BMW has officially revealed the new third-generation 1 Series premium hatchback which is due to arrive in South Africa in October 2019. Take a look at what you can expect below…

A new 1 Series has broken cover and unlike the outgoing model, it will now be offered in front-wheel drive configuration which has reportedly improved interior space of BMW’s premium hatchback.

The new 1 Series is offered in 5-door guise only and stands some 5 mm shorter than the previous model at 4 319 mm. It’s some 34 mm wider though, now standing 1 799 mm wide and also standing 13 mm higher at 1 434 mm. The wheelbase has also been shortened by 20 mm to 2 670 mm when compared with the second generation model.

In terms of styling, the new 1 Series wears a larger, more prominent kidney grille with the 2 kidneys merging in the middle for the first time and flanked by angled headlights (adaptive LED headlights optional). The rear-end features two-section taillights which reinterpret the familiar L-design. The 1 Series will be offered with a host of new alloy wheel designs with sizes ranging from 16- to 19-inches.

As for the interior, BMW will offer an electric panoramic sunroof for the first time on the 1 Series. Other features such as a choice of backlit trim strips and wireless charging will also be offered to customers. The 1 Series can also be had with a pair of digital screens of up to 10.25-inches in size featuring BMW Operating System 7.0. A full-colour, 9.2-inch Head-Up Display will also be optionally available.

Importantly, in terms of space, BMW says that rear passenger kneeroom has improved by 33 mm while headroom has increased by 19 mm (with outward sunroof specified). Elbow room is also some 13 mm more generous for rear passengers while front occupants get an extra 42 mm. The load bay measures 380 litres which is 20-litres more than the outgoing 1 Series and increases to 1 200 litres with the rear seats folded down. BMW has increased the boot width by some 67 mm and an electric tailgate will also be offered.

A total of 4 equipment lines will be available including the base Advantage, Luxury Line, Sport Line and M Sport.

Engines for SA

Only 2 engine choices will be offered in South Africa from launch with the M135i xDrive topping the range.

While the 1 Series will be powered by 3 diesel engines and 2 petrol engines globally, BMW has confirmed that South Africa will initially receive the 118i and the range-topping M135i xDrive.

The 118i is powered by a 3-cylinder, 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine with 103 kW and 220 Nm of torque. A 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch transmission will drive the front wheels. Zero to 100 kph for the 118i is claimed at 8.5 seconds with a top speed of 213 kph. Fuel consumption is claimed at 5.7-5.0 L/100km.

For those seeking more driving thrills, the M135i xDrive is the one to go for with a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine producing 225 kW and 450 Nm of torque. Using an 8-speed sport transmission and equipped with all-wheel drive, the M135i xDrive will dash from zero to 100 kph in 4.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 250 kph. BMW claims a fuel consumption figure of 7.1-6.8 L/100km.

Look out for our driving impressions coming your way on 17 July 2019.

New BMW 1 Series – Price in SA

BMW 118i – R480 897.50

BMW M135i – R705 451.50

Buy a new or used BMW 1 Series on Cars.co.za

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