There have been numerous reports pertaining to the possibility of BMW building a new model positioned below the 1-series hatch that’ll share its underpinnings with the current Mini. Not only would the car be the first FWD BMW, it would also be cheapest as it’s rumored to cost less than the aforementioned Mini.

Part of the reason for BMW considering such a model is the mounting environmental awareness that’s spreading across Europe. A new, low-emissions minicar would help reduce BMW’s fleet average emissions levels in light of the new CO2 standards being pushed by the EU and it’d also give it a better standing against similar superminis being developed by rival brand Audi and to a less extent VW.

Though we highly doubt BMW designers would style the car after the striking Concept CS as this rendering suggests, any model wearing the Propeller Badge would likely feature the trademark kidney grille. According to earlier reports, development has been carried out on the new model although final production plans are yet to be confirmed.

If given the go-ahead, production would likely be outsourced to Magna Steyr but the engines and drivetrain would be built by BMW at plants in Germany. How the new model will live up to the ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’ ethos, however, is anyone’s guess.

Not only would the car be the first FWD BMW, it would also be cheapest as it’s rumored to cost less than the aforementioned Mini.