VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

×

BMW 1 SERIES

Two cars of tradition and revolution

The Volkswagen Golf and BMW 1 Series, both of which are front-wheel drive hatchbacks, will be released around the same time in 2024. However, if you’ve been familiar with Volkswagen and BMW for a long time, the current 1 Series will feel a bit strange.

The reason is that it has been converted to FWD. For the first two generations since its debut, the 1 Series used BMW’s traditional RWD, but the third generation saw a major shift to FWD. BMW’s front face, typified by the kidney grille, has always been made with RWD proportions, and fans are used to seeing it that way, so some may find the kidney grille fitted to FWD proportions a bit strange. On the other hand, the Golf has stuck to FWD since the first generation. It’s a stable front-wheel drive vehicle. That’s why it’s the benchmark.

Comparing the body sizes of the two cars, the 1 Series is slightly larger. It is also 110 kg heavier than the Golf. The tire size of the 1 Series is narrower, as the Golf is a sporty R-line. From a sporty perspective, it seems that the Golf has better stability.

Volkswagen Golf eTSI R-Line

Body size = Total length 4295mm x Total width 1790mm x Total height 1475mm

Wheelbase = 2620mm

Vehicle weight = 1350kg

Tire size = 225/40R18

BMW 1 Series 120

Body size = Length 4370mm x Width 1800mm x Height 1465mm

Wheelbase = 2670mm

Vehicle weight = 1460kg

Tire size = 205/55R17

An engine worthy of a premium brand

Both cars use a 1.5-liter engine, but the Golf has an inline four-cylinder engine, while the 1 Series has a three-cylinder engine. Looking at the power and torque figures, they are roughly equal, but the Golf may be better in terms of feeling, sound, and vibration at high revs. Both cars also use a mild hybrid system, so you can expect a slight boost from the motor.

However, we must not forget about the weight. A difference of 110 kg is sure to make a significant difference in cornering feel.

Volkswagen Golf eTSI R-Line

Engine type = Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Turbo

Displacement = 1497cc

Maximum output = 150PS/5000-6000rpm

Maximum torque = 250Nm/1500-3500rpm

Transmission = 7-speed DCT

Drive system = FWD

BMW 1 Series 120

Engine type = Inline 3-cylinder DOHC Turbo

Displacement = 1498cc

Maximum output = 156PS/5000rpm

Maximum torque = 240Nm/1500-4400rpm

Transmission = 7-speed DCT

Drive system = FWD

Are you prepared to buy both cars?

Both cars are in the same price range, but the 1 Series is about 200,000 yen more expensive. BMW is a manufacturer that sells driving performance, but when you look at the specs like this, it feels a little disappointing for the price.

The sporty grade of the Golf also comes in at around 4 million yen. BMW is a luxury brand, so it’s easy to accept the high price, but Volkswagen, a manufacturer of mass-produced cars, is setting this price, so they must be very confident in their product.