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-   -   BMW to launch the 1 Series later in 2013*UPDATE: Now launched* (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian-car-scene/135593-bmw-launch-1-series-later-2013-update-now-launched-11.html)

Very well put.
And BMW just can't achieve 50:50 weight distribution without sacrificing the spare tire? That's real shame on their engineering department...

Guys the run flats are not going anywhere, BMW has said so themselves. No point in cribbing about them. The only solution is to buy a BMW and switch them out for tubeless. You will not get a tubeless tyre from the factory if you buy a BMW, unless you buy an M:D

Isnt it risky fitting normal tubeless tyres when you dont have a spare. With runflats I atleast know I can go a fair amount of distance before a tyre change is required.

There is a air pressure loss warning indicator, which will warn you much before the tyre becomes flat. You can get it fixed or topped up with air. Of course if driving long distances a spare would be a good choice.

I suspect some sealant like Seelin may fit the bill much better.

+1. I don't understand why the ego in offering an option between RF's and tubeless, as per buyers choice.

I know of 2 people, who didnot buy a BMW because of RF's. I too choose an Audi.
Obviously they want to impose their own decisions on us. Very typical of Germans, who refuse to budge from the own pov.

It would be on BMW if they give the buyer the choice of what he wants as he pays for the car. So it should be an optional extra for a BMW.

The attitude they have is "Buy if you want to else, Thank You!" I mean they are the premium car manufacturers and this can't be correct way to deal with customers!

Anurag.

Very good looking and tempting. But I will continuously remind myself that it's expensive (for what it offers - this is a price point where 3 series should have been), and there is no chance to have a spare wheel...:D

According to IAB, these are the technical specs;
2.0-litre TwinPower Diesel turbo engine that produces 143 bhp and 320Nm.
ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 20.58 km/l.

1.6-liter turbocharged petrol unit that puts 136bhp and 220Nm.
ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 16.28 kpl.

8-speed automatic transmission, with a standard idle-stop motor in place to improve fuel efficiency.

Source: http://indianautosblog.com/2013/08/b...ce-india-93338

lol:

We shall mount the spare wheel on the rear hatch + strengthen the struts/hinges that lift the boot lid and we are good to go. :)

But at 20+ L for a hatch doesn't sound good but that niche market will get a hold over the Mercedes A Class. Let's wait and watch for the sales charts.

Anurag.

The merc A class definitely takes the cake and eats it too in terms of looks. It remains to be seen how much can the baby beemer pull back on the back of its traditional strengths of handling and dynamics.

It is good to see the indian car market maturing enough to bring premium hatchbacks. They do cater for a section of affluent people looking for a second set of wheels for the city. In addition first time brand conscious young buyers could also be tempted as the vehicle delivers a premium badge at a price which would have been hard to imagine a few years back.

I have seen a couple of A classes on the roads and despite the small footprint, the eyeballs that follow them are a testament to the road presence.

Indeed. That manufacturers are bringing these options to India is encouraging but hopefully also with the right kit and prices (meaning they respect the market buying these luxury vehicles and not just dump old models with partial kits here)..

It's not just individuals with preference to premium brands are considering these but also the affluent are also looking at practicality. I am unable to recollect exactly where I read but either in this forum or outside, I remember reading someone had purchased the A class simply because for city use, it was more practical and sensible. And this owner was planning for a Toyota Fortuner. And he had other premium/non-premium 4 wheelers at home too..

That's great news, how does it compare with the 22 Lac X1?

Any fellow BHPians in UK, the electric BMW i3 reviews will be a treat to read/see.

With the plunging dollar set to maintain its position in the near foreseeable future, we could expect some American beasts like Dodge entering the market maybe? This could be one of the strategy to control the dollar and open up the Auto industry in India.