BMW has years of tradition and they have never offered a front-wheel-drive hatchback. Apparently the current demands on the market made them throw tradition out the window because BMW->ke178 will be unveiling a competitor for the upcoming Audi A2->ke2085 and next-gen Mercedes A-class->ke452 in 2013.

The new model will be built on a Mini->ke57 platform and will be placed bellow the current 1-Series. A BMW source told Autocar: "We want a car that will appeal to non-BMW buyers with a focus on roominess and interior flexibility, yet like our existing entry-level model it will be fun to drive and cheap to run."

According to the British magazine, the new model will offer the interior space and overall practicality not found in the rear-drive 1-series. In order to do that, BMW will use a transversely mounted engine and gearbox along with moving the driving position forward within the wheelbase. The seat will also be positioned higher to give a more commanding view of the road.

The new model will be priced under the 1-Series->ke313 and will go on sale in 2014. We haven't made not liking hatchbacks a secret, but we are torn on this little development. We might consider a hatchback if it was made by BMW and we figure many other people will too.

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