It's a bit less awkward than the E36 Compact. What did the 2 door version look like?
For the United States, the 1 Series–replaced by the 2 Series back in 2013–may have only existed as a hardtop coupe or a convertible, but in other parts of the world, the 1 Series could be had as both a two-door and four-door hatchback, And unlike the most recent 2 Series models sold internationally, these hatchback versions featured rear-wheel drive and could even be had with a six-speed manual transmission.
A few different gasoline and diesel versions were offered over the model’s lifespan, but the hottest one would probably have to be the M140i. Power came from a B58 turbocharged inline-six engine that was good for 335 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft. of torque. That, coupled with a curb weight of roughly 3100 pounds, gave the M140i a reported zero-to-60 time of less than five seconds.
So, if the M140i was a rear-wheel-drive sporty hatchback that could be had with a real manual transmission, does that make it worthy of being called a hot hatch, or are there more worthy contenders on the market today?
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It's a bit less awkward than the E36 Compact. What did the 2 door version look like?
My cup of tea.
That hatchback has such better lines than the coupes we eventually got. They said there was no market for hatchbacks then based on 318ti sales a decade earlier but at the same time started introducing god awful 5 series GT things.
The 5-door 1 series with a manual transmission is my ideal car. However, the dealer was not impressed or interested.
In reply to adam525i (Forum Supporter) :
Let's be honest about the TI though. It's either a love or hate category for most folks, clearly the latter. It doesn't look like a hatchback or wagon, it looks like someone cut part of the car away and glued it back.
In reply to MadScientistMatt :
Something like this:
In reply to captainawesome :
Exactly, what does that car have to do with the 1 series hatchback (I do like the Ti though)? I think BMW was worried about the idea of having a base model hatchback again and what it would do for their image or brand. Meanwhile, Audi, Mercedes and Lexus have all brought out small hatchbacks since and they are probably a good way to get new customers into their products.
Not the first time BMW deprived North America of a nice hatchback touring car option. 2002 tii Touring
The 5 door, while not as attractive as the 3 door, makes so much sense from a performance and utility compromise and standpoint.
It'd make such a great rally platform.
MadScientistMatt said:It's a bit less awkward than the E36 Compact.
Or worse. The e46 we never got:
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