The new BMW 1 Series, the F40 version, is a rather radical departure from the norm for the BMW-stable. While not the first front-wheel-drive offering, it is the first to be included in a volume seller - the 1 Series. Many a purist has scoffed at this idea but it levels the playing field and allows for some additional flexibility in the design.
It's also lost its 'shooting-brake' body style and is now more of a traditional hatch. We can see many a Volkswagen Golf owner quickly switching sides for this one.
If you're in the market for a new BMW 1 Series, here are 5 extras that we think you should be specified when you go to order your new car.
Related: Complete guide to buying, owning and selling your BMW 1 Series
1. Infotainment Professional Package
R 22 000
If you spend any amount of time in your car, you'll want the Infotainment Professional Package that bundles together a host of features such as the Connected Package Professional for real-time traffic updates, BMW Connected+ and their popular Intelligent Voice Assistant. You will also get the BMW Live Cockpit Professional with its full-digital display and Comfort Telephony with wireless charging that includes wireless Apple CarPlay. Rounding off the Infotainment Professional Package is a banging Harman/Kardon Surround Sound audio system.
2. M Sport Seats
R 8 100
The M Sport Seats will do away with the two-piece backrest and replace it with high-backed, racing-style bucket seats that will hug you as you go through the turns. These electrically adjustable seats allow for two memory settings and include electronically adjustable bolsters to ensure the perfect fit.
3. Leather 'Dakota'
R 17 500
Be bold! Go for the striking Dakota leather with perforations and a stunning Magma Red and Grey highlight. While it may be too loud for some, we think this is a perfect way to offset a dark exterior colour like Saphire Metallic or Storm Bay Metallic. Then there's the lighting effect that makes the interior truly come to life when the sun sets. We won't spoil the surprise, you'll just have to see for yourself.
4. Adaptive LED Headlights
R 7 000
Never worry about forgetting your lights again with the automatic Adaptive LED Headlight option on your 1 Series. Combined with Active High Beam Assist, these piercing lights ensure that you get the best illumination of the road possible without blinding oncoming traffic. Their striking DRL elements also ensure that whatever car you approach, knows that you mean business.
5. Parking Assist
R 12 700
We'll be the first to admit that rearward visibility out of the M135i could be better. The large C-pillars and small rear window can make parking manoeuvres something of a chore. By selecting the Parking Assist feature you won't have to worry about that. Activate the system and allow it to find the perfect parking space for your car and help you pull into it. Includes Reversing Assistant.
Recommended next:
The best BMW 1 Series offers on AutoTrader
Top 3 2020 BMW 1 Series features that stand out from the competition.
