Codename F40 for the Next BMW 1 Series Hatch

The next generation BMW 1 Series is due out in 2018 and as of now, it is still not confirmed if the car will carry the 1 Series badge. There are rumors that it may take the 2 Series moniker, but its too early to tell. What we do know however is the design and construction of the car. The design is focused on giving more premium characteristics to the car and it will also be slightly larger than the current generation.

The 1 Series Hatchback will also switch to the UKL front-wheel drive platform. This new segment will mark the beginning of BMW hatches built under the Fxx designation. For this specific case, it will carry the codename F40.

Aside from the codename, we also know that BMW will give the five door hatch a front-wheel drive platform paired with three and four-cylinder engines. Models like the 116i, 118i, 120i, 116d, 118d and 120d will appear in the lineup, including a BMW 135ix which will likely replace the current rear-wheel drive M140i.

The rendering above gives hints of the BMW design language but the headlights are slimmer and more angular. This twist includes the detail that full LED lights are standard. The side view shows a mirrorless car with cameras to help the driver navigate through traffic – similar to the recently unveiled BMW i8 Mirrorless Camera.

BMW plans to introduce the successor of the popular hatch in 2019.