Traditional BMW car hire clients may be interested to hear that the manufacturer will be launching its first front-wheel-drive vehicles in 2013.

Speaking to Autocar, a BMW source explained that the German marque was aiming to attract new buyers to its brand by introducing the more flexible and spacious models.

The new hatchback range of cars is expected to be positioned below the 1-Series and offer potential BMW owners a more practical option.

"We want a car that will appeal to non-BMW buyers with a focus on roominess and interior flexibility, yet like our existing entry-level model it will be fun to drive and cheap to run," the source told the news provider.

The first of the new front-drive BMWs to be heading to showrooms in the UK will be a five-door, five-seat hatchback and will compete with the Audi A2 and next-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

Meanwhile, a sportier second model is also said to be in development, with the sleeker car designed as a rival to Audi's forthcoming A1.

The BMW Group announced earlier this year that it had a successful start to 2010, with sales of its BMW and Mini brand exceeding expectations.

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Posted by Lucy Jones