BMW's Stylish New Baby

The magazine's shots show how the headlights have evolved from the design hinted at by the CS-1 concept, which debuted at 2002's Geneva expo. The flanks reveal BMW's flame-surface styling philosophy, but are also reminiscent of the current 3-Series, with curved panels trimmed with deep sills and flared wheelarches.

At the rear, the car has a more conventional light arrangement than expected. Early spy shots suggested it would sport lamps similar to the Z4's, but our latest pictures show the designers have gone for a more rectangular cluster.

The 1-Series will bridge the gap between the BMW-owned MINI and the 3-Series. It's based on a completely new platform developed by the company's engineers to set new standards of interior space and design for the family car market. BMW's popular Z-Axle design is likely to feature to ensure the rear-wheel-drive model's chassis is as sporty as possible, without spoiling ride quality and refinement.

The company is determined to make its mark with its latest car and, aside from Mercedes' C-Class Sports Coup΃©, the newcomer will become the class's only rear-wheel-drive model. Available in three-door, four-door and cabrio guise, the 1-Series will use four-cylinder power only. The flagship will be a 250bhp 2.4-litre M1, out in 2005. At launch, 125bhp 1.8 or 150bhp 2.0-litre petrol units will be offered, plus a pair of 2.0-litre diesels with 115bhp or 150bhp. New six-speed manual gearboxes will be standard, with an SMG-style semi-auto sequential shift optional on more upmarket cars. Aluminium body panels have been employed to keep the weight to a minimum.

The 1-Series goes on sale here in the summer, with prices tipped to start from around ΂£12,000 and rise to more than ΂£20,000 for higher-spec models.