Latest news with #1Series
TimesLIVE
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
New BMW 1 Series and 2 Series Gran Coupé prove compact sophisticates
At one point in histor,y the BMW line-up was accounted for by three numbers. Nowadays there is a BMW model for every digit except nine — including a raft of X-badged models fitting into the crossover and SUV genres. The original 1 Series was launched locally in 2004. It was regarded as something of an oddity. With dinky looks and a snug interior as a consequence of its rear-wheel drive layout, the model was less practical than front-wheel drive rivals such as the Audi A3. But in typical BMW fashion, the 1 Series was the driving enthusiasts' choice, particularly when ordered in derivatives such as the potent 130i powered by a six-cylinder. When the follow-up generation came in 2011, it retained the rear-wheel drive layout, while the design became more polarising. Some likened the front-end to the face of a beaver while the rear appeared to imitate the Volkswagen Polo of the era. The facelift remedied the stylistic misgivings, with a more cohesive and substantial redesign. The third-generation 1 Series changed the recipe, adopting a front-wheel drive platform. It traded dynamic prowess for a more practical interior package, with greater cabin space and a more capacious boot. The rationale behind the shift was that the 1 Series demographic had evolved, placing less of a priority on the engagement afforded by rear-wheel driving characteristics.
Daily Mirror
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
I tested BMW, Ford and Mazda cars priced below £43k – there was one clear winner
If you're anything like me, the idea of having an entire day to drive some of the latest new cars available on the UK's roads would be a mouth-watering prospect. Luckily, it was that prospect that I experienced earlier this week when I went down to SMMT's annual test day at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire. On test were cars from almost every major manufacturer from the likes of Skoda, VW, BMW, Mercedes, Alpine, Renault, Honda, Ford, Smart. It was an opportunity for some of the journalists to get a refresher on cars they hadn't driven in a while, or for others like me, an opportunity to learn cars in a controlled environment. Although a lot of cars nowadays are criticised for either sounding the same, looking the same or driving the same. However, when you attend an event like the one put on by SMMT, you are reminded the opposite is the case. It was with that in mind that I dove in with multiple questions and the excitement of many answers. One of those questions was 'What sort of car can you buy for £43,000?' A bit of a niche question sure, but it was informed by the fact that last year Auto Express reported the average price of a new car in the UK was around £42,000. With that information, I took three very different cars with a base price either at or below that number, and took them for a spin. The first contender to enter the ring was the latest BMW 1 Series. Whilst the one I tested was specified up to £42,000, the base price for the car was just over £31,000, so well within our ruleset. The 1 Series is a family hatchback, it has space for five, a big boot, and BMW's latest interior technology. The one I drove had a lot of extras on it, so it felt plush and comfortable inside with plenty of support from the seats and lots on offer in the central driver information display. There wasn't too much understeer as I took the 1 Series onto Millbrook's alpine handling course and the tyres held on well through the course's bumps, undulations, and twists. However, the distinct lack of any steering feeling combined with the incredibly thick steering wheel did make one feel they were left guessing what the four corners were doing. This isn't a problem solely found in BMWs, a lot of modern cars I've driven have a steering sensation seemingly tuned out of them to make their models easier to drive etc. So BMW can't be attacked too hard for following a market trend; it's just my 'ick' with modern driving, if you will. While the BMW sits prettily in the hatchback corner of the automotive universe, in the red corner is Ford's electric Explorer SUV. Just like the BMW and contender number three, prices start from around £40,000 for the cheapest models before rising inexorably if one decides to add options into the mix. The reason why we chose an SUV was because, given how popular they are, it would have been wrong not to drive one, especially one with an electric motor rather than a petrol or diesel engine. Range of course depends on what battery size you go for, so the bigger the battery the further you can go. As with most large cars, it was capacious and comfortable inside and out. Very much a family affair, the Explorer would easily be able to swallow all the kit and kaboodle a family might very feasibly throw at it. What's more, Ford has followed another market trend of having a touch screen in the middle of the car, one which is relatively easy to use. Things aren't all sweetness and light however. Just like the BMW, I took the Ford on the alpine handling course, with the obvious caveat being that an electric SUV is far less likely to be as fun as a lower riding petrol hatchback. And it wasn't, but it still rode very flat and the platform wasn't unduly unsettled by the ever tightening corners and close armcos. One area which was quite disappointing was the lack of support from the seats which meant if one cornered too enthusiastically, there was a risk of sliding out of them. I know SUVs aren't meant to handle like super cars, but given the momentum even modest speeds can generate, their seats should at least feel like they're holding you in place. Returning the Ford, I felt that while this was definitely a low note, in most driving situations, this probably wouldn't feel like much of a problem. What certainly wasn't a problem was the variety of cars on offer for the eager peddler at SMMT and I have to admit my eye was caught by a Mazda MX5. The MX5 has been around for 40 years now and it is the darling of the British second hand car world because they are cheap to buy, brilliant to drive, and easy to work on and modify. A British company called Rocketeer Cars has taken it upon themselves to give the British B-road favourite the restomod treatment. A restomod is what happens when you take an old car and give it new parts to make it handle better, go faster, or make it more reliable. The Rocketeer MX5 does all three. Gone is the four cylinder unit and in its place is a Porsche-Cosworth developed V6 that develops just under 300bhp through a five-speed manual gearbox. As it's a restomod, prices can vary depending on whether you want to build it yourself or have the Rocketeer team do it for you. While the exact cost of this Mazda is hard to determine given the modifications, they can sell for around £40,000. I have to admit I'm a massive fan of restomods and so the MX5 was the first car I jumped into. And the fact it is a convertible meant I could enjoy the V6 engine so much more; I even told my co-driver it sounded like a Jaguar E-Type. Although it wasn't the most practical car of the three I've reviewed for this article, it is probably the one I would pick for the very reason that cars are not like washing machines, they're deeper than that. Cars may be pieces of metal, plastic, and carbon fibre put together, but they're pieces of art as well. We need cars like the BMW and Ford, machines fit for day-to-day purposes, but we also need cars like the Rocketeer MX5 too, moments to remind the car world, just like the human world, that we can let our hair down and dance.
