Summarize

Meet BMW’s totally reimagined 1 Series that forsakes traditional BMW rear-wheel drive in favour of front traction for its common garden offerings, although the 225kW 450Nm flagship M135i does gain all-wheel drive to rival Golf R, S3 and the forthcoming AMG A35.

The newcomer shares BMW's FAAR architecture with X1, X2 and Mini Countryman, but Munich is convinced it still offers a dynamic experience to satisfy the BMW fan. That especially in the hot new eight-speed automatic M135i with xDrive to send half the power to the rear axle, while rigid multi-link rear axle Performance ControlSport suspension gets actuator-controlled wheel slip limitation and dynamic stability control to exterminate understeer. 

The new 2-litre biturbo four-cylinder M135i however loses 25kW and 45Nm to the outgoing RWD car thanks to that turbo straight-six not fitting into the new 1’s transverse engine bay. SO while the newcomer sheds 20kW, 0-100km/h is 0.2 seconds slower, while top end remains 250km/h. M135i still matches Golf R Performance on power, beats it on torque.

One will be launched in two models in SA — M135i and the front wheel driven 118i. 20mm shorter, 34mm wider but with more interior space, the newcomer gains a larger grille and a dominant BMW Hofmeister kin, while M135i is set apart by a mesh kidney grille. A panoramic sunroof and full LED lighting is optional but all models get LED daytime running lights.

That more spacious all-new cabin gains BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant 8.8in touchscreen gesture and voice control while models get two 10.25in displays, digital instrumentation and a colour headsup display. There are distinctive colour backlit  graining effects on the dash and door panels, while M135i gains M Sport trim, steering wheel and sport seats. Expect new 1 in SA later this year.