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TwitterThe roomier, higher-quality BMW 1-series was shown off at Frankfurt motor show today. The model goes on sale this month and is expected to launch a strong challenge to the Audi A3 and new Mercedes-Benz A-class. Developed on the same platform architecture as the new 3-series, the 1-series will appear first as a five-door hatch. It will be followed by a new three-door early next year, and will eventually spawn a new generation of up to six model variants. The most striking feature of the new 1-series, codenamed F20, is its dramatic styling. It maintains the lineage of the outgoing model, which shocked the automotive world with its audacious look. Otherwise, the surface treatment is as taut as today's model, beefed up by a more prominent shoulder and side swage line. And to provide the new 1-series with a larger tailgate aperture than the old model, the tail-lights are pushed to the extremities of the rear end. In an effort to address the major criticism of today's car — a tight rear cabin — the new 1-series sits on a 30mm longer wheelbase, which is stretched to 2690mm, just 70mm shorter than today's 3-series. At least 21mm has been added to the rear legroom, while wider rear door apertures are said to ease access. Overall, the new 1-series is 85mm longer (at 4234mm) and 17mm wider (1765mm) than its predecessor, but has an identical height of 1421mm. Under the skin, the car features aluminium-intensive suspension with tracks widened by 51mm up front (to 1535mm) and 72mm at ...
Tags: 2011, Frankfurt, International, Motor, Show, BMW, 1, Series
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