The Citizen
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
New BMW 1 Series and 2 Series out to banish doubt further
BMW's smallest models have finally arrived in a slimmed-down model range, still topped by the respective M Performance '35' variants. The initiator of what BMW today calls its Compact Class of models, the 1 Series, famously got off to a less than stellar, never mind reception, at its world debut in Paris almost 21 years ago. Rocky history Munich's answer to the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the heavily criticised E87 1 Series steady improved towards the latter stages of its lifecycle, with the unveiling of the second generation F20 in 2012 marking the first split in the smallest BMW's line-up. ALSO READ: BMW slips new 1 Series pricing ahead of fourth quarter reveal Introduced two years after the F20, the 2 Series heralded the change by becoming the moniker for all coupe, cabriolet and later four-door Gran Coupe variants instead of remaining part of the 1 Series catalogue. An approach that has been in-place ever since, the controversy surrounding the Compact Class didn't stop though as the third generation F40 eschewed BMW's rear-wheel-drive tradition for front-wheel-drive using the UKL2 platform from sister brand, Mini. 1 Series range starts off with the 118. Adopted by the 2 Series Gran Coupe and the now discontinued Active Tourer after 2019, the debuts of the present-day F70 1 Series and F74 2 Series last year brought a better devised line-up consolidation to a product range that has so amassed combined sales of three-million units since 2004. The Compact Class As such, the Compact Class consists of three variants: the 1 Series and 2 Series Gran Coupe based on the UKL2 or in BMW-speak FAAR platform with a choice of front-wheel-drive or xDrive all-wheel-drive, and the 2 Series Coupe (G42) that rides on the rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive CLAR architecture. Confirmed for South Africa at the beginning of this year, the official launch of the F70 and F74 this past week, which started on the outskirts of Sandton and ended on the Free State side of the Vaal River, involved two M Sport modes, plus the potent M135 and M235 variants. Line-up explained Adopting a distinct dropsnout appearance not resplendent on any other current BMW, both the 1 Series and 2 Series Gran Coupe ranges offer a choice of four models and two engines each, none with the inclusion of electrical assistance as in Europe. In addition, a turbodiesel option won't be available anytime soon, with the same applying to an 'in-between' petrol variant. M Sport attired 218 comes with a bit more practicality. As such, the line-up starts off with the 118 and 218, both using the familiar 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine. An engine option unique to South Africa as the European range commences with the 120, the three-cylinder, which, like the M135 and M235 loses the 'i' nameplate suffix that now denotes electrification and no longer fuel injection as it always did, produces 115kW/230Nm that goes to the front axle via the seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission. For the M135 and M235, the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol from the previous generations has been retained, still offering 233kW/400Nm. M Sport seats in the M235i and M135 can be had in leather-free Verganza upholstery. A sports-optimised version of the Steptronic 'box is entrusted with sending the amount of twist to all four wheels. Whereas the former pair will top-out at 226 km/h, the M135 and M235 will hit the electronic buffers at 250 km/h and get from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds versus the 118's 8.5 seconds and the 118 Gran Coupe's 8.6 seconds respectively. The drive 1 Series Starting with the 118, the blown three-cylinder proved surprising as it did during the launch of the new Mini Countryman Cooper C last year. Comparatively quiet, the unit offers just enough urge for the 118 not to feel underpowered, while emitting a decidedly sporty soundtrack not normally associated with a run of the mill three-cylinder. Inside, all models come standard with BMW's latest Curved Display consisting of a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and the 10.7-inch iDrive infotainment system with the new 9.0 operating system. Red 12 o'clock marking on the steering wheel and M logos on the dashboard a few traits unique to the M135 and M235 Gran Coupe. Incorporating the now customary minimalist design, the interior feels largely plush, but lowers its standard below the infotainment system with clunky sounding plastics and a cheap feel on the centre console. In a first for both models, the gear lever makes for a toggle switch and the rotary iDrive controller departs completely as the sole interface now comes via the display itself. While liveable, the cabin feels somewhat pinched up front and as a result of the panoramic sunroof, rear headroom all but disappears for taller folk. Boot of the 1 Series can take 380-litres with the rear seats in