The scheduled overhaul of the 1 Series line-up will happen in 2012. The very first model to be refreshed is the 1 Series hatchback variant. This vehicle is expected to be unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. It will feature a slightly longer wheelbase and wider track than its predecessor; available in three and five door variants. This vehicle used the variation backbone and shares a large amount of its parts with other BMW vehicles — a strategy that BMW uses to cut costs in manufacturing.
It is expected to inherit some design cues from the 5 Series and the upcoming 6 Series. The powerplant will be a range of new three and four turbo engines that will be used across the 1 Series fleet. The high-end model of the line-up is the 135i. It will be using the N55 Twin-Scroll engine.
Here’s a spy video of the 2012 BMW 1 Series Hatchback prototype going around the Nurburgring track: