BMW is looking too add a couple of hot hatches to its line-up as it is pursuit of increased sales at a time when most shoppers are looking for less car and a lower price. BMW joins other marques such as Audi, Mercedes, and even Volvo in their race to the bottom, as rumor has it that BMW is developing a few small vehicles to slot in below the 3-series.

 

BMW's current attempt to spur sales in the small car segment have not been very successful, as the 1-series, which is offered in the U.S. in only coupe and drop-top variants, has proved to be too upscale of a car. The 1-series slots in at only about $6,000 less than a 3-series and, in certain configurations, costs more than a 3-series with same amount of options, this is a bad thing since the 1-series features only two doors and a very cramped backseat.

 

This proposed new 2-series seems promising, as contrary to the vehicles name, it may be slotted below the 1-series. Rumor has it that the car will not only be rear-wheel drive but also will feature a 6-cylinder engine. Per a U.S. trademark filing, BMW has already claimed the names 228, 230, and 235 suggesting that one could see this vehicle sooner rather than later. The bottom-line is that the 2-series is BMW's second attempt at what the 1-series should have been.

 

Then there is talk that BMW will build a model that is slotted below the 1-series. Though this model has yet to be officially named, it is said to draw heavily from the Megacity in terms of features and purpose, but not necessarily styling. As the name suggests, it will be a city car and will be offered in an all electric powertrain or a highly efficient internal combustion engine.

 

For people looking for something a little more conventional, say something the size of the MINI but with everything you'd expect in a Bimmer, there are also plans for a 0-series. Though there are few details on this vehicle, it will be about the size of a Ford Fiesta, have a small four-cylinder engine, and be front-wheel drive. It could very well be a stretched and more aggressively styled Megacity.

 

Source: Car and Driver

 

TheCD's take: When the luxury marques are engaged a race to the bottom of the small car segment, younger buyers win.