BMW 1-Series Hatchback for the US?

Despite repeated denials from senior BMW sources, we continue to see versions of BMW’s 1-Series hatchback undergoing road trials in the US.
We previously spotted a pair in the Los Angeles area, and yesterday we saw this one in the Malibu canyons being put through its paces amid a convoy of prototype and production BMWs.
Adding heat to the flames was the arrival of the BMW 118d at the New York Auto Show last week. It was voted "World Green Car of the Year" by a panel of judges. It returns an incredible 62.8mpg on the combined cycle.  You can read all about it within our website's "News" section under "BMW 118d wins World Green Car of the Year".

This eco-friendly BMW could have been awarded its prize anywhere, but executives chose New York as the venue. Mere coincidence? Or is BMW planning to bring utilitarian diesel versions of its three- and five-door 1-Series hatchback to the US, leaving the 135i Coupe to win the hearts of BMW’s performance enthusiasts? Only time will tell…