New BMW 1-Series hoves into view

BMW has just ripped off the new 1-Series' camouflage to reveal this. And it looks a bit swollen.
 
That's largely because it is - the new car, codenamed the F20, is 17mm wider and 85mm longer than its predecessor, hence the gently bovine styling. Luckily, there are some upsides.

See more pics of the new BMW 1-series here

If you were 21mm too big for the previous generation's rear seats, you'll be relieved to know you can now fit. And there's 30 more litres of boot, which now has 360 litres of space.

Engine-wise, there's some slightly more exciting news - all of the 1-Series' powerplants will be turbocharged. You can choose from a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine - which you'll get in the 116i and 118i - and the 2.0-litre turbodiesel finds itself in the 116d, 118d and 120d. All of which will be available from its launch in September.
 
The first wave's hottest engine is the 181bhp/280 lb ft 120d lump, which BMW claims gets it to 62mph in 7.2 seconds. Apparently it'll do 65.7mpg, too. Fancy.
 
Initially you'll only be able to get it in BMW Sport Line (the red car pictured) and BMW Urban Line (the blue car) trim flavours, and there aren't any plans to start work on an M-sport version just yet. Which is hardly surprising considering that the superb old-shape 1-Series M-Coupe's only just landed (more on that right here).
 
So, what d'you think, TopGear.commers - a move in the right direction?