BMW looking to take more drivers for a spin - 1 series to be sold in Canada

[MetroMPG]

BMW looking to take more drivers for a spin

Sees smaller 1-series vehicle as cheaper entry point for those who want to move up

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servl...Story/Business

GREG KEENAN
AUTO INDUSTRY REPORTER



TORONTO -- The smaller 1-series from BMW AG will hit Canada in 2008 as the luxury auto maker stretches its vehicle offerings once again to take advantage of drivers migrating upward out of the vast middle of the market.

...



He wouldn't reveal the price or the exact timing, but said he's optimistic that a smaller BMW will succeed in Canada, where compacts and subcompacts are a much bigger slice of the market than they are in the United States.


The 1-series is on sale now in Europe as a four-door hatchback, but that won't be the version that comes to Canada.


The auto maker also plans to offer diesel engines in Canada for the first time, probably also beginning in 2008, Mr. Duffield said.

[Silveredwings]

For a while, I read speculation on whether the 1-series would be based on the mini platform (FWD), but I don't think it is: it's RWD. What they test market in Canada will probably be closer to what they will bring to the states than what they're selling in Europe. The 5-dr hatch has a Cd of 0.29 and is priced between ?15,690 and ?20,800 in the UK.

[Silveredwings]

Wikipedia has a lot of info on the 1 series. For what it's worth, it's the only car in its class with rear wheel drive. There's not only a 5-door hatch sold now, but also a coupe and convertible in the plans.