UPDATED: ALL-NEW 2011 BMW 1 SERIES HATCH!

It’s out! The first pictures of the all-new BMW 1 Series hatchback are out! These are them. BMW has not officially released these; they were leaked all over the interweb for your own satisfaction. While this is an all-new car, we cannot help but to recognise a couple of others, like the 5 Series GT and 7 Series on its front end.

Very bulky and beefier than expected, the 1 Series will surely garner lots of controversy (a recent BMW trait it seems) for its large headlights, smaller front grille, and wavy bonnet. The side profile doesn’t arouse too much reaction though, with the main feature being that forward-shooting arrow. The back end is also not much to write home about, in fact some might even say it is quietly handsome with those zig zag shapes falling from the window to the lower bumper.

Engines will of course be epic, starting with 1 turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol with power outputs of 100kW, 125kW and 184kW. There’s also a range of diesels powered up to 135kW. 1er will feature a 6-speed manual transmission or an 8-speed automatic, expensive but good for keeping those relentless greenies off your back.

The year 2011 will not end without the all-new BMW 1 Series being sold in South Africa. To get up close and personal with the car you’ll need to visit your nearest dealership after launch (sometime in the 3^rd quarter) or check out BMW’s stand at the 2011 Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS).

*Update: the all-new 1 Series will feature the following models at launch: 116i, 118i, 116d, 118d and a 120d. Petrols are underpinned by the 116i with a 4-cylinder 1.6 turbo engine making 100kW and 220Nm. Next to it is a 118i with the same engine but a higher power output of 125kW and 250Nm in torque. The diesels come in three ways, led by the 120d. Said car generates a healthy 135kW and creamy torque of 380Nm between 1750rpm and 2750rpm. Average fuel consumption is said to be 4.6 litres per 100km. Just below is a 105kW version of the same motor suiting up 320Nm, averaging 4.5 litres per 100km. Lastly the 116d, also a 2.0-litre turbo diesel, generates 85kW and 260Nm, as well as 4.5 litres per 100km.

Later we can expect a 125i and a 130i, even possibly a 123d again. Previous-generation 1 Series hatch stopped at 130i but there is speculation the new car will also spawn a 135i, and even a 1M, just like its coupe brother.