Next generation BMW 1-Series - full details revealed

The future for the BMW 1-Series sounds pretty challenging: additional body styles, a range of performance variants, new petrol engines and advanced fuel-saving technologies. With this in mind, BMW wants to compete with European models like: Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra, but also to sell around 300,000 units by 2013, and up to 400,000 by 2015.

Internally known as the F20, the second generation 1-Series will add - next to the three and five-door hatchback versions, coupe and cabrio - a smaller roadster, known as the Z2, but also a coupe version of this last one. The company is also considering a new model placed between the 1-Series and the future BMW X1 SUV - a probable GT version of the future 1-Series. There are also people talking about a sedan version of the next 1-Series - that might be seen as the successor to the original 2002.

The next generation BMW 1-Series will be built on the same modular platform and will feature the traditional longitudinal engine layout. It will be offered in both RWD and FWD versions, with a new turbocharged three-cylinder engine for the entry-level models. This new engine will deliver between 110bhp and 160bhp and will have a fuel consumption of 70mpg.