1er diesel hatch testing in NJ

[equ]

We were out on a Saturday evening run, and we saw something very interesting.

White, 6-speed, 1er hatch... No camouflage and it seemed to be highly optioned, park distance control, sports package, pirelli eufori tires. The big news is that it's a diesel! It had green bordered USE ULTRA LOW SULPHUR DIESEL ONLY stickers inside. Cute and I hope it's out soon... My gf was a fan, she also thinks it looks better than the 1er coupe as this was the original design.

[Z3Mcoupedriver]

I want that car so bad... so bad...

[wyb]

personal import? It's speedometer is in KM

[equ]

Notice manufacturer plates. According to 1addicts link to Jalopnik, this car was spotted in May 08 (plate matches). At the time, it doesn't seem that they got close enough to see that it was a diesel.

[EdCT]

Notice manufacturer plates. According to 1addicts link to Jalopnik, this car was spotted in May 08 (plate matches). At the time, it doesn't seem that they got close enough to see that it was a diesel.

This would be the perfect car for me - great gas mileage, fun to drive and 17 inch wheels for NYC potholes and New England frost heaves (not to mention lighter unsprung weight).

This car is more or less the spiritual successor to my old stock 323i, a return to a simpler BMW with a bit of added versatility.

I want one.

Ed

[Lovesound]

Personal import.

My 2 cents.

[cxp]

BMWNA owned test car. Remember that BMWNA is located right over in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, pretty close to where these pictures were taken. Manufacturers are allowed to drive non-US spec cars on US roads. This is not a US spec model -- no amber reflectors. Most likely testing for other markets.

There was a writeup in some magazine a few years ago that discussed a similar 330d on US roads. The car was used for turbo development and had manufacturer plates. This was also not a US spec car.

[wyb]

so it's possibly the 118d? i never saw any model designation on it. Topgear gave the 118d RAVE reviews.

[mapezzul]

The 118d was at the NY auto show to pick up Green Car of the year and photo shoots to boot, it was white and optioned the same so maybe this is that car now being used by a BMWNA staffer after the stickers for Efficient Dynamics were removed? Dunno just an idea:dunno:

[Andrew*Debbie]

so it's possibly the 118d? i never saw any model designation on it. Topgear gave the 118d RAVE reviews.

Possibly. The 5 door diesel is currently available as a 118d / 120d / 123d

The 118d is a bit slow for the American market. The 118d fuel economy and CO2 emissions make it attractive in the UK. UK car taxes are based on CO2 emissions and not the price of the car. The 118d is in band B. Tax is all of £35.00/year. A 120i would be £145/year. Not huge compared to the price of the car, but people do notice.


Priced right the 120d and the 123d could sell in the US market.


So top gear loved the 118d and hated the 130i? They also raved about the Honda Element. I wonder sometimes.


http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/HowToTaxYourVehicle/DG_10012524

[Chris90]

Probably on it's way to Boston for pothole testing.

I do think we'll see more 1 series variants here, but probably not this gen. :(

[blueguydotcom]

I would buy this car today if it were available...

[mapezzul]

I would buy this car today if it were available...

Sign me up as well !

[equ]

From wheels and other triangulation, I'm guessing 123d but have no info.

[dj330Ci]

I'm in Wales for two weeks and have been checking them out. I want one. These are really sweet. Did I mention that I want one? BTW, speedos come in MPH too if you want. Speed limit signs are in MPH. I asked a local about his 118d and he gave me a great tour of the car; he was very up on BMW's overall. I would definately buy one of these. It's really unfortunate that we don't have them yet. The selling point for me is it's RWD.

[sdbrandon]

If BMW wants to survive in the U.S. we will see a 4 door diesel. They desparately need a small car that gets 25MPG city or better.

I hope the 1 series hatch comes here. If not, VW actually has better looking cars coming out for a lot less and they are diesel. Granted it is not a BMW with RWD, but 95% of consumers won't care.

[blueguydotcom]

If BMW wants to survive in the U.S. we will see a 4 door diesel. They desparately need a small car that gets 25MPG city or better.

I hope the 1 series hatch comes here. If not, VW actually has better looking cars coming out for a lot less and they are diesel. Granted it is not a BMW with RWD, but 95% of consumers won't care.

