BMW's next-generation 3-series has been scooped in winter testing for the first time.
Britain’s best-selling sports saloon will get a ground-up refresh later in the year, possibly kicked off by a debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September.
The underpinnings of the new ‘F30’ 3-series will take the model into new technology areas, with a future-proofed platform ready for hybrids and electric power.
The big news at launch is likely to be a 150bhp 1.5-litre, three-cylinder diesel, expected to produce less than 100g/km of CO2, aided by further advances in BMW’s Efficient Dynamics tech.
BMW’s junior exec will grow in size, getting close to the dimensions of the outgoing 5-series, courtesy of a longer, wider platform. As a result, the new 3-series will have a roomier cabin.
Variants will follow, starting with an estate in late 2012 and the new crossover 3-series GT. A coupé and cabrio will arrive in 2013.
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