The head of product planning for BMW Australia says the next 1 Series range is due in 2017, will be front-wheel drive and shall include a sedan body style.

According to The Motor Report, Shawn Ticehurst, BMW Australia’s planning chief said in an interview that the 1 Series sedan will not be launched until the current 1 Series hatch reaches the end of its six year lifespan.

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Ticehurst said to TMR, “This current car was only launched in 2011 so it’s still got good life left in it, it’s still a fresh car. But as we replace models within that segment, starting with X1, you will start to begin seeing front-wheel drive on more cars.”

The next-gen 1 Series hatch, like the next X1, will feature a transverse-engine as the brand wants its UKL platform to achieve greater economies of scale.

“This [UKL] platform will roll out over many more models,” Ticehurst said.

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