VS
At a Glance
Power
115 kW
210 kW
Torque
230 Nm
400 Nm
Fuel
6.4 l/100km
9.5 l/100km
Towing
1300 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
8.5 s
—
Engine
1499 cc
1618 cc
Choosing between the BMW 1 Series and the Toyota GR Corolla is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW 1 Series delivers 115 kW while the Toyota GR Corolla produces 210 kW. On fuel, the 1 Series returns 6.4 l/100km while the GR Corolla uses 9.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R713 395 for the 1 Series and R1 020 800 for the GR Corolla. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
115 kW
210 kW
Torque
230 Nm
400 Nm
0-100 kph
8.5 s
—
Top Speed
226 Km/h
230 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1499 cc
1618 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
3
3
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
8
Drive Wheels
front
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.4 l/100km
9.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
49 l
50 l
CO2 Emissions
145 g/km
215 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4361 mm
4408 mm
Width
1800-2072 mm
1851 mm
Height
1459 mm
1479 mm
Wheelbase
2670 mm
2640 mm
Ground Clearance
156 mm
120 mm
Kerb Weight
1390 DIN / 1465 EU Kg
1500 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
380-1200 l
213 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1300 Kg
—
Load Capacity
570 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
—
Reversing Camera
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
—
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
3
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
9 services
Service Plan Distance
—
90000
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW 1 Series
3 / 4 categories
Performance
GR Corolla
Fuel Economy
1 Series
Value
1 Series
Practicality
1 Series
Pros & Cons
BMW 1 Series
Better fuel economy (6.4 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R713 395)
Higher towing capacity (1300 Kg)
Less power than rival (115 kW vs 210 kW)
No factory service plan
Toyota GR Corolla
More powerful engine (210 kW)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (9.5 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 1 Series or GR Corolla?
The 1 Series uses 6.4 l/100km and the GR Corolla uses 9.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. The 1 Series is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the 1 Series or GR Corolla?
The 1 Series produces 115 kW and 230 Nm of torque while the GR Corolla delivers 210 kW and 400 Nm of torque. The GR Corolla is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 1 Series and GR Corolla?
The 1 Series starts from R713 395 and the GR Corolla from R1 020 800. The 1 Series is cheaper by R307 405 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the 1 Series or GR Corolla?
The 1 Series has a braked towing capacity of 1300 Kg and the GR Corolla can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the 1 Series or the GR Corolla?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.