The current BMW 1-Series Hatchback is a bit weird in the world of compact vehicles. It’s because it has a sporty rear-wheel-drive layout and available inline-6 engines.

That’s weird cause the rear-wheel-drive layout takes a large piece of the inside space. That makes tighter cabin that is already pretty tight, while the longitudinally-mounted inline-6 makes the front of the vehicle longer, but that isn’t good for city vehicles.

While performance lovers will not like it, BMW has decided that its next 1-Series Hatchback, spied in prototype form for the first time, will make a switch to the front-wheel-drive UKL platform found in a number of Minis and compact BMWs, including a 1-Series sedan launched in China in late 2016.

The 1-Series sedan will be pretty close conneted to the next 1-Series Hatchback, though the hatch will be sold in markets outside of China

The 1-Series sedan will be pretty close conneted to the next 1-Series Hatchback, though the hatch will be sold in markets outside of China. Unfortunately, the United States isn’t expected to be one of them.

The spy shots reveal a more athletic look for the next 1-Series Hatchback. The hood doesn’t appear as long as on the current model since the UKL platform has transverse mounting for engines. And the roof sits lower and slopes more towards the rear. The car also appears wider than the current model. This prototype is for a 5-door model. It’s not clear if BMW will once again offer a 3-door option.

We know the UKL platform will also bring some weight savings via lighter materials, helping to aid both performance and economy. All-wheel drive will be available and likely a standard feature on more potent versions.

Unluckily, we don’t want to see one of BMW’s famous inline-6 engine fitted to the car, which is the range-topper, probably an M Performance model, will come with an inline-4. An inline-3 and plug-in hybrid setup should be available on the next 1-Series Hatchback.

Wait for a reveal by the end of the 2018. Till then the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, one of this vehicle’s main competitors, will have just been renewed.