Rumor is no 1er 5-door because US hates hatches. But why are hatches so popular then?

[OBS3SSION]

Seems like BMWNA has no intentions of bringing the 1 Series 5-door hatch to the US. Heck, some rumors say we won't get a 1 Series at all. The reason? Americans don't like hatchbacks and/or small cars.

Huh!?

Where is BMW getting this information? Last I drove on the road, I'm seeing more and more small cars, many of them hatchbacks or "micro" wagons. Seems to me not only the hatchback is gaining popularity, but so is the wagon again. So why not bring over the hatch/wagon BMW?

Maybe somebody can find the sales numbers, but I'm seeing lots of Golfs (have been for 25 years!), Matrix/Vibes, Mazda 3's, Focus, Civics, and other small hatch/wagons. If marketed (and priced) correctly, BMW could have a HUGE winner on its hands... especially with the way gas prices are going.

[LDV330i]

They are afraid that a compact hatch with an out the door price (aka "nicely equiped) over $25K is a hard sell. They are still feeling the effects of the 318ti that sold in the 4,000 to 5,000 units per year here in the US.

If Audi is highly successful with the A3 here in the US, the 1 series will be rushed into the US. The 1 series will be offered in Canada and in Mexico. :confused: Those are smaller markets that are even more price sensitive. :dunno:

[blueguydotcom]

Seems like BMWNA has no intentions of bringing the 1 Series 5-door hatch to the US. Heck, some rumors say we won't get a 1 Series at all. The reason? Americans don't like hatchbacks and/or small cars.

Huh!?

Where is BMW getting this information? Last I drove on the road, I'm seeing more and more small cars, many of them hatchbacks or "micro" wagons. Seems to me not only the hatchback is gaining popularity, but so is the wagon again. So why not bring over the hatch/wagon BMW?

Maybe somebody can find the sales numbers, but I'm seeing lots of Golfs (have been for 25 years!), Matrix/Vibes, Mazda 3's, Focus, Civics, and other small hatch/wagons. If marketed (and priced) correctly, BMW could have a HUGE winner on its hands... especially with the way gas prices are going.

If the 9-2x does well and Audi's A3 makes a dent, the 1 should show up here. Heck it already looks like a cheap version of the Mazda 3 and that's selling like gangbusters.

[alee]

IIRC, BMW claims VW only sold 14k Golfs in the USA last year. As a direct competitor to the 1er, I think they feel that the market is way too small.

[LDV330i]

IIRC, BMW claims VW only sold 14k Golfs in the USA last year. As a direct competitor to the 1er, I think they feel that the market is way too small.
BMW should also look at theri own MINI sales. And they went through the trouble of setting up a completely distinct marketing arm and dealerships.:dunno:

[alee]

BMW should also look at theri own MINI sales. And they went through the trouble of setting up a completely distinct marketing arm and dealerships.:dunno:
Playing the Devil's advocate, I'd be inclined to say the Mini is a cult car, and has a different following than the traditional hatchback buyer.

[HW]

Playing the Devil's advocate, I'd be inclined to say the Mini is a cult car, and has a different following than the traditional hatchback buyer.
yep, i agree. much like the beetle.

[dino007]

I've been to America several times, and compared to South Africa, hatches are scarce in America. Over there, they like big 5L fuel guzzlers, big GMC trucks or sedans. Heck, all the people my age (20's) were driving around in what I consider to be old mens' cars!!! (Camry's, Corollas etc.)

I have to agree with BMW on not taking the 1er to USA.

[Chris90]

America is changing, partly due to the high gas prices. You are starting to see a lot of hatches, the new Astra hatch (whatever it's called here), Mazda has two hatches, Mini, Golf (which is tapering off cause it's such an old design), Scion tC, Audi A3 (next year) - hatches and wagons will catch on, but all these are $20k or less cars. I'm not sure Americans want $30k hatches. And make no mistake, a loaded 125i would be $30k here.

I'd love to see it, but I'm skeptical the A3 wagon is gonna be popular enough to change BMW's mind.

[SARAFIL]

Maybe somebody can find the sales numbers, but I'm seeing lots of Golfs (have been for 25 years!), Matrix/Vibes, Mazda 3's, Focus, Civics, and other small hatch/wagons. If marketed (and priced) correctly, BMW could have a HUGE winner on its hands... especially with the way gas prices are going.

BMW can't afford to make the car as is at a price that will make it competitive in that market. Sure, Americans like those small (cheap) hatches. But, price them at $25k, and things change. How many C-class hatches do you see on the road? They're a HUGE flop up here (even worse than the 318ti was), and Mercedes has insane trunk money on them for a $25-30k car.

There is no way BMW can build that car at a price point that will let it compete price-wise with the other competition. And, due to it's higher price, it WILL be a flop.

Unless newcomers to the market prove BMW wrong (Audi?), don't expect BMW to bring the 5-door here.

[Chris90]

BMW can't afford to make the car as is at a price that will make it competitive in that market. Sure, Americans like those small (cheap) hatches. But, price them at $25k, and things change. How many C-class hatches do you see on the road? They're a HUGE flop up here (even worse than the 318ti was), and Mercedes has insane trunk money on them for a $25-30k car.

There is no way BMW can build that car at a price point that will let it compete price-wise with the other competition. And, due to it's higher price, it WILL be a flop.

Unless newcomers to the market prove BMW wrong (Audi?), don't expect BMW to bring the 5-door here.

Yeah, if the A3 wagon is a huge success here, then the 1 wagon will follow, otherwise, we'll just get a coupe and M1 maybe.

