yea that and saw that car 2 years ago on their website

 

That's like saying the 3 Series is a competitor for the Civic.

The 1 Series price is putting it out of contention.

-Ed

 

This would make the Audi A3 a competitor too!

 

umm...at that price they're prolly not gonna sell many...
one of the main selling points of the Fit is that its all that for such a small price tag. o.O

 

At a high price point, it won't be a direct competitor for the Fit, since the target market is completely different.

I would hazard a guess and say that BMW's closest competitor for the Fit is still the Mini Cooper, which while not bearing the BMW tag is produced by BMW.

 

When introduced to the American market within the next two years the 1-series will not be available as a hatchback, thereby erasing any comparison to the Fit (a vehicle with which BMW is not the least bit interested in competing). It is a good car, as is the Fit, but they will have nothing in common.

Also for the record, the picture of the tank-like vehicle is not of the 1-series but rather an upcoming crossover vehicle. The production version will not at all resemble the exterior pictured, that is simply a disguise over a prototype chassis/drivetrain.

 

Why?? If I purchased a BMW utility and gas mileage would not be in the equation.

 

The latest I've heard is that the US version--likely an all-new two-door coupé version designed with the US market in mind--will arrive as a 2008 model in late Spring 2007. It will be powered by a 3.0-liter I-6 rated at 230 bhp, the same engine found on the upcoming 328i coupé; we might also see a 2.2-liter I-4 rated at around 160 bhp also for a low-end model.

 

yea prolly photo shopped tho

 

there are people that pay for the name

 

True, but the 3-series has grown in size, as well as price (and very soon, Hp). A fully loaded 330i can easily hit over $40k...that use to be M3 territory. The 2-series coupe, that's suppose to come Stateside, is suppose to be similar in size, Hp, and price with the last 3-series. And with the growing interest in this segment (i.e., A3, TSX, and future Volvo C30), I'm kinda hoping Lexus will join in on the fun. :)

Furthermore, $30k won't even get you into a 184hp 325Ci, but it can buy you a nicely equiped 200Hp A3 or TSX. But again, it's not so much price, rather size....much like the Fit and Civic.

 

I am from the UK and we have all the cars mentioned so far in this thread.
The Fit/Jazz in the UK is not in the same market sector as the BMW 1 or Merc A.

Why do people want a Merc A class, because is has a 3 pointed star on it, period. The original 1st A class was just abosolutely crap..... The new A is now how is should of been in the 1st place. The new model is meant to be very very good.

Europeans like different cars to you in the States and hence cars like the Merc A, Citroen Picasso and Renault Scenic are popular. Basically they are 5 door hatchbacks that sit 5 people but are taller so they feel like a MPV. Housewifes in the UK love the later 2..... :)

As to the BMW 1, this is in direct competition to the VW Golf and the Audi A3. I think the main plus point for the BMW 1 is the RWD chassis. If you want RWD in this sector, then you have no other choice. Must admit, the car design I quite like, but the interior space is diabolical. As to performance models, you can already get the BMW 130, which has the 3.0l 6cyl engine with 230bhp. Do you really need anymore!

Al.

 

It is not a competition period.

it's like comparing the V6 accord to a fully loaded 325i.

I think this thread should cease to exist.

 

what would we call this B-segment luxury:p