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 holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over ZS.
ZS starts ZAR 415,100 cheaper1 Series from ZAR 705,000 · ZS from ZAR 289,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
1 Series
ZS
Maximum Power
1 Series233 kW
ZS84 kW
Maximum Torque
1 Series400 Nm @ 2000-4500 rpm
ZS150 Nm
Engine Size
1 Series1998 cc
ZS1498 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
1 Series12.5 km/l
ZS14.08 km/l
Ground Clearance
1 Series140 mm
ZS175 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 listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
ZS
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
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 more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
ZS
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
ZS
Model Introduced Year
2024
2025
Generation
Fourth-generation F70 BMW 1 Series, configured for South Africa as a five-door hatchback.
Current local value-positioned ZS compact SUV, sold alongside rather than replaced by the larger turbocharged ZS Pro.
Facelift History
F70 is the current fourth-generation South African launch version; no local facelift has been announced.
Current South African ZS specification introduced with MG's market return in 2025.
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
2025
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Hatchback
Five-door compact SUV
Model Year
2026
2024
Production Status
active
active
Segment
Premium Hatchback
Compact SUV
Vehicle Type
Car
SUV
Spec
1 Series
ZS
Length
4361 mm
4314 mm
Width
1800 mm
1809 mm
Height
1459 mm
1624 mm
Wheelbase
2670 mm
2585 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
140 mm
175 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
125 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity
49 l
48 l
Boot/Cargo Space
380 l
359 l
Kerb Weight
1550 kg
1258 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2100 kg
1695 kg
Payload Capacity
550 kg
437 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
5.6 m
Front Headroom
985 mm
1043 mm
Rear Headroom
958 mm
995 mm
Front Legroom
1041 mm
1070 mm
Rear Legroom
896 mm
850 mm
Spec
1 Series
ZS
Engine
BMW turbocharged engine
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated NSE Petrol
Engine Code
B48
NSE
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
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 fuel 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
84 kW
Maximum Torque
400 Nm @ 2000-4500 rpm
150 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
AWD
FWD
Transmission
7-Speed Automatic
4-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
250 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
0-100 km/h
4.9 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
12.2 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Eco, Comfort, Sport
No
Launch Control
No
No
Rev Limiter
7000 rpm
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
100 kW/tonne
66.77 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
220 Nm/tonne
119.24 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
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
Not Applicable
Spec
1 Series
ZS
Gearbox
7-Speed Automatic
4-Speed Automatic
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 Available
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Not Available
Final Drive Ratio
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Gears
7
4
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Yes
Torque converter automatic
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Standard
Gear Shift Type
Automatic selector
Automatic
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 Available
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Automatic
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
4
Spec
1 Series
ZS
Claimed Mileage
12.5 km/l
14.08 km/l
City Mileage
10.5 km/l
10.99 km/l
Highway Mileage
15.0 km/l
16.95 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
49 l
48 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
EURO 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Not Available
Real-world Mileage
12.5 km/l
14.08 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
49
48
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
ZS
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
Not Available
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
Not Available
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
ZS
Cruise Control
Yes
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Yes
Rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Standard
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Yes
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Standard
Reverse Camera
Yes
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Park Assist
Standard
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Yes
Standard
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Not Available
Spec
1 Series
ZS
Seat Material
Leather/Sensatec
PVC + PU
Heated Seats
Yes
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Yes
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Not Available
Steering Wheel Material
Yes
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric multi-way
6-way manual
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric multi-way
4-way manual, no height adjustment
Seat Trim
M Sport Seats
PVC + PU
Spec
1 Series
ZS
Climate Control
Standard
ETC 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
Not Available
AC Type
Standard
ETC air conditioning
Spec
1 Series
ZS
Infotainment System
Yes
8-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Standard
Android Auto
Yes
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
12.3
Not Available
USB Ports
2
Standard
Infotainment Screen
14.9
8-inch
Touchscreen
14.9
8-inch
Spec
1 Series
ZS
LED Headlamps
Yes
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
Standard
Fog Lamps
Yes
Standard
Roof Rails
Yes
Standard
Exterior Colour Options
Multiple manufacturer colours
Pearl Black, Arctic White, Storm Silver, Burnt Orange, Dynamic Red, Atlantic Blue
Headlights
Yes
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Yes
Standard
Spec
1 Series
ZS
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
19.0 deg
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
29.0 deg
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Available
4WD System Type
All-wheel drive
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
1 Series
ZS
Tyre Size
Runflat tyres
215/50R17
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
16-inch steel spare wheel and tyre R16
Wheel Rim Size
18"M light alloy wheels Y spoke style 975 M Bicolour with runflat tyres
17
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Mechanical
Spec
1 Series
ZS
Front Suspension
Adaptive M Suspension
Independent
Rear Suspension
Adaptive M Suspension
Torsion Beam
Spec
1 Series
ZS
CO2 Emissions
177 g/km
165 g/km
Spec
1 Series
ZS
Service Plan
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
5 years/60,000 km
Spec
1 Series
ZS
Ownership Role
Private and enthusiast
Passenger vehicle
Price Zar
975000 ZAR
309900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current recommended retail price
Current South African MSRP
Starting Price
975000
309900
Starting Price Zar
975000
309900
Spec
1 Series
ZS
Warranty
Yes
7 years / 200,000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This 1 Series and ZS 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 ZS 37.
Efficiency index: 1 Series 50 vs ZS 55.
Safety-equipment index: 1 Series 92 vs ZS 87.
Practicality index: 1 Series 53 vs ZS 52.
Ownership-cover index: 1 Series not separately scored vs ZS 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 ZS 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 16 points
1 Series holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over ZS.
Performance
1 Series +54
Efficiency
ZS +5
Safety
1 Series +5
Practicality
1 Series +1
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
1 Series
Performance
91/100
Efficiency
50/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
53/100
ZS
Performance
37/100
Efficiency
55/100
Safety
87/100
Practicality
52/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexBMW 1 Series
leads the specification evidence index with 73 pts
vs 57 pts for ZS
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, 1 Series leads. However, ZS 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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