1 Series Hatchback for the US - CANCELLED

[Kirby]

BMW won't bring 1 Series hatch to U.S.; Audi hatches A3 plans


By AUTOWEEK

It’s no Mini
We’re not sure how they explain the Mini, but BMW blamed the alleged U.S. aversion to hatchbacks for the German automaker’s position that the entry-level 1 Series won’t come to the United States until a sedan or coupe body style is developed. A spokesman for BMW said the company hasn’t changed its mind that the 1 Series five-door hatch, which launches this fall in Europe, won’t come to the States as a hatch. We’ll see the 1 Series in late 2005 as an ’06 model, most likely as a sedan.

Audi hatches plans
Meanwhile, a new version of the Audi A3 hatchback will definitely come to North America, Volkswagen has decided. After years of considering the old model for duty in the States and Canada, the company has decided the new five-door version of the upgraded VW Golf will work in North America. The three-door we are not expected to get is on the road in Europe already. The five-door we get isn’t due here until mid-2005. Look for the 1.8-liter turbo four and the 3.2-liter V6 to power U.S.-model A3s.

 

[Tom]

Bummer...I figure they would sell more hatchbacks than sedans with that particular design.

 

[Section_8]

Bummer...I figure they would sell more hatchbacks than sedans with that particular design.

I did too, that and the cabrio sedan version.. I was really considering the hatch for my wife in a year or so! Back to the X3/325iT debate..

 

[codex57]

Wonder why Americans are so anti-hatch. They're useful. I mean, they buy boatloads of raised hatchbacks. Don't see why a regular ride height with better handling is somehow worse. But then, the American public in general is pretty stupid IMO.