Resemblance to the Mazda3

[AK]

Here's the 1-series:

http://www.bmw.nl/special_1serie/img/wp_800x600_01.jpg

http://www.bmw.nl/special_1serie/img/wp_800x600_03.jpg

And here's the Mazda3:

http://www.mazda.ca/eng/Vehicles/Mazda3/800x600/m3_027.jpg

http://www.mazda.ca/eng/Vehicles/Mazda3/800x600/m3_032.jpg

The Mazda looks better, IMHO. Not like us Yanks have anything to worry about since we won't be able to buy a 1-series anyway, but even if we could, I doubt I'd buy it over the Maz3.

[Kaz]

We'll get the 1er, I'm pretty sure. But not the 5dr. And most cars in this class (small 5dr hatches) all look about the same anyhow, so it has nothing to do with Mazda.

[operknockity]

Nope. Don't see any resemblance, other than generically all cars look like all other cars.

[AK]

We'll get the 1er, I'm pretty sure. But not the 5dr. And most cars in this class (small 5dr hatches) all look about the same anyhow, so it has nothing to do with Mazda.

I still think they look quite similar. Nothing like the Ford Focus 5dr hatch, anyway.

If the 1er 5dr was to be offered here in the states, I wonder what it would sell for. I'd certainly give it a look but if it cost ~5K more than the Mazda3 (reasonable guess), there's no way I'd buy it. I guess the 1er will be rear wheel drive (which the Maz3 is not) but frankly in a car with <<200hp I don't think it will matter that much. I drove a Maz3 about a month ago and was very impressed by it. You can get one with leather seats and xenons for under $20K.

[Kaz]

I've yet to drive one, but the 3 seems pretty nice. Starts out dirt cheap (<$14k IIRC) but you get a S and start loading it up with xenons, leather, NAV and crap, it gets pretty pricey (somewhere around $23k). I think a stripper 1er is around 20k euros, so it's not a value proposition. Something saleable in the US (at minimum, a fairly loaded up 118 or a 120) will run at stripper 325 prices, I'm sure.

[The Roadstergal]

They're both on the angular side of small 5-door wagons, but that's as far as it goes. I like Mazdas, but BMW would have the RWD advantage here.

[bmw325]

Agree- they do look sort of similar. I like the looks of the Mazda better. But, dependingon price, it would be a tough call, since I'd really prefer RWD. I wonder why MAzda never built anything else on the Miata chassis (same question for Honda)/

[EZ]

Similarities notwithstanding, I think that the Mazda' design is too busy -- way too many embelishments. I like the BMW much better -- it has true elegance and class.

[operknockity]

Similarities notwithstanding, I think that the Mazda' design is too busy -- way too many embelishments. I like the BMW much better -- it has true elegance and class. Except for the sculpted-in side panels, I agree with you. What is it with Bangle/Adrian and those sculpted-in side panels????

[The Roadstergal]

Except for the sculpted-in side panels, I agree with you. What is it with Bangle/Adrian and those sculpted-in side panels????

The Mazda 3 also has a sculpt in at the bottom and a flared-out rocker panel. Even my Miata has that. They're just straight across, while on the BMW they're gently curved.

[operknockity]

The Mazda 3 also has a sculpt in at the bottom and a flared-out rocker panel. Even my Miata has that. They're just straight across, while on the BMW they're gently curved.
I know that curve is the effect that they want. It's all part of their "convergence of convex and concave shapes" and all that "flame surfacing" nonesense. But it's ugly to me.

[racerdave]

I know that curve is the effect that they want. It's all part of their "convergence of convex and concave shapes" and all that "flame surfacing" nonesense. But it's ugly to me.

:stupid:

Those rocker panels blow on the 1'er. Looks like something Hyundai or Pontiac (ribbed for her pleasure) would try to pull...

[operknockity]

Those rocker panels blow on the 1'er.
I just realized why I don't like the side panels on the 1er and the Z4... They look like they've already been dented inward by an accident.

[blueguydotcom]

Here's the 1-series:

The Mazda looks better, IMHO. Not like us Yanks have anything to worry about since we won't be able to buy a 1-series anyway, but even if we could, I doubt I'd buy it over the Maz3.

I thought it looked like the 3 the first time I saw pics. Nice enough car to resemble.

[swchang]

Is BMW trying to make the headlights look like human eyes? That second pic of the 1er sorta freaks me out.