BMW sees big things for small cars

The small car market is growing at a considerable rate and becoming more lucrative, not just around the world, but also in Australia.

Toyota's new Corolla, for instance, is doing the Japanese carmaker proud, outselling many larger-classed cars in what is usually only territory governed by the Falcons and Commodores of today's busy society.

BMW has decided that the small 3-series compact and new Mini aren't going to attract buyers who would normally look at the much cheaper Barina, Clio and Pulsar models - the result being BMW will launch the 1-series line-up in 2004/2005.

The BMW CS1 concept was first seen at the Geneva Auto Show and the company explains that it is a good insight into what the new 1-series range will look like.

The new 1-series will be the stepping stone model for younger, more fashion-conscious buyers. While a convertible was shown in Geneva, it's not yet on BMW's 'to-do' list, while a three-door hatchback, four-door sedan, sports wagon, coupe and roadster models are pretty much set in stone for production.

Unlike almost all small cars, the entire 1-series line-up will be rear-wheel drive - a BMW-ism, if you will. The entry level engine is expected to be a 1.6-litre mill, which, hypothetically, would make the entry-level car a BMW 114, followed by the 116, 118 and so on. All engines are likely to be of the inline, four-cylinder persuasion, and naturally aspirated.

The 1600cc tiddler will make about 80kW of power, and is likely to reach this relatively impressive mark thanks to Valvetronic technology and other BMW goodies. The number two engine will be a 1.8-litre job, worth around 90kW.

At the top of the 1-series range there is likely to be a hot 2.0-litre powerplant, capable of putting 180kW through the rear-wheels, which will make for a rather zippy hatch if the dry weight is kept to a minimum.

The CS1 concept comes with an SMG, or sequential manual gearbox, which allows for clutch-free and reportedly ultra-precise shifts between gears. Whether this will make it to the final spec 1-series is questionable.

But perhaps more important to the small car demographic than outright power are the car's aesthetics - and this is where BMW will win the war.

Inside, the concept car is very nouveau-chic, with plenty of beige Nubuk leather, mixed in with striking contrasts of tan and silver with plenty of curvy archicture. It's also a bit minimalist, but BMW is promising much, borrowing the 7-series acclaimed iDrive system.

There's even transparent gel cushions to support your back-side, and the general interior design does what BMW wanted, creating a more open sense of of space.

As far as the car looks from the outside, it's instantly recognisable as a Beemer, thanks in large part to the double kidney grille. The dual headlight look marvellous and, in general, if this concept is anything to go by, BMW is on to a real winner. The short front and rear overhangs add an air of sportiness, as do the massive 18-inch wheels, and the slightly flared wheel arches together with a slightly revised shoulder line create a very slick and suave profile.

BMW is talking some 150,000 units in the first year of production, which will be built at the company's Regensburg factory in Germany-land. The company is expected to shoot for about $US15,000 for the entry-level model, which should convert to about $27,000 local currency. To put that in perspective, the current model entry level 318Ti Compact goes for just over $40,000 at present.

With the new Mini already doing quite well for itself, BMW is perhaps now seeing the small car demographic as a key segment. Will the new 1-series BMW be a success? Undoubtedly so. The CS1 was created to whet the appetite of those waiting for a smaller, more affordable Beemer and, although still a long ways off, we think it's acheived it goal.