It looks like BMW->ke178 is getting closer to revealing a new model for the 1-series lineup. With an all new 1-series coming out soon, the car will be making some major changes in terms of style and luxury. Spy photos showing the new 1-series hatch have been more and more revealing as the company removes pieces of its camouflage. This new rendering was largely inspired by the new headlights that first appeared on the 5-series, moved on to the 6-series->ke320, and will soon make its way to the new 3-series.

The 1-series has quickly become an important part of the American market for BMW and will continue to do so in their business plans. Expanding the lineup to offer more luxurious and capable vehicles is the next logical step. BMW should be weary of making the 1-series too luxurious and capable though; this could interfere with the best selling model in the lineup the 3-series->ke290, and hurt sales overall because the entry level market would be saturated with choices.

BMW has initiated several cost cutting strategies for the new 1-series and those include increased sharing with partner MINI. The new Mini, which will debut around the same time, will share much of the underpinnings and structure with the new BMW. As the anticipated launch date of 2013 grows closer we expect to see more pictures of different variants and begin to learn more details about each. For now we now the 3-door and 5-door hatch will only be available in Europe.

Hit the jump for more details on the BMW 1-Series Hatch .

All the details are not official from BMW, but rumors continue to swirl around the possibility of several new variants for the 1-series. Considering that the 1-series has been so heavily criticized for its lackluster interior, BMW has decided to use more 5-series->ke317 pieces in the new car. This is likely to include a 1-series GT model much like the awkward 5-series GT. As with the 5-series, the 1 will have more unique pieces than its siblings including a revised front end, elevated driving position, and taller rear end. Seating possibilities could include a standard three person rear or split bucket seats with a console in between. In reality, there is only space for two people back there, so that would certainly be an option box that we would check.

Perhaps more importantly, in terms of usability, the 1-series will most likely gain an X-drive 4-wheel drive system found in many other models. For anyone that has driven a small rear-wheel drive car in inclement weather, you know this would be a big benefit. Designed in conjunction with MINI’s->ke57 new 4-wheel drive system, this will be set up perfectly to work in both cars. Increased product sharing will further blur the lines of what constitutes a MINI vs. a BMW, but it also helps to make both cars better all around performers.

It seems as though a set of new naturally aspirated and turbo engine choices will be available. These include a non-turbo and turbo 1.3-liter with 136hp to 177hp. The low end could include a 1.2-liter engine pushing out only 70hp which is akin to your Honda dirtbike – that means you may want to spring for the 135i model that will have the more familiar twin-turbo. Making things even more complicated will be the addition of diesel models with 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engines pushing 110-125hp. BMW is always liable to make more changes and could include hybrid versions and the mighty M-model, but we’ll have to wait and see!