WeeklySA_AdminCONSUMER-ORIENTED: The new BMW 1-Series now comes with front-wheel drive and only available as five-door hatchback
By Ali Mphaki
Hmmmm! This was the initial response from my soon-to-be better half as I scrolled for high resolution pictures of the new BMW 1 Series the other day.
Not surprising because the newcomer 1 Series has arrived to attract all the admiring glances. This is because its outstanding design and progressive design language distinguish it from the crowd at the very first glance.
Starting with the dynamic front with its large double kidney grille and broad front apron. Defined contours run parallel to the flowing roof line through to the distinctive rear.
The premium character of the BMW 1 Series continues into the interior. Here passengers can enjoy a generously proportioned and open atmosphere of well-being. The cockpit impresses with ergonomically optimised equipment features and what the boys from Munich would like you to know the interior boast a modern atmosphere that inspires through premium quality and openness.
Under the skin, the latest 1 Series rides on the brand’s UKL2 platform. It’s not exclusive to this car; the BMW X1, X2 and 2 Series Active Tourer, all use the same architecture, plus a couple of MINIs, too.
The powertrains, now mounted across the engine bay rather than from front to back as in the previous 1 Series, are familiar, too. There are three diesels to choose from: the 1.5-litre 116d, plus two 2.0-litre engines in the 118d and 120d. The entry-level 118i, and the hot M135i which, with 302bhp, it’s the most powerful four-cylinder production BMW ever.
A six-speed manual gearbox is fitted as standard, but a seven-speed dual-clutch unit is an option.
The third-generation 1 Series, and it’s significant because it’s now front-wheel or all-wheel drive only. Yup, this latest generation waved goodbye to RWD in 2019. Just like every other hatch now, then. But the good news is it’s more spacious than ever and weighs less which should make it efficient to run. It wouldn’t be a BMW if it did not have some high-tech electro gimmicks.
You could have your vehicle move into its parking space independently or ask the intelligent voice assistant for the next filling station. The BMW 1 Series offers you a large number of helpful functions, digital services and driver assistance systems – for a maximum of comfort and safety.
Whether for powerful acceleration, agile handling or safe roadholding – 1 Series BMW turns every trip into a highlight thanks to its efficient engine and a set of dynamic drive train and chassis components.
This is indeed an enticing proposal.
Motoring: Briefs
END OF AN ERA
Jaguar has already announced a plan to transition into small-batch EVs, doing away with its traditional petrol-engined lineup. This included the discontinuation of the XF, XE and F-Type models. The brand has now revealed that the final F-Type has rolled off production lines at its Castle Bromwich plant, marking the end of its decade-long run. It was assembled exactly 50 years on from the last E-Type, which marked the start of a golden age for Jaguar sports cars.
PANDA-MONIUM
Fiat has officially revealed its new Grande Panda – an all-new baby crossover and the first of the brand’s future family of Panda models to come.
The new Grande Panda, according to brand boss Olivier Francois, ‘is perfectly suited for families and urban mobility in every country. It’s the first new product in the [wider Panda] family, and will be followed by a new vehicle every year until 2027.’
This crossover-spec Panda uses some of the design cues first previewed by concepts revealed the day before the 2024 Geneva motor show, featuring boxy styling and chunky details. The front end features a black panel that incorporates the Fiat logo, as well as some very pixelated headlights. Roof rails and SUV-like details can be seen, too.
HAVAL JOLION SPLIT
The 2024 GWM Haval Jolion Hybrid has been treated to a significant restyle – with new sheetmetal for nearly every body panel, and lower prices – after close to two years in showrooms.
It means the Haval Jolion range will be split in two – a brand-new hybrid with sportier styling, and the existing non-hybrid model, which has come in for a mild exterior update.
And prices have not risen despite the upgrades, rather they have been cut by up to $2000 across the range – reversing some of the increases applied to the Haval Jolion during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new Haval Jolion Hybrid is sold by GWM in China as the Chitu (or Red Rabbit) – and in South Africa as the Jolion Pro, a badge that remains on the tailgate of the existing Australian model.
JLR COSIES CHINA’S CHERY
You must have seen Land Rover’s official teasers of the new all-electric Range Rover testing in extreme conditions. The company claims it will be the quietest Range Rover ever made, owing to the obvious advantages of an electric powertrain. Now, it is revealed that, JLR’s (Jaguar Land Rover) future EVs will be based on platforms sourced from Chinese carmaker Chery. Jaguar Land Rover And Chery – The long-standing partnership It is a known fact that JLR and Chery have a long and fruitful partnership, mainly in the Chinese market. Both brands entered a partnership in 2012 and have been co-producing vehicles. The two companies even share a car manufacturing facility in China that has been manufacturing cars from 2014.
NOT SO FAST, SA
Volkswagen and Isuzu have expressed skepticism about South Africa’s plans to develop electric and hydrogen-powered vehicle industries.
While the government in February announced that automakers will be allowed to claim a 150% tax deduction on investment in facilities to make the vehicles, the local heads of both companies said they’ll stay focused on internal combustion engine vehicles.
The country’s automotive industry, which accounted for more than 271 billion rand in exports last year, is currently dependent on shipments to the European Union where legislation is expected to gradually reduce demand for vehicles that run on diesel and gasoline.
“They won’t call on us to make battery electric vehicles here” as there is enough capacity in Europe and transport costs would be lower, Martina Biene, chairwoman and managing director of Volkswagen South Africa, said at a conference in Gqeberha, close to her company’s 165,000 vehicle-per-year factory in the country.
“We are not in the long run the exporter to Europe anymore.”
