1-series competition?

[swchang]

What is the 1er meant to compete against? Golf and A3, I guess. CAR compared the previous two against an MB A-Class, but I thought it was the new B-Class that's coming out that was meant to be MB's competitor? Is there anything else in the US (or even non-US) offerings that naturally competes? I wonder if the RSX would count, even though it's a little larger...

[Warot]

There are 3 main competitors and this is straight from BMW. THe Alfa 147. A-Class and the A3. THose are the people BMW were aiming at.

[swchang]

There are 3 main competitors and this is straight from BMW. THe Alfa 147. A-Class and the A3. THose are the people BMW were aiming at.

So are Alfas in the same league as MB, BMW, and Audi, or are they more like VW? BTW, I understand the 156 is like a C-class/3-series competitor, but is the 166 an E-class/5er competitor?

[Warot]

So are Alfas in the same league as MB, BMW, and Audi, or are they more like VW? BTW, I understand the 156 is like a C-class/3-series competitor, but is the 166 an E-class/5er competitor?

In the brochure for the 1-Series, those 3 hatches were included. A "Premium" hatchback, not that many more out there.

[swchang]

In the brochure for the 1-Series, those 3 hatches were included. A "Premium" hatchback, not that many more out there.

Is the brochure available online anywhere?

[Warot]

Is the brochure available online anywhere?
No unfortunately, it was a Powerpoint presentation at BMW in SOuth AFrica (I was lucky enough have an internship there). It was around 20 slides and included the pictures that you see now, the press release I mean. 3/4 of the way, it had a comparison, with the 3 cars I mentioned. Each car took about 3 slides and it listed the pros and cons of each car. Obviously the 1-series was designed to beat all of them :rolleyes: . Well maybe not space wise, but driving dynamics was plastered all over the place. It was very very interesting to say the least, to see how cars are designed. This slide was made around May, so before any info even came out.

[mustang]

I'd say main competitors are A3 and Golf. I spec'd up a 120 and Golf GTi, both just over 20k. One has 150hp, the other has 200. I would be seriously tempted by the Golf (I'm talking about right now, I'm sure a more powerful 1er will be out soon).

[andy_thomas]

I'd say main competitors are A3 and Golf. I spec'd up a 120 and Golf GTi, both just over 20k. One has 150hp, the other has 200. I would be seriously tempted by the Golf (I'm talking about right now, I'm sure a more powerful 1er will be out soon).
The Golf is overpriced in the UK - but then so is the 1er. Apparently (not driven one yet) the new Golf is good enough to drive to be giving BMW some headaches - it's a serious improvement on the old Golf, and the new 2.0t engine is very effective. Right now, given the pricing and equipment, I would certainly take a Golf GTi over either of the 120s.