THE CURRENT GENERATION 1 Series is reaching the end of its life-cycle, with a replacement set to arrive in showrooms sometime late next year.

Development cars have again been spied running about Europe, giving us a few clues as to what to expect. BMW’s trademark ‘whirlpool’ camouflage cloaks most of this test car, but it appears the hatch’s basic proportions will carry over largely unchanged.

It’s difficult to discern any major changes in the sheetmetal, but it seems the sharp character line that runs along the current car’s flanks will remain a feature of the new 1 Series.

Judging by the straight-edged rocker panels (removed in these shots), the ’sagging’ lower crease of the current model may be dispensed with.

As for the nose and tail-lights, BMW is keeping those a closely-guarded secret, opting to cover up the prototype’s entire front and rear ends.

The 2011 1-Series’ mechanical package has yet to be confirmed, but rumours suggest a range of turbocharged three and four-cylinder motors are in development, as well as a twin-turbo four-pot for a 1 Series Supersports model.

Bodystyles will likely cover the same range offered by the current model, with a sedan and three-door shooting brake also rumoured to be in the offing.

GALLERY » 2011 BMW 1-series hatch spy shots