BMW's all-new 1 Series will be launched in South Africa in two weeks from now, but that hasn't stopped the company from sneaking the prices and specifications onto its latest price list.
The starting price creeps up by R13 500 to R268 500 for the new 116i five-door. Compensating for this is an all-new 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine that, with 100kW and 250Nm on tap, is 15kW more powerful than its predecessor and remember that the turbo compensates for altitude too.
Next up is the 118i, starting at R287 500 but sporting a 125kW/250Nm version of the aforementioned engine. The 120d turbodiesel also remains part of the range, it producing 135kW and 380Nm in its latest guise, but commanding quite a price premium, at R325 000.
Claimed fuel consumption is pegged at 5.6, 5.8 and 4.5 litres per 100km for the 116i, 118i and 120d respectively and all engines are offered with the choice of either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.
When it comes to specification, the 1 Series is offered in three flavours: Standard, Urban Line and Sport Line. The latter two offer various bespoke exterior and interior styling features.
Front, side and curtain airbags are standard on all models, as is keyless entry and start, but you will have to pay extra for luxuries like automatic climate control (R6600), cruise control (R3200) and leather seats (R12 100) among the long list of items on the options sheet. This includes some high-tech options such as Lane Departure Warning (R5900) and rear-view camera.
The new 1 Series is longer and wider than its predecessor, with rear legroom having increased by 21mm and boot space rising by 30 litres to 360 litres.
PRICING:
116i - R268 500
116i AT - R286 500
118i - R287 500
118i AT - R305 500
120d - R325 000
120d AT - R343 000
PACKAGES:
Urban Line - R14 200
Sport Line - R17 500