2013 BMW 1 Series Three-door Revealed, No Plans For Australia

Update: No plans for local launch. BMW Australia comments added, see bottom of article.

On the heels of the M135i performance model, BMW's new 1 Series range has been joined this week by a new three-door bodystyle.

On the styling front, the three-door 1 Series takes its cues from the existing five-door model, with even its exterior dimensions remaining unchanged.

With a longer wheelbase than the previous-generation 1 Series, the new three-door offers an extra 21mm of rear legroom, and luggage space is up 30 litres to 360 litres.

Mechanically, three-door engine options include the petrol 100kW/220Nm 116i, 125kW/250Nm 118i (from November) and 160kW/310Nm 125i, to the 105kW/320Nm 118d diesel and the new range-topping 235kW/450Nm M135i flagship. 

Internationally, there is also the new 75kW 1.6 litre turbo four-cylinder 114i petrol model, the 85kW/260Nm 116d EfficientDynamics, and the 160kW/450Nm 125d. 

For the 114i, BMW promises a 0-100km/h time of 11.2 seconds, with fuel consumption on the combined cycle listed at 5.7 l/100km.

The 116d EfficientDynamics model gets a start/stop system, automatic air flap control, low rolling-resistance tyres, and a rear differential and suspension tune optimised for efficiency.

Fuel consumption is listed at 4.5 l/100km. 

BMW will add a 135kW 120d variant to the range later this year, along with the 118i variant already available in the five-door range.

Australia

Speaking with TMR today, BMW Australia's Scott Croaker said that, like the first-gen three-door, there are no plans to launch the new 1 Series three-door in Australia.

"We have no current plans to introduce the 1 Series three-door as this is not a car for our market," Mr Croaker said.

The M135i, on the other hand, looks likely to be a sure starter - but not as a three-door.

"When the M135i becomes available in the five-door we will grab that with both hands," Mr Croaker said. "We expect that will happen sooner rather than later but have no official confirmation as yet."

• 1 Series news and reviews | BMW news and reviews
• Australian 1 Series five-door launch article
• Australian 125i launch article