VS
At a Glance
Power
115 kW
132kW@5600
Torque
230 Nm
235Nm@1950
Fuel
6.4 l/100km
9.9
Towing
1300 Kg
1300
0-100 km/h
8.5 s
7.8
Engine
1499 cc
1782
Choosing between the BMW 1 Series and the VOLKSWAGEN GOLF is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW 1 Series delivers 115 kW while the VOLKSWAGEN GOLF produces 132kW@5600. On fuel, the 1 Series returns 6.4 l/100km while the GOLF uses 9.9 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R753 395 for the 1 Series and R251 640 for the GOLF. 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
132kW@5600
Torque
230 Nm
235Nm@1950
0-100 kph
8.5 s
7.8
Top Speed
226 Km/h
220
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1499 cc
1782
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
7
6
Drive Wheels
front
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.4 l/100km
9.9
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
15.1
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
6.5
Fuel Tank Capacity
49 l
55
CO2 Emissions
145 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
4361 mm
4149
Width
1800-2072 mm
1735
Height
1459 mm
1439
Wheelbase
2670 mm
2511
Ground Clearance
156 mm
102
Kerb Weight
1390 DIN / 1465 EU Kg
1279
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
380-1200 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1300 Kg
1300
Load Capacity
570 l
1184
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
4
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Satellite Navigation
Optional
✗
Reversing Camera
Optional
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
36
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
120000
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW 1 Series
2 / 4 categories
Performance
1 Series
Fuel Economy
1 Series
Value
GOLF
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
BMW 1 Series
Better fuel economy (6.4 l/100km)
Higher starting price
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
Lower starting price (R251 640)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.8s)
Higher fuel consumption (9.9)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 1 Series or GOLF?
The 1 Series uses 6.4 l/100km and the GOLF uses 9.9 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 GOLF?
The 1 Series produces 115 kW and 230 Nm of torque while the GOLF delivers 132kW@5600 and 235Nm@1950 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the 1 Series and GOLF?
The 1 Series starts from R753 395 and the GOLF from R251 640. The GOLF is cheaper by R501 755 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the 1 Series or GOLF?
The 1 Series has a braked towing capacity of 1300 Kg and the GOLF can tow 1300. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the 1 Series or the GOLF?
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.