Touted as the sportiest offering in the premium-midsize hatchback segment, BMW has whipped the wraps off the new 1 Series. In addition, the local arm of the German marque has confirmed the models we can expect to arrive in South Africa when the fourth generation launches here in the fourth quarter of 2024. But, before we get to the latter, here are the highlights of the new 1 Series…
Bar its exterior and interior styling, both of which we’ll get to soon, one of the most notable changes of the box-fresh 1 Series is its size. Compared to its predecessor, the latest iteration has grown in length and height and, although by a small margin, width.
Stretching a type measurer from the revised kidney grille to the redesigned rear reveals the new 1 Series, which, measuring 4 361 mm bow to stern, is 42 mm longer than its forebear. At the same time, the hatchback’s height has increased to 1 459 mm (up 25 mm), while the new model’s width is a mere 1 mm more (1 800 mm).
As standard, all 1 Series models are equipped with LED headlamps, replete with vertically-arranged daytime-running lights. Two-part LED taillamps can be found ‘round back.
The interior features the firm’s Curved Display, which combines two screens — 10.7- and 10.25-inch units. Niceties such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard fitment.
New BMW 1 Series SA line-up
At launch, the new 1 Series will be available with the choice of two engine options, a (103 kW/220 N.m) 1.5-litre turbo-triple and a (233 kW/400 N.m) 2.0-litre turbo-four, both of which sip unleaded. The former is employed by the 118i, while the latter beats below the bonnet of the M Performance 1, the M135i xDrive.
However, following these models’ 2024 introduction to SA, in 2025, another derivative will follow. It comes in the shape of the 120i. This variant’s three-cylinder turbo-petrol has been tuned to produce 125 kW and 280 N.m of torque.
