Next 1-Series to Get 3-Cylinder?

Now here's an interesting bit of news! Car website Sky Motoring is reporting on the next-generation of engines to power the next-generation of BMW's smallest model, the 1-Series. In it are some surprising findings, like a 3-cylinder engine!

That's right, three cylinders. I don't know, but if true that would seem pretty bizarre to me. 3-cylinders in a BMW; would people really be up for that? Definitely out of the ordinary. The engines are reportedly in development to help BMW achieve higher fuel economy standards.

The entire range of new engines in the lineup would be turbocharged to produce adequate levels of power. For instance, the lowest power 3-cylinder engine - dubbed x16i - would produce 163 horsepower. Not bad!

Especially considering the size of the these cars, that is for sure an adequate power level. I quite like the 1-Series; I love the classic connection with it and the 2002. It really is a  throwback! I think a 4-door version of the car would do very well here in the United States. Not sure if that's where BMW wants to take the 1-Series in the future though.

The engine would provide more power at the higher trim levels, which would continue to offer a 4-cylinder rather then the 3-cylinder. Not sure what to make of this to be honest! I would assume the 3-cylinder would be used to power a lower cost entry (the current model starts at about $30,000), especially given the lower cost to produce given the dropping of a cylinder. We'll have to see how it works out.

One thing is for sure though; the new trend is towards smaller displacement engines that employ performance boosters like turbocharging and direct injection. As long as we still get good power levels, that's fine with me!