Due to different regulations in the European and North American markets, as well as diverse customer preferences, there are exciting hatchbacks that unfortunately never made it to the US.
These include the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the VW Polo, and the Subaru WRX hatchback, which was in recent years discontinued for North America. In this article, we will look at the best BMW hatchbacks that only foreign markets got to experience.
BMW 3-Series Compact (E46)
The oldest BMW hatchback on this list is the second-generation BMW 3-Series Compact, which was based on the E46 platform, and was offered between 2000 and 2004. The first generation of the model has made its way to the US but had only moderate success due to a number of cost-saving solutions, and the local preference for different body styles, which made it less appealing than the standard 3-Series.
With slow sales, The E36 Compact was thus the only BMW 3-Series-based hatchback to join the automaker’s North American lineup, and that between 1994 and 1999. Upon the introduction of its successor, the E46 generation, the German manufacturer has not considered introducing this BMW hatchback to American drivers at all. Needless to say, this decision came as a disappointment to many. Especially since the E46 version ironed out most if not all of the issues that plagued its predecessor.
The name Compact really stood with the characteristics of the model. With a length of 167.7 inches, this BMW hatchback was more than eight inches shorter than the sedan variant, making it perfect for city use. This was achieved by shortening the rear overhang, and the wheelbase remained untouched.
The purpose of the shorter model was to take over Volkswagen Golf customers. For this reason, BMW also had to focus on lowering the price of this car, and as such, it never came with the most powerful 3-Series engines. That said, the M54 2.5L I6 engine made the Compact quite nimble. It was smaller and lighter than all other 3-Series models, and so the 189 horsepower and 181 lb.-ft of torque were more than enough to make it almost a hot-hatch. In comparison, the VW Golf GTI at the time generated 12 horsepower less from its I4 turbo.
All in all, the E46 Compact was a superb car. Not only did it manage to take on new customers but it was also a great sports car for everyday use! Much improved from the previous E36, the second generation Compact finally featured the advanced rear Z-axle and an interior on par with other 3-Series models. In addition, the Compact was equipped with a steeper steering ratio than its 3-Series siblings, making it feel sharper around the corners.
Nonetheless, the Compact was discontinued even for European customers following the 2005 model year. The manufacturer decided to pursue a different approach to this segment instead — the 1-Series, intended to replace the Compact and make the BMW hatchback a standalone model. Today, the E46 Compact is slowly becoming a great youngtimer. With the model nearing its 25th anniversary, even US-based BMW enthusiasts will soon be able to experience it, as it will finally be allowed for import.
BMW 1-Series 2nd Generation (F20 / F21)
The smallest offering from BMW between 2011 and 2019, the second generation of the BMW 1-Series was a neat car appealing to a wide range of customers. It was offered both as a stylish three-door hatchback, as well as a more practical 5-door variant. In addition, the model could have been equipped with a wide variety of drivetrains. Customers were able to choose from both gasoline and diesel engines and could opt for an all-wheel drive system and an automatic transmission.
The 1-Series was one of the best-equipped vehicles in its class, as it borrowed lots of comfort and safety features from higher positioned BMW models. For example, it was available with full LED headlights, automatic parking, and an iDrive infotainment system comparable to that of the 7-Series. Besides this, it also used advanced technology in terms of suspension and chassis, which made this BMW hatchback safe and comfortable. The engineers equipped the model with aluminum multi-link suspension and adaptive dampers.
When looking at the engines, one might spot the base 114d with a 3-cylinder diesel engine producing just 94 hp and think that the American BMW enthusiasts did not miss on a lot but… The most praised model was the M140i, which was the top-of-the-line 1-Series optimized by the BMW M division.
It offered a rear-wheel drive platform with a B58 3.0L in-line six-cylinder engine. Buyers could even get it with a manual 6-speed transmission, which made this the perfect weekend sports car. No other competitor offered such a powerful drivetrain, let alone with six cylinders. In fact, the engine generated 335 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft of torque, making it the most powerful in its class.
Keep in mind that the dimensions of the 1-Series BMW hatchback were comparable to the Volkswagen Golf. The engine catapulted the 1-Series to 62 mph in just 4.4 seconds, and with large performance brakes, a loud exhaust system, and a variety of other M-Performance-specific parts, the M140i is simply one of the best hot hatches out there.
BMW 1-Series 3rd Generation (F40)
The latest generation of the smallest BMW hatchback, which was released in 2019, has brought around quite a few changes. Gone is the praised rear-wheel drive platform with the option to equip the 1-Series with a 6-cylinder engine. Yet, the new model is even better and again surprises critics with its comfort, style, and fun factor.
The standard 1-Series is available with two petrol engines that are available in four power configurations. The base B38 1.5L petrol 3-cylinder in the 116i starts at a mere 107 hp but the larger B48 2.0L I4 engine can unleash over 300 horsepower. Two diesel engines are also available for improved efficiency.
The 1-Series offers a wide range of equipment, including the newest iDrive infotainment system with two 10.25-inch screens, and a lane departure system as standard. The F40 generation shares its platform with the BMW X1, meaning that it uses a front-wheel drive layout, which makes it more appealing to conventional customers thanks to its easier handling in bad weather conditions. This is not to say that the 1-Series BMW hatchback is not fun anymore, quite the opposite.
As of now, the top model is the M135i, which is equipped with a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder, that outputs 302 hp and 332 lb.-ft of torque. These numbers make the smallest BMW really quick, especially in combination with the fast shifting 8-speed automatic transmission and xDrive, which are standard equipment on this model. The BMW M department has also fitted the M135i with a firmer suspension and a reworked front axis. Of course, the styling has also been made sharper with an aggressive spoiler, side skirts, and a performance exhaust system.
While the M135i model can accelerate to 62 mph in just 4.8 seconds, it is not on par with the mad M140i from the previous generation. However, it is rumored that BMW will soon release a new top-of-the-line model, which will outpace the F20 generation, as well as all competition.
The Forbidden BMW Hatchbacks are Coming Soon Enough!
It is disappointing that such interesting BMW hatchbacks have never made it to the local market. On the other hand, we get to experience a variety of other exciting vehicles. In the end, it all evens out. Those who are legitimately heartbroken about the lack of some of these cars will have the ability to try them out once they reach that magical age of 25. The E46 Compact is getting there slowly but surely.
