VS
At a Glance
Power
233 kW
210 kW
Torque
400 Nm
400 Nm
Fuel
7.8 l/100km
8.4 l/100km
Towing
750 Kg
-
0-100 km/h
4.9 s
—
Engine
1998 cc
1618 cc
Choosing between the BMW 1 Series and the Toyota GR Corolla is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BMW 1 Series delivers 233 kW while the Toyota GR Corolla produces 210 kW. On fuel, the 1 Series returns 7.8 l/100km while the GR Corolla uses 8.4 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R988 768 for the 1 Series and R1 005 100 for the GR Corolla. 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.
Specification
BMW 1 SeriesM135 Xdrive A/T (f70) 2024 - From R988 768
Toyota GR Corolla1.6t Circuit (5dr) 2026 - From R1 005 100
Performance
Power Output
233 kW
210 kW
Torque
400 Nm
400 Nm
0-100 kph
4.9 s
—
Top Speed
250 Km/h
230 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
1618 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
7
6
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.8 l/100km
8.4 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
49 l
50 l
CO2 Emissions
177 g/km
191 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4361 mm
4408 mm
Width
1800-2072 mm
1851 mm
Height
1459 mm
1479 mm
Wheelbase
2670 mm
2640 mm
Ground Clearance
156 mm
120 mm
Kerb Weight
1550 DIN / 1625 EU Kg
1480 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
380-1200 l
213 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
750 Kg
-
Load Capacity
550 lkg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7
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
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
—
Reversing Camera
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
—
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
3
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
9 servicesyr
Service Plan Distance
—
90000km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW 1 Series
4 / 4 categories
Performance
1 Series
Fuel Economy
1 Series
Value
1 Series
Practicality
1 Series
Pros & Cons
BMW 1 Series
More powerful engine (233 kW)
Better fuel economy (7.8 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R988 768)
Higher towing capacity (750 Kg)
No factory service plan
Toyota GR Corolla
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (8.4 l/100km)
Less power than rival (210 kW vs 233 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 1 Series or GR Corolla?
The 1 Series uses 7.8 l/100km and the GR Corolla uses 8.4 l/100km on the combined cycle. The 1 Series is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the 1 Series or GR Corolla?
The 1 Series produces 233 kW and 400 Nm of torque while the GR Corolla delivers 210 kW and 400 Nm of torque. The 1 Series is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 1 Series and GR Corolla?
The 1 Series starts from R988 768 and the GR Corolla from R1 005 100. The 1 Series is cheaper by R16 332 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the 1 Series or GR Corolla?
The 1 Series has a braked towing capacity of 750 Kg and the GR Corolla can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the 1 Series or the GR Corolla?
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.
Also Consider