The day of the front-wheel-drive BMW is almost here. The production version of the BMW Active Tourer will debut early next year, most likely at the Geneva Auto Show in March, Auto Express reports.
The Active Tourer will be the first front-wheel-drive car to wear a BMW badge, but it's not the first model in the BMW Group's front-drive onslaught, headed by an army of FWD Minis. Included in the 11-model tally is the 2014 Mini Cooper, which rides on the same UKL1 platform as the Active Tourer. Other Mini models will probably account for some of the total.
Up to eight Mini models are predicted, including new versions of the Countryman and Paceman pseudo-crossovers. In addition to the Active Tourer, BMW may also field a small crossover to compete with the Audi Q1, as well as a car to compete with the A1.
While the original concept featured a hybrid powertrain, the production Active Tourer will be powered by a standalone three-cylinder engine, at least initially. It's likely a version of the new 1.5-liter triple introduced in the 2014 Mini Cooper. A full range of gasoline and diesel engines, plus that hybrid option, will probably be offered as well.
No word yet on whether the Active Tourer Outdoor concept's interior bike rack and "Gold Race Orange" paint will be available. The latter is definitely an acquired taste. —Paul Duchene
