BMW's new UKL platform to underpin small front-wheel driven cars

The world might be in a crisis, but the market for small premium cars is ever expanding - or so research claims. BMW, whom is leading the pack, understands this and believes its new front-wheel drive (FWD) architecture will give it a competitive edge against rivals Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

BMW claims (though we can't deny) to create the ultimate driving machines primarily on its esteemed rear-wheel drive architecture but it sets to replicate the similar driving experience through its new FWD architecture platform - dubbed UKL.

"In the 90s we broke with tradition when we began selling SUVs along with our sedans. Customers realised they could get the driving dynamics BMW is renowned for from an SUV. We will see the same transition happening with front-wheel drive," explains Frank Niederlaender, the company's product manager for front-wheel drive during an interview for Automotive New Europe.

Unlike the current 1 series - which has often been criticised for its cramped rear legroom - BMW can maximise interior space in future smaller vehicles thanks to the UKL platform. Niederlaender said that up to 12 BMW and MINI cars will be based on the new UKL platform and will account to 40 percent of the group's unit sales within eight to 10 years, with Europe based as the main market.

The versatile UKL platform much like the MLB platform from Volkswagen can adapt to a typical front-wheel hatchback, a larger hatchback, or a small SUV - perhaps the 1 or 2 series. However the UKL will not be utilised for vehicles from the 3 series range upwards and perhaps M badged high performance vehicles will remain rear-wheel driven due to the high performance driving these cars provide.

The first model based on the UKL platform was the Concept Active Tourer, unveiled at the Paris Auto Show in September with a production version due to launch September 2013, aimed at the Mercedes B class and Volkswagen Golf Plus.