http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bmw/1-s...-series-gt-way

 

Groan... Without even *trying* to make a small, lightweight rwd car, they resort to fwd >

 

The design for those cars is pretty standardized by now - they all look very similar. I think this is a nice looking little car, though it obviously won't be worth the money to North Americans (I don't even think we'll get this car). In Europe and Asia, small cars are taxed less and they are easier to park, so they make more sense there.

 

Fixed. RWD = inherently more cost, in general, plus you potentially have some packaging issues since this car is so small (rear differential takes up more room, suspension is usually more basic to fit in smaller envelope, etc, etc). Also, a FWD vehicle has comparatively less drivetrain loss so it will be more economical to boot.

 

They have a small RWD car its called the 1 series. We just don't get the 4 door hatch version here in the states. I think it will be the same with this. I don't like the looks of this car. It does look like a fit with a BMW conversion. No thanks.

 

The 1-series is a *slightly* smaller and *barely* lighter-weight version of the oversized/overweight 3-series.

If Toyobaru can build a 2750 lb. rwd car, so can bmw. They never tried (or haven't since the E30).

 

looks like a yaris with a bimmer front end

 

They also have a ton more sound deadening & luxury items. Your can't compare how comfortable a 1 series is compared to a BRZ/FRS. Two different cars.

 

My point EXACTLY! They haven't tried to build a minimalist rwd car like the FR-S/BRZ. They should.

 

A Fit weighs less than 2500 lbs with a manual transmission. There you have it - an econo-hatch that is fun to drive and has plenty of space while being lighter than an FR-S by 200 lbs.