1 Series Hatch - When????

[Major04]

When is this 1 series Hatch coming to the states? I want one...

[x54.4blue]

Just get a VW GTI, no wait and low price.

[Major04]

Blue, not a VW fan. BMW fan next to Porche'

[noncom23]

http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2...eries_bmw.html

[FSETH]

What would make you want the hatchback when you can buy the coupe right now? I never understood people's fascination with hatchbacks. They do not appeal to me at all. IMO the coupe looks 100% better than the hatchback and you can buy that right now.

[Derek]

Originally Posted by FSETH

What would make you want the hatchback when you can buy the coupe right now? I never understood people's fascination with hatchbacks. They do not appeal to me at all. IMO the coupe looks 100% better than the hatchback and you can buy that right now.

The small hatchback format appeals to people for a number of reasons:
1) Small size makes them easy to park in city environments
2) The hatchback provides much more room and versatility when trying to carry larger items (no need for an SUV)
3) A BMW hatchback would still provide the handling and performance we love
4) The price would be more affordable than even a 3 Touring

The US has not historically been a fan of hatchbacks but with $4+ gasoline you are seeing a lot more of them on the road. The Mini is a hatch of sorts, the VW Rabbit, Scion XB, Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris.... etc.....

To date most hatchbacks have been small economy cars but I think there could be a growing demand for more luxury versions.

[AzNMpower32]

A hatchback provides all the benefits and fun of a sports coupe, with none of the practicality drawbacks. Of course, if you're single and never carry much, you may not see this. But if you're married and/or need the ability to haul large items.......well like Clarkson said "The thing I love about hot hatches is that you can carry a chest of drawers, and then drive home at a million miles an hour"

Unfortunately, I don't see BMW bringing it over soon. Americans want prestige and POWERRRRR!!!! with their luxury marques.

I still miss our 118i rental. That was a humdinger of a workhorse.

[x54.4blue]

[quote=AzNMpower32]A hatchback provides all the benefits and fun of a sports coupe, with none of the practicality drawbacks. Of course, if you're single and never carry much, you may not see this. But if you're married and/or need the ability to haul large items.......well like Clarkson said "The thing I love about hot hatches is that you can carry a chest of drawers, and then drive home at a million miles an hour"

Unfortunately, I don't see BMW bringing it over soon. Americans want prestige and POWERRRRR!!!! with their luxury marques.

With gas prices growing maybe power won't be the only concern.

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by Derek

The small hatchback format appeals to people for a number of reasons:
1) Small size makes them easy to park in city environments

The coupe is only about 5 inches longer, so that really isn't a huge advantage.

2) The hatchback provides much more room and versatility when trying to
carry larger items (no need for an SUV)

I agree with that. However, the seats fold down in the 135i coupe so you can haul some items. The hatch does give way more height, but I wouldn't choose a car for hauling if it wasn't something that I regularly do. I typically don't haul large items.

3) A BMW hatchback would still provide the handling and performance we love

Ditto for coupe.

4) The price would be more affordable than even a 3 Touring

Yes it would.

The US has not historically been a fan of hatchbacks but with $4+ gasoline you are seeing a lot more of them on the road. The Mini is a hatch of sorts, the VW Rabbit, Scion XB, Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris.... etc.....

There are definately more on teh roads these days, but the coupe version is identical to the hatch on fuel mileage.

To date most hatchbacks have been small economy cars but I think there could be a growing demand for more luxury versions.

Basically the only real advantage of the hatchback is if you haul large items on a regular basis. Otherwise, I don't really see the point.

[AzNMpower32]

Originally Posted by FSETH

Basically the only real advantage of the hatchback is if you haul large items on a regular basis. Otherwise, I don't really see the point.

I have not tried this on a 1 coupe yet, but I know the 325i sedan has a serious limitation when it comes to luggage carrying capacity. The way the E90 sedan's opening is designed, it somehow cannot allow a large suitcase to fit in. I'm sure if the opening was taller or the bumper further back, then the angle would allow it. But as of now, we can only fit medium sized luggage items due to the severely limited height of the rear deck.

The 118i hatch, on the other hand, had no such problems. I slid the huge suitcase in on its side, and our other large suitcase on its side. Easy as pie.