The current generation BMW 1 Series is a rear-wheel drive car with the optional all-wheel xdrive.
It is a popular model and probably not many drivers even know which axle drives the wheels, but true fans surely know it and like it for it. Even a survey shoed few years ago that most owners though their cars were front-wheel drive.
For the next-generation model the 1 Series will go through some major updates. According to Auto Express it will ditch the rear-wheel drive configuration for front-wheel drive with more powerful versions featuring xDrive four-wheel drive.
In addition to huge under the skin changes, the next 1 Series is expected to be bigger, sharper and sportier.
Before the next 1 Series arrives with front-wheel-drive, BMW will unveil the 2 Series Active Tourer MPV with front-wheel drive set to go on sale in 2015.
Both will be based on the new UKL1 architecture that already underpins the new MINI three and five-door models.
The most exciting car to expect from the range is a 4×4 BMW M1 super hatch using a 2.0-liter gasoline twin-turbo with around 360 hp.
