A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
1 Series and MG3 are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
MG3 starts ZAR 435,100 cheaper1 Series from ZAR 705,000 · MG3 from ZAR 269,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
1 Series
MG3
Maximum Power
1 Series233 kW
MG375 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
1 Series400 Nm @ 2000-4500 rpm
MG3128 Nm @ 4500 rpm
Engine Size
1 Series1998 cc
MG31498 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
1 Series12.5 km/l
MG323.26 km/l
Ground Clearance
1 Series140 mm
MG3149 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
BMW 1 Series
M135 xDrive
Hagalu editorial rating
4.1/5★★★★★★★★★★
Desk research · Exact variant
Hagalu Editorial Team ·
Editorial assessment, not a customer rating. Not road-tested for this review.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Specification evidence leader
1 Series
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
MG3
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
1 Series
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
MG3
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
1 Series
MG3
Model Introduced Year
2024
2025
Generation
Fourth-generation F70 BMW 1 Series, configured for South Africa as a five-door hatchback.
Current-generation five-door MG3 offered locally with naturally aspirated petrol and self-charging hybrid powertrains.
Facelift History
F70 is the current fourth-generation South African launch version; no local facelift has been announced.
South African launch specification introduced in 2025.
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
2025
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Hatchback
Five-door hatchback
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
active
Segment
Premium Hatchback
Compact Hatchback
Vehicle Type
Car
Hatchback
Spec
1 Series
MG3
Length
4361 mm
4113 mm
Width
1800 mm
1797 mm
Height
1459 mm
1502 mm
Wheelbase
2670 mm
2570 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
140 mm
149 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
125 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity
49 l
36 l
Boot/Cargo Space
380 l
293 l
Kerb Weight
1550 kg
1308 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2100 kg
1766 kg
Payload Capacity
550 kg
458 kg
Towing Capacity
750 kg
500 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.6 m
5.25 m
Front Headroom
985 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Headroom
958 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Legroom
1041 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Legroom
896 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
1 Series
MG3
Engine
BMW turbocharged engine
1.5-litre Self Charging Hybrid
Engine Code
B48
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol
Hybrid
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Self Charging Hybrid
Engine Displacement
1998 cc
1498 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
16
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Direct injection
Multipoint Injection
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
82.0 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
94.6 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
233 kW
75 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
400 Nm @ 2000-4500 rpm
128 Nm @ 4500 rpm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
155 kW
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
425 Nm
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
2
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Front
Drive Type
AWD
FWD
Transmission
7-Speed Automatic
3-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
250 km/h
170 km/h
0-100 km/h
4.9 sec
8.0 sec
Quarter Mile
12.2 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Eco, Standard, Sport
Launch Control
No
No
Rev Limiter
7000 rpm
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
100 kW/tonne
118.50 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
220 Nm/tonne
324.92 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
1.83 kWh
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Lithium-ion
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Yes
Spec
1 Series
MG3
Gearbox
7-Speed Automatic
3-Speed Automatic hybrid transmission
Drivetrain Layout
All-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Available
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Not Available
Final Drive Ratio
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Gears
7
3
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Yes
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type
Automatic selector
Hybrid
Drivetrain
AWD
Front-wheel drive
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
Not Available
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Hybrid transmission
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Yes
Front-wheel drive
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
7
3
Spec
1 Series
MG3
Claimed Mileage
12.5 km/l
23.26 km/l
City Mileage
10.5 km/l
27.03 km/l
Highway Mileage
15.0 km/l
20.41 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
49 l
36 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
EURO 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Standard
Real-world Mileage
12.5 km/l
23.26 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
49
36
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
360 km
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
420 km
Not Applicable
Spec
1 Series
MG3
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Not Available
AEB
Yes
Standard
BA
Standard
Standard
Brake Override System
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Standard
Driver Airbag
Yes
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Standard
Side Airbags
Yes
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
TCS
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Yes
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
1 Series
MG3
Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Standard
Parking Sensors
Yes
Rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Not Available
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Standard
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Standard
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Standard
Auto Wipers
Yes
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Standard
Reverse Camera
Yes
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Standard
Park Assist
Standard
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Yes
Standard
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Standard
Spec
1 Series
MG3
Seat Material
Leather/Sensatec
PVC + Fabric
Heated Seats
Yes
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Yes
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Not Available
Steering Wheel Material
Yes
PU
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric multi-way
6-way manual
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric multi-way
4-way manual
Seat Trim
M Sport Seats
PVC + Fabric
Spec
1 Series
MG3
Climate Control
Standard
Single-zone air conditioning
Power Windows
Standard
Standard
Keyless Entry
Yes
Standard
Push Button Start
Yes
Standard
Wireless Charging
Yes
Not Available
Sunroof
Panoramic
Standard
Electric Tailgate
No
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Standard
AC Type
Standard
Single-zone air conditioning
Spec
1 Series
MG3
Infotainment System
Yes
10.25-inch infotainment display
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Wireless
Android Auto
Yes
Wireless
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
12.3
7-inch driver display
USB Ports
2
2 front USB-C ports (1 full-function, 1 charging)
Infotainment Screen
14.9
10.25-inch
Touchscreen
14.9
10.25-inch
Spec
1 Series
MG3
LED Headlamps
Yes
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
LED
Fog Lamps
Yes
Not Available
Roof Rails
Yes
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
Multiple manufacturer colours
Flare Red, Morning Yellow, Pearl Black, York White, Hampstead Grey, St. Moritz Blue, Blade Silver
Headlights
Yes
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Yes
Not Available
Spec
1 Series
MG3
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
All-wheel drive
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
1 Series
MG3
Tyre Size
Runflat tyres
195/55 R16
Front Brake Type
M Sport brake, dark blue metallic
Disc
Rear Brake Type
M Sport brake, dark blue metallic
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Tyre repair kit
Tyre repair kit
Wheel Rim Size
18"M light alloy wheels Y spoke style 975 M Bicolour with runflat tyres
16-inch
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Electric
Spec
1 Series
MG3
Front Suspension
Adaptive M Suspension
MacPherson
Rear Suspension
Adaptive M Suspension
Torsion Beam
Spec
1 Series
MG3
CO2 Emissions
177 g/km
100 g/km
Spec
1 Series
MG3
Service Plan
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
MG3-specific service plan
Spec
1 Series
MG3
Ownership Role
Private and enthusiast
Passenger vehicle
Price Zar
975000 ZAR
469900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current recommended retail price
Current South African MSRP
Starting Price
975000
469900
Starting Price Zar
975000
469900
Spec
1 Series
MG3
Warranty
Yes
5 years / 150,000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This 1 Series and MG3 comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: 1 Series 91 vs MG3 40.
Efficiency index: 1 Series 50 vs MG3 90.
Safety-equipment index: 1 Series 92 vs MG3 92.
Practicality index: 1 Series 53 vs MG3 48.
Ownership-cover index: 1 Series not separately scored vs MG3 not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
1 Series and MG3 image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
1 Series leads by 7 points
1 Series and MG3 are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Performance
1 Series +51
Efficiency
MG3 +40
Safety
Level
Practicality
1 Series +5
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
1 Series
Performance
91/100
Efficiency
50/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
53/100
MG3
Performance
40/100
Efficiency
90/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
48/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexBMW 1 Series
leads the specification evidence index with 73 pts
vs 66 pts for MG3
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, 1 Series leads. However, MG3 may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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