It would appear that development of the upcoming F52 BMW 1 Series Sedan has gained a fair bit of momentum as a prototype of the car was recently shot lapping the fabled Nurburgring circuit. For those who are unfamiliar, the new model will represent BMW's latest attempt at gunning down the likes of the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and Audi A3 Sedan.

The F52 BMW 1 Series Sedan will, reportedly, ride on the UKL platform that currently underpins several MINI models as well as front-wheel drive BMWs. As a result, the new sedan is likely to be front-wheel drive with the possibility of xDrive four-wheel drive being offered as an option on higher-specced models.

As for powertrain options, the 1.5 litre, turbocharged three-cylinder engine found in current F56 MINI Cooper will most likely feature alongside the B48 2.0 litre, turbocharged four-cylinder mill from the Cooper S. A six-speed manual, six-speed and eight-speed automatic gearboxes would be the most likely candidates.

With development already so far in, expect a world debut for the F52 BMW 1 Series Sedan to take place some time later this year before going on sale in early 2016. Should it arrive in Malaysia, expect it to cost around the RM200,000 region in order for it to match up against its Audi and Mercedes-Benz counterparts.

GALLERY: F52 BMW 1 Series Sedan prototype winter testing