We've been hearing plenty of rumors lately regarding the next-generation BMW 1 Series. Currently, it's rear-wheel-drive, but that will soon change. The 2 Series will continue with the RWD setup, while the next-gen 1 Series will go FWD, built on the same platform as the new Mini Cooper and the 2- Series Active Tourer. What we also know is that when the next 1 Series goes on sale, it'll be a sedan. It's main targets? The Audi A3 sedan and Mercedes CLA.

At the same time, the 1 Series sedan will also become BMW's cheapest four-door in its US lineup, as the 3 Series has definitely gone more upscale over the years. The question now is how much will it cost and what will be under the hood. The second part of that question is pretty easy to answer: either a twin-turbo three-cylinder with about 140 horsepower or a twin-turbo four-cylinder with 230 hp. A twin-turbo diesel is also a possibility. No exact reveal date has been announced, but sometime in 2016 sounds about right. In the meantime, check out these new images created by rendering artist Theophilus Chin. If the final product looks something like this, then we'll be quite happy.