It"s a whole new take...
It"s a whole new take on the teaser shot! BMW has shunned the traditional shady photograph in favour of a short film, to give us a first glimpse at its all-new 5-Series.
Looking every inch the...
Looking every inch the baby Astra with its distinctive C-pillar and tall roof-line, the supermini promises to rival Fiat"s Grande Punto in the style stakes. Its bold design is framed at the front by sporty lights and a wide grille, while those curves are mirrored by the tail-gate and a lower back bumper. Large, distinctive lamps finish off the rear.
With A-pillars that stretch deep into the wings, there is plenty of glass at the front, which should make for good visibility and a light, airy cabin. The same design trick is used on the three-door, but a steeply curved rear windscreen gives the car a more sporty personality - and it is aimed at younger buyers as a result.
Both the three and five-door will be much bigger than their predecessors - similar in size to the Grande Punto, with which they share a platform - offering more leg and headroom, plus improved loadspace. Five-doors will get clever storage solutions such as a sliding bike rack - as reported in Issue 901 - while the boot will have an under-floor compartment. GM engineers have spent the past few years refining the Corsa"s road manners in a variety of conditions, and the new car is expected to offer a sporty, yet grown-up drive.
Engines will include new 1.4-litre petrol and 1.3 diesel units, while a 170bhp 1.6 turbo three-door VXR will arrive in 2007. Prices for the new range will kick off at around ÷£7,500.