Judging by how much BMW has been on everyone's lips (in a controversial way) in the last week, you'd almost think the company was using the same publicist as Julius Malema.
Yet instead of ruffling feathers with century-old, rehashed Russian Revolution jargon, it's the concept of 'evolution' that has the world talking. More specifically, the all-new 3 Series has come under fire for looking too similar to its predecessor.
Similar arguments are sure to flare up again, as the new 1 Series is launched in South Africa this week. The compact hatchback closely resembles the original from the side and back, although there's a far more daring flavour to the front end and those pointy headlights are sure to diverge opinion. Having seen it in the flesh, I do feel it looks somewhat better than it does in the pictures, but I'm also convinced that a shapelier grille would have created a more harmonious effect up front.
BMW has also added more flavour on the customization front, with two new optional design packages. If white wheels and chrome on the grille and mirrors appeals to you then the Urban Line might be up your alley, although the Sport Line pack, with its infusion of black trim, is likely to find more takers. Both packages also continue their respective styling themes in the cabin.
Regardless of how you stomach the styling, you're sure to be impressed by what the new 1 Series offers beneath the surface. The biggest stride, in my opinion, is the two new twin-scroll turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engines in the 116i and 118i.
Whereas the previous naturally aspirated engines were considered weak, the new units pack on the muscle with the 116i pushing 100kW at 4400rpm and 220Nm from 1350rpm and the 118i offering 125kW at 4800rpm and 250Nm from 1500rpm. Also available is a 120d, with a 2-litre turbodiesel engine that's good for 135kW at 4000rpm and 380Nm from 1750rpm.
Keen to highlight that these engines are almost immune to altitude, BMW sent us on a driving route that took us from the bustling streets of Sandton to the open roads of the Magaliesberg region of Gauteng and the 116i proved especially impressive.
Between robots you'll hardly notice the 25kW deficit in the less powerful motor, it's surprisingly punchy off the line and there's no lag to speak of. It's only in the upper reaches of the rev range that the 116i starts to feel a little flat, but overall performance is still impressive for its power and price class. The 118i, on the other hand, doesn't quite feel like a 125kW car when launching off the mark, but you will feel that extra bit of punch while overtaking.
I was impressed by the relatively cushy ride and the car's composure through fast sweeps - its rear-wheel drive handling is still a unique draw card in this class. The electric power steering system also has a more intuitive feel than most cars, but compared to the hydraulic system in older BMWs, I found it a tad too light for my liking. That said, customers can order a variable-ratio steering system that offers more feel at higher speeds.
The six-speed manual gearbox, standard on all models, has a solid, well-weighted feel but doesn't like to be hurried too much. An eight-speed automatic gearbox is also available - a first in this class of car.
Driving enjoyment aside, another big boasting point for the 1 Series is the strides it's made in efficiency, with the advanced new engines - in addition to smaller measures like standard idle-stop and low-rolling-resistance tyres - adding up to some vastly improved fuel consumption figures. BMW claims combined cycle consumption from as low as 5.8 l/100km on the 118i, 5.5 on the 116i and 4.5 in the case of the diesel.
All models also have an 'Eco Pro' mode (in addition to Comfort and Sport) that alters the engine management, throttle responses, shift patterns and power management of ancillary functions. Find some extra loot and you can also alter the suspension damping via the Adaptive Suspension option.
This car's high-tech wizardry continues in the cabin, as long as you're prepared to stretch that bank balance further. The car can connect to the internet, even allowing Facebook and Twitter usage as well as weather and news browsing, while you're sitting in traffic, and you can even connect to radio stations in other regions via the web.
A long list of driver assistance systems is also available to those with bottomless pockets, everything from Collision Warning to Lane Departure Warning, Park Distance control with rear view camera, parallel parking assistant, Adaptive Headlight function and much more.
The cabin itself is rather conservative in design, but decked out in high quality materials. The rear-wheel drive layout still restricts interior space, however, and despite a longer wheelbase having procured 21mm more rear legroom, it is still on the cramped side.
Prices haven't increased too dramatically considering the performance gains, but the new One is still on the pricey side. You'll need to find R268 500 for even the cheapest 116i and that's before you add some of the basic features usually standard at this level, like cruise control, leather seats and multifunction steering wheel.
PRICING:
116i - R268 500
116i AT - R286 500
118i - R287 500
118i AT - R305 500
120d - R325 000
120d AT - R343 000
PACKAGES:
Urban Line - R14 200
Sport Line - R17 500