drive supermini, likely to be badged the 0-Series. And our exclusive pictures give you the best view yet of how the compact contender will look.

As its name suggests, it will fill the gap between the 1-Series and MINI – satisfying buyers’ demands for small cars with a premium feel. It’s set to compete with top-end superminis and prestige models such as Audi’s upcoming A1. The hatch will be based on the next-generation MINI platform, making it the first-ever front-wheel-drive BMW.

However, while it might buck the firm’s rear-drive tradition, there’s a clear family influence in the design. The twin kidney grilles and front apron take their lead from the 1-Series and are paired with new lights.

At the rear, a sweeping tailgate and subtle spoilers demonstrate that while this is an entry-level BMW, it still prioritises on driving pleasure and sportiness. To ensure a unique experience, the 0-Series will get hi-tech aids such as an electronic diff and active damping – something that will be reflected in its elevated price tag, which is likely to start from around £16,000.

Customers will be able to choose from the sleek three-door seen here and a more practical five-door. The model could also spawn a compact two-seater for 2013, using shared architecture with the MINI Roadster.

Efficiency is a priority. A range of powerful but clean petrol and diesel motors should make this the most frugal BMW ever. A development of the 161bhp 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbodiesel, which debuted as a range extender on the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept, may be among the choices, while an all-electric powertrain will follow at a later date.

The 0-Series will form part of BMW’s Project ‘i’ range – a new breed of ultra-efficient cars featuring electric, petrol, hybrid and diesel variants with two, three or four wheels. Expect the 0-Series to go into production as soon as 2012, meaning a concept car could be as little as 18 months away.

8 Comments

The real thing?

How can it be a BMW without rear wheel drive? Whatever happened to the "ultimate driving machine"? I'm disappointed. BMW are lowering their standards to make a quick profit!

By Starrchild on 5 November, 2009, 12:48pm

EU reg's killed the Petrol Head

Headline says it all really.
If you have a new M5 on the horizon that pumps out over 250g/CO2 per Km you need a little econobox to compensate.

Our future is looking very bleak ladies and gentlemen.
Battery cars that after 2 years will only hold a quarter of their charge.
Higher Electric bills because the government forced 'Average Joe' to buy EVs because of inflated taxes on normal internal combustion motorised vehicles. So power station's will have to work harder to meet our energy demands and pass that cost onto us.
So called 'supercars' that will push out less than 300hp in fear of being penalised by the EU.

I don't know what the EU's game is but this B.....d child of a BMW is the Ultimate Diving machine's future. Best go by a KIA because it will drive no different.

Why is the motorist and motor companies being hit on in the great big Eco-drive. Transport contributes approx only 25-30% of our Global 'Carbon foot print'. So Why is the EU not doing anything about the other 70%?

By W00DZ on 5 November, 2009, 2:17pm

Unnormal

What is BMW today? Audi isn't really premium brand, but Mercedes - yes. BMW Mini. MinimumMini etc. Sick...

By Depp1 on 5 November, 2009, 2:42pm

Great Look

After the ugly 1 series, 7 and the new 5 humpback and the possibility of 3 humpback as well, the look of this 0 series is refreshing and very BMW. Love it. I will buy this just for it's look.
Great to see BMW can design good looking cars again (sometime).

By carrlam on 6 November, 2009, 1:25am

Not bad looking but very wrong!

Ultimate driving insult, why would you buy one doesn't say life didn't work out as planned, can't afford a 3 series. Better off buying the cheaper Fiesta, that says you want quality and value but you are not tring to be something you are not.

If you want power, performance, inovation and a premium badge then buy a Jag, a brand that only sells premium sports cars and luxury cruisers, not little chav machines to make a few bob extra. Nice looking car, but £16k front wheel drive super mini, a seriously bad move from BMW

By Focus_your_mind on 7 November, 2009, 12:23pm

Not bad looking but very wrong!

Ultimate driving insult, why would you buy one doesn't say life didn't work out as planned, can't afford a 3 series. Better off buying the cheaper Fiesta, that says you want quality and value but you are not tring to be something you are not.

If you want power, performance, inovation and a premium badge then buy a Jag, a brand that only sells premium sports cars and luxury cruisers, not little chav machines to make a few bob extra. Nice looking car, but £16k front wheel drive super mini, a seriously bad move from BMW

By Focus_your_mind on 9 November, 2009, 10:21am

Not bad looking but very wrong!

Ultimate driving insult, why would you buy one doesn't say life didn't work out as planned, can't afford a 3 series. Better off buying the cheaper Fiesta, that says you want quality and value but you are not tring to be something you are not.

If you want power, performance, inovation and a premium badge then buy a Jag, a brand that only sells premium sports cars and luxury cruisers, not little chav machines to make a few bob extra. Nice looking car, but £16k front wheel drive super mini, a seriously bad move from BMW

By Focus_your_mind on 10 November, 2009, 9:17am

"B"udget "M"otor "W"orks

Ok fine, it doesn't look half bad, but... I have to echo some of the thoughts posted above: BMW is all about driving dynamics. How on earth are they going to deliver the ultimate drivers car using a front wheel drive chassis?

"What about the Mini?", some may ask. A Mini is a Mini. They may be built by BMW but a Mini doesn't carry a BMW badge, This is a deliberate ploy by BMW to identify Mini as a psuedo-seperate brand and it works, damn well. So why do BMW need to move down market? Well, to be frank they don't. This car will carry a price premium over its rivals because it carries a BMW badge. This will probably bring it into the same price sector as the Mini. So ask yourself this, which would you buy? Most probably it'll be the Mini. Nuff said...

By sgtgrash on 12 November, 2009, 11:47pm

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