Much to the chagrin of BMW fans the world over, the Munich-based automakers next-generation 1 Series will share its UKL2 underpinnings with MINI Countryman and BMW X1, meaning it will be front-wheel drive based.
But if rumours emanating from Germany are to be believed, BMW is working on a hot version of the 1 Series that will take on the Volkswagen Golf R, Audi S3, and the upcoming Mercedes-AMG A35.
The key thing here is, it's likely to feature BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system. It's likely to get a tuned version of BMW's current 2.0-litre turbocharged motor, and produce close to 228kw, giving it enough grunt - and traction - to take on its new found direct competitors.
The car, likely to be called the BMW 130iX, has yet to be confirmed by BMW, but stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.
Also worth a look: the BMW Glc and the BMW M3.
FAQ
Q: What is the BMW 130iX and when will it be available in South Africa?
The BMW 130iX is a rumoured high-performance version of the next-generation 1 Series that's expected to produce around 228kW and feature xDrive all-wheel drive to compete with the Golf R and Audi S3. BMW hasn't officially confirmed this model yet, so South African availability and pricing remain unknown.
Q: Will the new BMW 1 Series be front-wheel drive?
Yes, the next-generation BMW 1 Series will be based on the UKL2 platform shared with the MINI Countryman and BMW X1, making it front-wheel drive based rather than the current rear-wheel drive setup.
Q: How much power will the BMW 130iX have compared to its competitors?
The BMW 130iX is expected to produce close to 228kW from a tuned 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, which would put it in direct competition with the Volkswagen Golf R, Audi S3, and Mercedes-AMG A35 in terms of performance.
Q: What makes the BMW 130iX different from the regular 1 Series?
The 130iX is rumoured to feature BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system and a significantly more powerful version of the 2.0-litre turbo engine, giving it the traction and grunt needed to compete in the hot hatch segment.
Should You Buy It?
Hold your horses, speed demon. The BMW 130iX is still in rumour territory, so you can't actually buy one yet. If it does materialise with 228kW and xDrive, it could be a proper weapon against the Golf R and S3, but until BMW officially confirms it and we get South African pricing, you'll have to make do with dreaming. Keep an eye on this space because if it's real, it could be the hot hatch that finally gives BMW fans something to get properly excited about again.
