VS
At a Glance
Power
115 kW
184kW@6300
Torque
230 Nm
320Nm@2800
Fuel
6.4 l/100km
—
Towing
1300 Kg
1400
0-100 km/h
8.5 s
—
Engine
1499 cc
3189
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 184kW@6300. On fuel, the 1 Series returns 6.4 l/100km while the GOLF uses 0 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R753 395 for the 1 Series and R366 900 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
184kW@6300
Torque
230 Nm
320Nm@2800
0-100 kph
8.5 s
—
Top Speed
226 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1499 cc
3189
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE V 6
Cylinders
3
6
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
7
6
Drive Wheels
front
ALL
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.4 l/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
49 l
60
CO2 Emissions
145 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
4361 mm
4246
Width
1800-2072 mm
1759
Height
1459 mm
1465
Wheelbase
2670 mm
2578
Ground Clearance
156 mm
117
Kerb Weight
1390 DIN / 1465 EU Kg
1579
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
380-1200 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1300 Kg
1400
Load Capacity
570 l
1305
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
ESP
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
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
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
Optional
Optional
Reversing Camera
Optional
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
Optional
REMOTE
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
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
2 / 4 categories
Performance
1 Series
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
GOLF
Practicality
GOLF
Pros & Cons
BMW 1 Series
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (6.4 l/100km)
Higher starting price
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
Lower starting price (R366 900)
Higher towing capacity (1400)
Few notable weaknesses
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 0 on the combined cycle. 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 184kW@6300 and 320Nm@2800 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 R366 900. The GOLF is cheaper by R386 495 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 1400. 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.