OK, I have a 318TI - I love it. It's 10 years old, maybe time to update. Will I be purchasing a new 1 Series hatchback? No. Why not?
Because whoever makes the calls on what comes to North America has decided that a market that has shown the desire for a performance hatchback (see also Audi A3, Mercedes B Class and 230, Volvo C30) doesn't want the 3 door 1 Series.
WRONG.
I love BMW, but the morons who are making these decisions need to wake up.
I'll be purchasing a new Volvo C30. I look forward to sending a copy of the invoice to the geniuses at BMW.