People often consider BMW’s 1 Series as a fancier alternative to the Volkswagen Golf, but this depends on who you ask. Since the first generation debuted locally in 2004, the BMW hatchback has achieved great success amongst buyers.
BMW has launched an undated version of the 1 Series in South Africa in 2025, boasting changes and improvements across the board. The range, though, has shrunk and there are now just two available locally – the 118 and M135.
A looker
From a dimensional perspective, the hatchback has certainly increased in size over the years and now measures 4 361mm long and has a height of 1 459mm. It also has a longer bonnet, a more flowing roofline and more aggressive rear end.
The M135 is made distinctive aesthetically with the fitment of an M-badged radiator grille with horizontal bars, M exterior mirror caps, four exhaust tailpipes and 18-inch alloy wheels. There’s also an optional M Sport Package that includes the Adaptive M Chassis, which lowers the vehicle by up to 8mm, 19-inch light-alloy wheels and an M sport brake system.
The 118 is less aggressive with the fitment of 17-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights while the paintwork can be customised with two solid paintwork finishes and seven metallic finishes.
Features like driving assistant with front collision warning, lane departure warning, exit warning and traffic sign recognition, parking assistant come standard, while optional features include steering and lane control assist, automatic speed limit assist and active cruise control with Stop & Go function.
Drivetrain and mechanicals
There are only two engine options available for the 1 Series. The first is a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine that produces 115kW and 230Nm, with power sent to the front wheels courtesy of a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The M135 is the performance-orientated version with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine that produces 233kW and 400Nm. Power is sent through all four wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. In case you're wondering, the 1.5-litre mill does the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5-seconds, while the 2.0-litre engine is considerably quicker and does the same sprint in a claimed 4.9-seconds.
How does it drive?
We got to spend time with both derivatives, and where performance is concerned, the M135 was the unequivocal standout. Most of the driving consisted of long open roads, which was a great environment to showcase overall acceleration and performance, especially for the M135.
The interior benefits from a redesigned gear selector and a fully digital curved display that comprises of separate 10.25-inch information and 10.7-inch control units. The newly designed interior is completely leather-free as standard, there are also Econeer sport seats with covers and upholstery made from recycled polyester, while M sport seats are optionally available.
Being the base variant, the 118 is obviously less glitzy but it still offers a premium drive. Not everyone will want the full-blown performance of the M135, but may want the aggressive design of the M135, and this is where the M Sport model applies with added cosmetics.
The 118 offers a firmer ride, which can be attributed to the slightly smaller wheels and lack of M Sport suspension. Despite its size, the 1 Series has a good amount of boot space with a capacity of 380 litres which increases to 1200 litres with the rear seats folded flat.
The 1 Series remains one of BMW’s ‘affordable’ offerings, and that is due to it being an all-rounder in the premium segment.
Spec, pricing and aftersales
1 Series 118 - R713 395
1 Series 118 M Sport - R753 395
1 Series M135 xDrive - R982 768
Prices include a 2-year/unlimited kilometre mechanical warranty and 5-year/100 000km maintenance plan.
n the market for a new or used car? Get it on Gumtree! There are over 50,000 cars listed on Gumtree. Whether you're looking for a small car, family car, vintage car, fancy car, or your next project car; we've got it all!
