Freshened exterior looks

The all-new BMW 1 Series boasts complete new exterior looks, with a wide, forward-leaning BMW radiator grille taking centre stage. The radiator grille includes an innovative structure of vertical and diagonal bars. Flanking it is a set of standard-fitted LED headlights with striking vertical elements for the daytime-running lights and turn indicators, with customers able to opt for adaptive LED headlights with glare-free matrix high beam, cornering light function and blue accents as an optional extra.

At the rear, two part rear taillights are on duty and extend into the side sections, along with a long roof spoiler, side air deflectors, vertical reflectors and a black diffuser-style insert.

In terms of exterior hues, BMW offers two solid hues and seven metallic finishes for the BMW 1 Series. Customers will also be able to opt for four BMW Individual finishes along with a wide range of BMW Individual special finishes. Noteworthy, the BMW 1 Series is the first model in the entire range of vehicles to be offered with an optional contrasting roof paint finish.

For individuals seeking a sporty and engaging experience, the BMW M135 xDrive is available and of course, adds an overall sportier character in terms of looks and what you may find under the skin. This range-topping model adds an M radiator grille with horizontal bars, M exterior mirror caps, and four exhaust tailpipes.

Noteworthy, the BMW 1 Series has grown in dimensions and now measures at 4,361mm for the length and 1,459mm for the height – an increase of 42mm and 25mm respectively. The wheelbase and the width measure at 2,670mm and 1,800mm respectively.

Tech-infested interior

Being a modern BMW, it goes without saying that the interior will be a tech-fest. The all-new BMW 1 Series sees the addition of the now familiar BMW Curved Display which is comprised of a 10.25-inch information display along with a 10.7-inch control display. BMW has gone for a more minimalistic look and feel and the tis evident with the overall reduction of buttons and controls in the cabin, such as the air conditioning which is controlled via the latter control display.

The BMW 1 Series employs the latest iteration of BMW iDrive with QuickSelect, with the latter allowing for direct access to functions without the need to switch to a submenu. Powering BMW iDrive is the BMW Operating System 9, which allows customers to also utilise remote software upgrades for new and improved vehicle functions to be integrated via over-the-air updates.

On offer is BMW Digital Premium which is a subscription service that allows the use of country-specific apps such as music, video streaming, news or gaming. The subscription also includes data-usage for all digital services along with the apps found in the BMW ConnectedDrive store. BMW Digital Premium may also extend the functions of the BMW Maps navigation system and the selection of My Modes and the lighting for the welcome and goodbye animation.

The BMW 1 Series is also jam-packed with the latest driver assistance systems which includes the Driving Assistant with front collision warning, lane departure warning, exit warning and traffic sign recognition and the parking assistant with reversing assistant, all fitted as standard. Customers may opt for steering and lane control assist, automatic speed limit assist and route guidance when using active cruise control with stop & go function, as optional extras.

Engine line-up

At market launch in Q4 2024, South Africa will receive two models, namely: the 118 and M135 xDrive. Noteworthy, the i prefix has been dropped in Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) models as a means to alleviate confusion between ICE and electric vehicles. The former model will be powered by a three-cylinder engine producing 115kW, whereas the range-topping M135 xDrive will be powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 233kW of power. A BMW 120 model will be joining the local line-up in 2025.

More details on local specification and pricing will be announced closer to the launch date.

Available in two distinctive flavours, the C-Bridge design earbuds comes in either an Iridescent Purple or minimalist-chic Black hue. The HUAWEI Freeclip earbuds form part of the brand’s latest Fashion Forward direction, embodying a combination of style and comfort for the style conscious and trendy users. Complex engineering has also been employed, with optimal design balancing size, weight and quality.

Global data from over 10,000 human ears helped in creating the C-Bridge design, ultimately ensuring a comfortable and secure fit regardless of the user’s ear size and shape. The design makes use of high-performance nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) shape memory alloy which the comfort for different ear sizes and shapes. All day use is made possible thanks to the earbuds weighing just 5.6 grams.

The typical discomfort often caused by clip-on devices has been combatted thanks to the more effective distribution of pressure across the ear. This is a result of the ergonomic convex-concave structures of the Acoustic Ball and Comfort Bean working together.

The C-Bridge design of the HUAWEI Freeclip earbuds is said to ensure a high-quality audio experience thanks to optimising the distance and the angle between the Comfort Bean and Acoustic Ball. These are tilted at an angle of 11.4 degrees to fit snugly long the curvature of the ear. The Acoustic Ball aligns with the ear canal and comfortably covers the helix crus and antitragus without blocking the canal.

The audio quality of the HUWAEI Freeclip earbuds has also been bolstered further with two features, namely: the dual-magnetic high-sensitivity driver unit and Reverse Sound Waves System. The former increases the magnetic induction intensity, allowing for a better sound clarity and resonance, whereas the latter reduces sound leakage, making audio more immersive and private.

Despite using an open-ear design, the HUAWEI Freeclip earbuds feature triple call noise reduction to ensure crystal clear calls in loud environments. An AI-powered DNN algorithm matched with a sound compression duct built into the Acoustic Ball allow for effectively cancelling ambient noises and wind interference for the best distraction-free communication.

The C-Bridge design allows for touch gestures on its surface to control the audio playback with simple taps. Customers will be pleased to learn that 36 hours of battery life are on offer with the charging case, with each earbud lasting up to 8 hours of continuous use.

The HUAWEI Freeclip earbuds are available at the HUAWEI Online Store for R3,999 or alternatively, from Vodacom for R189 a month for 24 months, or R129 a month for 36 months.