place. What's more, the display also doubles up as the climate control portal. Although unsurprising, using the touch-sensitive inputs proved better than the 'manual' adjustment of the air vents. Carried over from the 5 Series, the rocker switches that regulates air flow are finicky and the air vents themselves mounted too low to provide sufficient cooling or heating without turning the delivery speed to almost maximum. In typical BMW fashion, the M Sport suspension results in a firmer than normal ride that become unsettling on badly patched sections of the launch launch route around Meyerton. All models come standard with the latest Curved Display. Switching to the M135 came with the same conclusion, however, the firmer M Sport seats provide good support, but will become uncomfortable after prolonged distances. Unsurprisingly, poking the M135 sees it respond immediately and with Sport mode engaged, involving and more than ready to play. As with the 118, the M135 comes with BMW's M PowerBoost setting. Requiring the left-hand gear shift paddle to be held down, the literal boost sees the full amount of power and torque being unleashed in one shot of 10 seconds. Unlikely to be used frequently in the 118, the system felt unnecessary in the M135 as leaving to car in Sport or to its own devices, made it feel quick enough. 2 Series For the second part of the trek back to Sandton, sampling the M235 came with a different feel to the M135. At 4 546 mm, the Gran Coupe measures 185 mm longer, with its height dropping by 14 mm to 1 445 mm. Overall width and wheelbase are both identical at 1 800 mm and 2 670 mm respectively. Thundernight Metallic paint option has been passed from the M240i Coupe to the M235 Gran Coupe. Unsurprisingly more practical with 430-litres of boot space versus the 1 Series' 380-litres with the rear seats down, the M235 felt more composed and rode slightly softer than the M135 despite the same profile tyre and M suspension. As with its sibling, the M235, and for that matter 218, feel similarly cramped at the rear despite the additional length, though confusingly, not as tight for those seated up front. Deeper boot of the 2 Series Gran Coupe can hold 430-litres. Switching the 218 for the final stretch, the lesser 2 Series Gran Coupe, again, felt the opposite of its 1 Series sibling by being a smidgen peppier, more comfortable and a bit more satisfying to drive. Still as comfortable as the 118, with buyers having the choice of a number of material options ranging from imitation leather to the new recyclable Econeer and leather-free Veganza, the 218 Gran Coupe came as the biggest surprise despite is inherent lack of performance associated with the 'more powerful and faster is always better' M235. Conclusion While about as far removed from their first generation predecessors, the latest BMW 1 Series and 2 Series Gran Coupe still come beset with quirks buyers looking to upgrade would have expected to have rectified. Still engaging and with the BMW badge on its snout, both will continue to have their attractors more than willing to sign on the dotted line for the still seen privilege of owning a BMW regardless of where it fits in on the model front. Price 1 Series 118 Steptronic – R713 395 118 Pure Design Steptronic – R761 895 118 M Sport Steptronic – R801 895 M135 xDrive Steptronic – R982 767 2 Series Gran Coupe 218 Steptronic – R733 559 218 Pure Design Steptronic – R787 059 218 M Sport Steptronic – R827 059 M235 xDrive Steptronic – R1 043 099 NOW READ: BMW 1 Series morphs into booted new 2 Series Gran Coupe
IOL News
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Discover the new BMW 1 Series and 2 Series Gran Coupé: where cutting-edge design meets sustainable luxury
The redesigned BMW 1 Series debuts with a sleeker, more assertive stance. Image: Supplied BMW has formally launched the latest iterations of its 1 Series and 2 Series Gran Coupé, showcasing bold design upgrades, advanced engineering and a sharper focus on sustainability. The fourth-generation 1 Series and refreshed 2 Series Gran Coupé aim to redefine premium compact mobility, blending dynamic aesthetics with cutting-edge digital features. The redesigned BMW 1 Series debuts with a sleeker, more assertive stance. Measuring 4 361 millimetres in length (up 42 mm from its predecessor) and a wheelbase of 2 670 mm, the five-door model retains classic BMW proportions: a long bonnet, a rear-set passenger cell and a tapered roofline. Engine The front end features a low-slung design, complemented by a forward-leaning kidney grille with vertical and diagonal bars. Standard LED headlights incorporate vertical daytime running lights, while optional adaptive LED units add matrix high beam functionality and blue accents. The 1 Series boasts a revamped engine lineup focused on efficiency. Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Under the bonnet, the 1 Series boasts a revamped engine lineup focused on efficiency. This means a 118 and 135 as the engine choices with the three-cylinder in both the 1 Series and 2 Series producing 115kW and 230Nm from its 1 499 cc capacity. The pair again share the same engine specifications for the M135 xDrive and M235 xDrive and this four cylinder mill generates 233kW and 400Nm from its 1 998 cc volume. A launch drive with, admittedly, not enough in the way of twisty bits to truly put the cars to the test did allow for some time to cogitate on the competency BMW is building into its engines – the three-cylinder unit never sounding like a 'threefer' and producing a smooth, quiet and completely efficient driving experience with enough to make overtaking easy, while being gentle on the fuel gauge. The updated 2 Series Gran Coupé mirrors its sibling's tech advancements while leaning into sporty sophistication. Image: Supplied Petrolhead delight The xDrive versions remain petrolhead delights and unleash from rest to heady speeds in the blink of an eye, yet managing this with no intrusive engine or wind noise – and this before even turning on the engine in Sport mode. On reflection and bearing in mind so many of our roads are pothole developments hamstrung by bits of tarmac, the rational choice would be the 118. Finance BMW Finance has also introduced a Guaranteed Future Value (GFV) and the 118 (R795 895) would cost R9 772 in monthly payments with a 10% deposit. Taken over 48 months the interest rate would be 10,08% and the GFV R505 450. If the buyer handed the car back to BMW at the end of the terms and bought a new car, the total cost to them of that 'usage' would be R548 646. Should they wish to own the car they would have to pay in R505 450. On a traditional lease over 60 months and an interest rate of 11,20%, the total cost comes to R1 100 473 with a balloon payment at the end of R318 458. BMW has also prioritised sustainability through resource-conscious production methods and material recycling. Digitalisation takes centre stage inside, with BMW Operating System 9 powering an array of connected services. Image: Supplied Interior Inside, the cabin integrates the latest BMW iDrive system with QuickSelect, offering intuitive control over infotainment, automated driving aids and in-car gaming via BMW Operating System 9. Enhanced parking assistance and driver-assistance systems further elevate the tech offering. The updated 2 Series Gran Coupé mirrors its sibling's tech advancements while leaning into sporty sophistication. Its elongated silhouette features a low front grille, a flowing roofline and a muscular rear with discreet exhaust integrations (excluding the M235 xDrive variant). The side profile highlights a pronounced shoulder line and the iconic Hofmeister kink, now subtly branded with a numeral '2'. Digitalisation takes centre stage inside, with BMW Operating System 9 powering an array of connected services. The M Sport and M Sport Pro packages amp up the visual drama, while adaptive LED headlights (optional) add matrix beams and cornering functionality. Both models underscore BMW's commitment to reducing environmental impact. Efficient engines, recyclable materials and energy-efficient production processes aim to minimise their carbon footprint. 'These updates reflect our focus on driver engagement without compromising sustainability,' says Neo Sibeko, product manager for BMW Compact Class. 'From chassis enhancements to smart digitalisation, every detail is crafted to deliver a premium, forward-thinking experience.'
TimesLIVE
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
New BMW 1 Series goes on sale in Mzansi: pricing and specs
BMW has introduced the new fourth-generation 1 Series in South Africa featuring new styling, technology upgrades and an improved chassis. Like its predecessor F40 1 Series, the new F70 1 Series is available only as a five-door premium hatchback. It arrives in three guises: the 118 and 118 M Sport, both front-wheel drives, and the high-performance M135 with all-wheel drive. Though the car is a major upgrade of the F40 rather than a completely new vehicle, the exterior length has increased by 42mm to 4,361mm and the height has increased by 25mm to 1,459mm. The external redesign included a flat front that sits lower to the road than its predecessor, giving the car a sportier look. The wide, forward-leaning radiator grille combines vertical and diagonal bars, like the latest X3. Standard LED headlights feature striking vertical elements for the daytime running light and the turn indicators. Adaptive LED headlights with glare-free matrix high beam, cornering light function and blue accents are optionally available. The redesigned interior has an extended range of automated driving and parking systems, including a new iDrive infotainment system with QuickSelect and innovative digital services based on BMW Operating System 9, a software suite offering a high degree of personalisation plus access to a downloadable apps and extended digital services via the BMW ConnectedDrive store. The BMW Curved Display combines a 10.25' instrument cluster and 10.7' touchscreen. The number of buttons has been significantly reduced in favour of touch technology, with the air conditioning also controlled digitally.
