BMW's competitor to the Fit ...
 

Just ran across this and don't know if anyone else has seen it. I know it is a concept and won't be out until next year, but looks interesting.



http://www.germancarfans.com/spyphot...623.002.1L.jpg


Seriously :p, that is supposedly a spy shot of this:

http://www.bmw2002.co.uk/V3%20290105.jpg

Looks vaguely familiar doesn't it?! hehehe:rolleyes:

I am sure that this is on Honda's radar, can't wait to see what they have up their sleeves next year if the Fit does have a FMC.

If BMW can expand their Spartanberg, SC factory that builds the X5 "crossover" SUV, they could actually build this car here in the USA for the American market.

With the market for B-segment cars ready to zoom through the roof, don't be surprised if one of the markets this new BMW will sell the new car is the USA--if only to improve the CAFE average for BMW so they could build more high-end models. :)

BMW already has its segment competitor with the 1 series. Rear wheel drive. BTW this is the finished product from the supposed spy photos above.

http://www.bmw.com.au/common_content...an/1Series.jpg

Starting from A$34,900+onroad costs for manual and A$40,700+ORC for auto compared to the VTEC Fit/Jazz from A$17,990 and $20,290 respectively. Of course start to option the BM and your well over $50,000.

I always thought that part of the reason to buy inexpensive cars was to reduce overall costs. Why would anyone want to suffer through BMW maintenance without getting BMW performance?

That is so stupid... LOL

The base model 1.6L 1 series is so gutless they won't offer it with an auto transmission. You have to step up to the 1.8L to get an auto. The power figures are ok but not the power to weight. Rear wheel drive eats alot of usable interior space so its quite cramped inside. Guess thats the reason why every other car in the segemnt is front wheel drive.

thanks for the info everyone.

I guess the Fit and the BMW are not in the same class, especially if you factor the cost of both vehicles.

A Class merc is a cost competitor to the 1 series BMW in the segment. Your paying for the badge not the car. Remove the 3 pointed star and the A Class would have to be cheaper than the Jazz to be competative.

Top Gear's review of the 1 Series wasn't pretty. I think that the 1 Series will never be sold in the US, due to the Mini Cooper.

The 1-series (A-class) is neither efficient transportation nor is it a status symbol. I am all for quality small cars like the Fit, but these cars are lost on me.

Um, BMW has the Mini. They'll sell the four-door "Mini Traveler" concept here before they sell a BMW B model. I actually think they should go retro and produce an updated 2002. Now that would be cool.

I do like the old BMW's with the "overbite" front end.

The 1-series diesel is apparently a pretty neat ride though.

It makes a ton of torque stock, and is modifiable to make a lot more very easily (as are most turbodiesel cars, but this more than most).

It's the 120d I believe. I could see a market for it here, but perhaps not for the gasoline models, unless they do that ///M variant of the 1-series they were talking about as a $25-26k car, that would sell like hotcakes.

Hahaah I Looked At The "tank" And I Was Like.....is This A Joke???

I personally don't think BMW 1-series is a competitor to the Fit. It's more like another segment imo.

It's definitely more of a luxury play. I'm sort of confused about the 1-series' target market myself now that I think about it. If you're going to have the 26 or 27k to cough up for a 1-series, wouldn't you rather step up to the 3? I would.

I cant wait for the hamann version of that LOL

Saw a couple while vacationing in the Philippines, Looks very nice IMO. I think it's more comparable to the Audi A3 than the Fit. I don't mind owning the 120d, it has performance and great mpg's to go with the look. If BMW comes through with the promise figure of $25,000-$26,000 for the 1 series M, i don't mind moving up to that as well. That said, i hope they keep the curb weight down cause it's a big factor for me buying one.

That BMW is nice, but at the price point.. i doubt it'll be a viable competitor to the Fit

i like the first one... its like a freaken armored transport vehicle :]