[Evanzhp]

I can't help myself. I think BMW NA reasons for not bringing the 1 series here are pretty weak. The 318 was an unattractive 2 door hatch thats design was thrown together to meet demand in other markets. It was not from a fresh design. Sorry, but it was the wrong car at the wrong time.

People also site the weak success of the Mercedes C class coupe. Again a two door that looks thrown together. Slow Golf sales do not apply either. It has looked the same since 1983 and does nothing for the imagination.

Gas is going up. BMW's are more popular than ever. People pay $ 25k for a little Mini. Other manufacturers are leading the way, and the market is responding. The timing looks excellent to me.

BMW NA needs to gain some courage. Offer a 120i for posers that want the BMW name and/or are worried about gas. Offer the 125i for the more affluent who want more power and options. Finally a 130i for the enthusiast. What is not to like? :rofl:

[Wildstar]

We 'Mericans tend to equate small cars with cheap cars. I don't think it is so much the hatchback, as it is the size/price. In Europe you have more expensive, really nicely appointed small cars. I can here it now: "Why does that little BMW cost $15,000 more than that Kia? They're the same size! I can by me a Big Buick for that kind of money."

That is slowly changing, and $2.00/gal fuel might speed that up, but that is what they are dealing with. I think they'll have much more luck with the 2-series coupes.

[philippek]

BMW can't afford to make the car as is at a price that will make it competitive in that market. Sure, Americans like those small (cheap) hatches. But, price them at $25k, and things change. How many C-class hatches do you see on the road? They're a HUGE flop up here (even worse than the 318ti was), and Mercedes has insane trunk money on them for a $25-30k car.

There is no way BMW can build that car at a price point that will let it compete price-wise with the other competition. And, due to it's higher price, it WILL be a flop.

Unless newcomers to the market prove BMW wrong (Audi?), don't expect BMW to bring the 5-door here.

So true. C coupes are laughable on this coast as well. Got a mailer the other day advertising a $199 lease deal for one, and my cohorts at our MB store say those cars are soft as undercooked chicken.

BMW should bring a 1 series variant stateside, but not soon, and definitely not the 5 door.

[EdCT]

Seems like BMWNA has no intentions of bringing the 1 Series 5-door hatch to the US. Heck, some rumors say we won't get a 1 Series at all. The reason? Americans don't like hatchbacks and/or small cars.

Huh!?



Back in the 70's and into the 80's, the hatch was it!!

My first new car, a 1980 VW Rabbit was a two door hatchback.

Later in 1983, VW introduced an americanized version of the Golf GTI and the "hot hatch" was born.

Hatchbacks were everywhere then, but sometime around 1990, when Honda decided the Accord would no longer come as a hatch, I knew the market was doomed.

I think the hatchback was/is a great design. Here's to hoping hatches make a comeback.

Ed

[andy_thomas]

So true. C coupes are laughable on this coast as well. Got a mailer the other day advertising a $199 lease deal for one, and my cohorts at our MB store say those cars are soft as undercooked chicken.

BMW should bring a 1 series variant stateside, but not soon, and definitely not the 5 door.

C Class coupes are selling quite well here, but the car is not really competitive in any area. Its drivetrain/chassis is bettered by the BMW 3er compact, material and construction quality is better in the Audi A3, and it's more expensive and less well-equipped than either. The market, though, for sall premium hatches is growing very fast, particularly as people realise that total cost of ownership compared to a Ford or GM hatchback product is actually very similar, if not lower.

[racerdave]

I :dunno:

I agree with Obsession, that I'm also seeing a lot of Vibe, Matrix and Mazda 3 5-doors. And the 1'er wouldn't be *that* much of a premium over a fully loaded example of those cars.

[The Roadstergal]

I think the hatchback was/is a great design. Here's to hoping hatches make a comeback.

:thumbup:

[1seriesfanatic]

How easy is it to import a car from Canada? I believe there is some sort of agreement (since there is a lot of movement between both countries and there are similar auto standards) for cars to be brought to the US and vice versa. Even if we don't get the 1-series in the states, those of us who live close to the border could probably buy it and bring it back to the USA? Curious if anyone has ever moved from Canada to the US as they would prolly know the rules, but I know it can be down as I have seen some Acura EL (Canada market only) and Echo hatches in my area with US plates.

[Iniquity]

also because most hatches are relatively affordable.. these days hatches are "cool" college cars and what not... no one really wants to pay $30k for a hatch.... that's why I think they should ditch the idea of using the 6 cylinder versions when they come to the US... keep it a 4 banger and keep it more competitive with the VW's and such.. throw in a S/C or turbo if they have to to give it more power yet keep costs down..

[swchang]

also because most hatches are relatively affordable.. these days hatches are "cool" college cars and what not... no one really wants to pay $30k for a hatch.... that's why I think they should ditch the idea of using the 6 cylinder versions when they come to the US... keep it a 4 banger and keep it more competitive with the VW's and such.. throw in a S/C or turbo if they have to to give it more power yet keep costs down..

My friend got a MB C230k (I think) coupe when he was at Duke. Loved it.

One of my friends, who just got a 325i, still wishes he'd had a Civic Si while at UVA.

I would've taken any means of personal transportation while in college. Too bad Boston parking is so expensive and the T layout is so extensive...

[Chris90]

My friend got a MB C230k (I think) coupe when he was at Duke. Loved it.

One of my friends, who just got a 325i, still wishes he'd had a Civic Si while at UVA.

I would've taken any means of personal transportation while in college. Too bad Boston parking is so expensive and the T layout is so extensive...

Damn, hardly any of us had cars when I was at Duke, now they're all driving luxury imports! Well, one of my friends had a 10 year old VW Beetle, which got stolen.