[Brookside]

Just for comparison's sake...2005 European Version...5-door hatch and the new 135ti 3-door




And somewhat old news but just posted on NYT's "Drivetimes" section..

"After much hemming and hawing and keeping a close eye on the competition, BMW has decided that it will, after all, bring its 1 Series to the American market.
Helmut Panke, BMW's Chairman told Inside Line that the launch will coincide with the introduction of new bodystyles in the European market.

He wouldn't confirm that it would be a sedan, but he did note American distaste for hatchbacks.
Regardless of which bodystyle is used the 1 Series will be built on the same platform as the current 1 Series hatchback.
It's expected that the U.S. version of this vehicle will be powered by a 3.0-liter inline six, which produces roughly 218 horsepower.
It will have a long wheelbase for its size for maximum passenger room and will probably sell for about $25,000.
All-wheel drive could be featured on some variants, but it will not likely be available as a standard feature."


Interior pic of 2005 European model....note i-Drive.