The new BMW 1 Series hatchback has been revealed, with the line-up for South Africa – as well as local launch timing – already confirmed. Here’s what you need to know…
Meet the new BMW 1 Series premium hatchback, which has already been pencilled in for a launch in South Africa in the 4th quarter of 2024.
Considering the F40-generation 1 Series debuted as recently as 2019, you’d be forgiven for thinking this is an extensive facelift (that includes a fresh grille treatment with vertical and diagonal bars on standard derivatives) rather than an all-new model. However, since the Munich-based firm has handed this latest version of its premium 5-door hatchback the F70 model code, it technically arrives as the nameplate’s 4th generation.
Measuring 4 361 mm from snout to rump, the new Leipzig-built model is 42 mm longer than the outgoing 1 Series, though its wheelbase is unchanged at 2 670 mm. In addition, the hatchback stands 25 mm taller than its predecessor at 1 459 mm. Luggage capacity is listed as 380 litres, a figure expandable to 1 200 litres by dropping the rear bench.
So, which engines can we expect here in South Africa? Well, BMW Group SA says the local line-up will comprise the front-wheel-drive 118 and the all-paw M135 xDrive (the Bavarian firm’s latest naming convention drops the “i” suffix for petrol derivatives, seemingly instead reserving this for fully electric variants), with the front-driven 120 expected to follow in 2025. In each case, a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission will ship standard.
The international specification sheet doesn’t include the 118, leading us to believe the current turbocharged 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder motor will simply carry over – though perhaps will a little extra oomph. The 120, meanwhile, looks set to use the same engine configuration but with the benefit of 48V mild-hybrid technology. Local outputs for this powertrain have yet to be confirmed.
Interestingly, the local press material makes no mention of turbodiesel engines, which suggests the new line-up could drop the outgoing range’s 118d powertrain (currently the only diesel-powered hatchback on Mzansi’s new-vehicle market). There’s also no mention of a model to directly replace the 128ti.
What about the M135? Well, the European-spec version of the M Performance derivative’s turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder engine sends 221 kW and 400 Nm to all 4 corners, though the SA market will likely receive the full-fat tune of 233 kW (with an unchanged torque output). If that turns out to be the case, the new version will offer 8 kW more than the outgoing M135i, while losing 50 Nm. The claimed 0-100 kph time is listed as 4.9 seconds, a tenth of a second slower than the current model.
Inside, the new 1 Series is “completely leather-free as standard”, with options including “leather-like” material as well as upholstery fashioned from recycled polyester. There’s also a redesigned gear selector as well as the latest BMW Curved Display, which comprises a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch infotainment screen. Air conditioning controls are now fully digital.
We’ll bring you local pricing and specifications closer to the SA market launch later in the year…
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