Yep, you heard that right. I saw a new BMW 1 series 5 door hatch driven around near my house a couple of weeks ago. BMW does not officially sells/import the 1 series hatch to the USA, yet, but I was very intrigued by the car when I saw it in person. I have only seen it in pics (Haven't been to Europe in 8 years) but the car does look attractive in person.

It had Florida plates, so this was not a Mexican spec car happen to be riding around Miami....

Seems to me BMW is testing the waters in order to reverse their prior decision not to import the 3 and 5 door 1 series hatches into the country.

This car could lure me away from MINI.

What do you think? Too bad I didn't have my Canon PowerShot SD600 handy when I saw it.

 

Remember that there a lot of Canadians here in winter. I know you said it was FL plates but they could own a house/apt in Miami. I see all types of European cars that are not imported into the states this time of year. Saw a MB A-class this weekend.

 

But technically, you can not legally register a "gray import" car that is less than 25 years old.

Is the 1 series hatch sold in Canada?

Nevertheless, it was an interesting sight. I am not a huge fan of the US 1 series Coupe but I can see justifying this car as a hatch with 4 doors.

 

I was living in Italy when the E46 1-series hatch was out. In fact I had one for quite some time. I really liked it. Reminded me of a 318. I dont think I would buy one now over its coupe brother but its nice...

 

I've seen tons of them in Europe and I love them. I would seriously consider buying one if they were sold here.

 

Alas, the 1-series hatch is not sold in Canada. :( Wish it were though.

With the A3, i can't shake the feeling that it's a "pretend" Audi... I mean, I may as well buy a GTI for that price..!

 

I was just watching a youtube promotional video of the 3 and 5 door 1 series. I love that 3 door, especially in white.

 

That is one of my favorite cars. I saw one about a year ago in Santa Barbara, CA. It was a Mexico one though.

 

If my MINI record keeps faltering, who knows? I test drove a 135 auto last year and it was quite the blast, plus that IL 6 engine, unlike the Prince/PSA mess, is a proven mill. and if they import the 3/5 door hatch? who knows? All I need is my current MCS to become problematic (like my R53) and I'll bail, either to a 135 or an Infiniti G37.

 

I wonder how some of these cars make into the states. I love the bmw 1 series. Fun small car that I would consider buying if it came to the states. More small hatches the better!

I once saw a Renalut Clio at a car show once IN the parking lot not the show. It had plates and all.

I did hear that foreign representatives (people working at embassies and such) can have cars not available to us citizens. Not sure how true this is.

 

Please bring it here!!!! I love the practicality the hatch versions bring, it's almost like a rwd mini (blasphemy, I know, but my first car was/is an old 3 series). Sounds like my one wish might come true, now they just need to bring their awesome 4cyl diesels over too.

 

The Mexican consul here in Miami drives around in a fairly new Peugeot 307 convertible (Red). Nice looking car. Pugs are not sold here, but the 307 uses the same Prince engine as our beloved R56, R55 and R57 MINIs.

Also I have seen around another Peugeot van type looking vehicle (Like a Renault Espace, VW Sharan or Ford Galaxy) also here in Miami. Not sure who owns it but the car has Florida (Non-consul) plates. How did they pullthat one off?

 

I agree. Actually in person the 1 series hatchback is a pretty good looking car. And the taller beltline of the design works better in the hatches than in the current coupe model.

If BMWUSA retracts from their prior (Stubborn) decision not to bring their 1 series hatches stateside, I would seriously put them as a contender for my next vehicle (If the price and equipment compare favorably against a MINI).