BMW thinks 2 Series

COUPE and convertible versions of the new BMW 1 Series hatch will reportedly wear 2 Series badges when they go on sale globally in 2014.

According to respected British magazine Car, the company will introduce the new nomenclature in order to differentiate the two-door variants from the more humble hatchback on which they are based.

The 2 Series models are likely to use a range of petrol and diesel four-cylinder engines from the 1 Series hatch, including the 160kW/310Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine from the 125i, matched with six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmissions.

An eventual high-performance M version is also a chance to adopt ‘M2’ badges in line with the M3 and M5, unlike the current 1 Series version, which is named 1 Series M to avoid confusion with the BMW M1 supercar of the 1970s.

The introduction of the new moniker would mirror the approach BMW has already taken with its larger 3 Series, with the Bavarian car-maker almost certain to introduce 4 Series badges to the coupe and cabriolet versions of that car due for release in 2013.

BMW has already adopted this naming convention with the 6 Series range, comprising coupe, cabriolet and – from later this year – four-door sedan bodystyles, each of which are based on 5 Series architecture.

Like arch-foe Mercedes-Benz, BMW is set to significantly re-work the lower end of its model range over the coming years.

As well as the 2 Series, the company is likely to introduce a new ‘0’ Series model, based on a new front-drive platform shared with next-generation Mini models in 2013/14.

The German company will also debut its new ‘i’ sub-brand globally next year, headlined by the plug-in hybrid i3 city-sized vehicle.

As we have also reported previously, Mercedes plans to offer five separate models based on its new MFA front/all-wheel-drive architecture, including the A-Class, B-Class, CLA sedan and GLC small SUV.

Though not confirmed, the fifth member of the model line could be a sub-SLK-sized roadster and coupe designed to take on the BMW 2 Series.