I've driven the new 2.0 TDI Jetta. It's pretty darn nice. It's not a rocket and it sure doesn't feel as good as my BMWs or Mini but 40 MPG, comfy interior, somewhat german roadfeel...

[kishg]

nice spotting.. i know that neighbourhood.. near the port imperial ferry correct?

[joka]

I'd get one if hatchback diesel is available.

I saw one when I was on vacation in St Marteen and it looked much better than the coupe.
Not to mention the practicality of the hatch.

[wag-zhp]

I would consider the versatility of the 5 door hatch, especially if there are diesel powerplant options available. Something like this would make a great daily driver, that is also fun to drive!

[1good1]

A 4dr 123D would be a car I would take a good hard look at to replace my old 540 6 spd, nice car good performance and great mileage. Then we would just have to lobby the government to reduce the impact tax on diesels for big trucks, it's so unfair for everyone else, total bull!!! Make diesel the bargain it really is, that's why europeans buy em at 60% of total sales.

[mdsbuc]

Place me in the :thumbup: category for this car too. I think it is far better looking than the coupe, and more practical to boot.

[achtunge30]

How odd,

I saw somethign quite similar leaving last year's NY Auto show, but in the same area as the OP

http://lh6.ggpht.com/fmalgapo/SOk4RcHjcjI/AAAAAAAADew/OhEX5S-CwQU/s400/auto%20show%202008%20007.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/fmalgapo/SOk4RyF0MlI/AAAAAAAADe4/bcWBTDrdxjA/s400/auto%20show%202008%20008.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/fmalgapo/SOk4SesDGkI/AAAAAAAADfA/e1eFBzgqdvM/s400/auto%20show%202008%20009.JPG

Saw this parked approx 1/2 mi from the Port Imperial parking lot, it was in one of those new building constructions. I wonder if it was owned or one of the first test cars brought into the US or was it simply just a visitor from Mexico.

[sunilsf]

I'll take a 5-door 123d please!!

[roup1]

very nice pics! Thanks for posting...

btw, what kind of camera do you use?

[bugawako]

You guys would know, but is there a possibility that the hatch would be coming here to the states? When the lease of my Mini ends, I would probably get the 135 hatch. I love the looks of that car.

[alejotrujillo]

You guys would know, but is there a possibility that the hatch would be coming here to the states? When the lease of my Mini ends, I would probably get the 135 hatch. I love the looks of that car.

Unfortunately, the N54 engine (135, 335, 535, etc) is not available in the hatch. The biggest engine for the hatch (both 3 door and 5 door) is de N52 (130i).

Only the coupe body has the N54 available.

[brosher]

I'll take one in black with manual, sport package and heated seats.

[AzNMpower32]

I've already got my dream 1er hatch built, and the Configurator tool lets me save it as a PDF with all the option descriptions and details. :smokin: Amazing, just 5,2 l/100km consumption, or about 45mpg combined.

[davids540i]

I don't think this has been posted here yet but anyone catch this article yet?

http://www.motorauthority.com/spy-shots-2010-bmw-1-series-test-mule.html

Not sure how reliable the source is but notice the second to the last paragraph. It isn't definitive by any means but at least gives those of us in the US wanting a 1er hatch just a bit more hope.

[mdsbuc]

I don't think this has been posted here yet but anyone catch this article yet?

http://www.motorauthority.com/spy-shots-2010-bmw-1-series-test-mule.html

Not sure how reliable the source is but notice the second to the last paragraph. It isn't definitive by any means but at least gives those of us in the US wanting a 1er hatch just a bit more hope.
Nice find. :thumbup: I hope they come through and bring it here.

[jcatral14]

It's got a manual tranny!!!! :cool::banana::clap:

[DUH CAR]

Heard that we'll get the hatchback with the next generation in 2011.

[minicrazy592]

I noticed it's a M trim level due to the body kit and the wheels.

[Zeke77]

Love the pics....But I'm curious--What is the difference between this vehicle and the supposed X1 due out in 2011? Suspension height?

[jsc]

Love the pics....But I'm curious--What is the difference between this vehicle and the supposed X1 due out in 2011? Suspension height?
About the same as the difference between a 328i Touring and an X3 - i.e. quite a bit!