BMW 1 Series 118i (A) Review
10 Jan 2012|38,559 views
When we drove the new 1 Series up to Kuala Lumpur recently, we were much impressed with the car's capabilities along the winding back roads of Malaysia. The baby Bimmer coped well not only in the corners, as is expected of a BMW, but also on the often rough and unwieldy road surfaces that is truly Malaysia, highlighting the exemplary ride quality of the new 1 Series.
But that is Malaysia, which is a whole different animal from our tiny little island. A good hatchback should preferably be compact and nimble enough to tackle tight city streets and fight the urban battle, whilst still being well-rounded enough to be liveable on a daily basis.
The original 1 Series was a bit of a flawed product. While it drove well, its overall package just fell short of the high standards that the Bavarian carmaker has set for itself and its cars. Despite that, it still became a strong seller worldwide, proving once again the power of branding.
Now it's time for Baby Bimmer, take two. Can the new 1 Series address the flaws of its predecessor, and bring the Bavarian hatchback to another level in the face of ever competitive rivals?
Exterior
The 1 Series hatchback's looks has been called all sorts of names by people over the years, ranging from 'unique', to 'different', to 'challenging'. And those are just the ones that are decent and printable.
The new one continues that form, and like it or hate it, it is most certainly a design that polarises opinions. Whatever one thinks, there is no doubt that the 1 Series' styling is a talking point for sure.
But that is Malaysia, which is a whole different animal from our tiny little island. A good hatchback should preferably be compact and nimble enough to tackle tight city streets and fight the urban battle, whilst still being well-rounded enough to be liveable on a daily basis.
The original 1 Series was a bit of a flawed product. While it drove well, its overall package just fell short of the high standards that the Bavarian carmaker has set for itself and its cars. Despite that, it still became a strong seller worldwide, proving once again the power of branding.
Now it's time for Baby Bimmer, take two. Can the new 1 Series address the flaws of its predecessor, and bring the Bavarian hatchback to another level in the face of ever competitive rivals?
Exterior
The 1 Series hatchback's looks has been called all sorts of names by people over the years, ranging from 'unique', to 'different', to 'challenging'. And those are just the ones that are decent and printable.
The new one continues that form, and like it or hate it, it is most certainly a design that polarises opinions. Whatever one thinks, there is no doubt that the 1 Series' styling is a talking point for sure.
 |
Up front, the odd triangular headlamps and the pointy nose make the car seem a bit cross-eyed and awkward. Someone even made a reference to the titular character in the popular game Angry Birds.
If the front is provocative, then the rear end of the new 1 Series is sadly uninspiring. More than one critic compared the 1 Series' rump to the Volkswagen Polo, which, for BMW, might not be all that flattering. The similarity is quite uncanny though.
The 1 Series is available in two trim levels, and our 118i test car was decked out in Sport spec. The difference between this and the other Urban trim cosmetically lies mainly in the grille, with Sport having eight black vertical bars in each 'kidney' and Urban having 10 chrome white ones, as well as minor stuff such as black or chrome in places such as the front bumper trimmings and door mirrors. They're all customisable though, and you can choose which element you want to add or delete from your One.
Interior
One of the major criticisms of the previous 1 Series was its interior packaging, specifically with regards to rear passenger space and its boot. It may have five doors, but it might as well have been a coupe.
 |
The new car fares slightly better in that aspect. BMW has lengthened the 1 Series' wheelbase, which provides for much better room for rear passengers. It isn't a great improvement, mind you, but at least your rear occupants no longer have to have their legs amputated in order to ride in the back. The boot too is much improved, and is able to accommodate decent sized items like the weekly shopping.
But ultimately, a BMW is a driver's car, and therefore the main man at the helm is more likely to feel at home than everyone else. The front seats are comfortable, with nice bolstering and support, and everything can be adjusted every which way to the individual's liking. Space upfront is excellent too.
And like all BMWs, there's no question about build quality. The materials feel solid and top-notch, and the red trimmings on the Sport line certainly give the interior the desired effect of sportiness. The Sport spec also feels a tinge more upmarket than the Urban, with leather on the seats and door inserts, as opposed to fabric on the Urban. One minor quibble though is the absence of paddle shifters, which, given the car's nature, comes across as a bit odd.
But ultimately, a BMW is a driver's car, and therefore the main man at the helm is more likely to feel at home than everyone else. The front seats are comfortable, with nice bolstering and support, and everything can be adjusted every which way to the individual's liking. Space upfront is excellent too.
And like all BMWs, there's no question about build quality. The materials feel solid and top-notch, and the red trimmings on the Sport line certainly give the interior the desired effect of sportiness. The Sport spec also feels a tinge more upmarket than the Urban, with leather on the seats and door inserts, as opposed to fabric on the Urban. One minor quibble though is the absence of paddle shifters, which, given the car's nature, comes across as a bit odd.
The Drive
Both the 116i and the 118i are equipped with the same 1.6-litre engine with Valvetronic variable valve control and Double-Vanos variable camshaft control, as well as BMW's TwinPower twin-scroll turbocharging technology.
However, the 118i churns out 170bhp and 250Nm of torque, as opposed to the 116i's 136bhp and 220Nm of torque. In Singapore as well, the 118i comes in Sport spec as standard, and the 116i in Urban form for easier differentiation, although you can easily ask for it to be the other way around.
The 118i we have here definitely feels perky enough when placed in the local context, although truthfully, there is unlikely to be a vast difference between both cars in our daily urban city crawl anyway.
The 118i offers impressive performance, with its sprightly acceleration combined with the seamless and smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. This makes darting runs in and about city traffic such a joy to experience.
Both the 116i and the 118i are equipped with the same 1.6-litre engine with Valvetronic variable valve control and Double-Vanos variable camshaft control, as well as BMW's TwinPower twin-scroll turbocharging technology.
However, the 118i churns out 170bhp and 250Nm of torque, as opposed to the 116i's 136bhp and 220Nm of torque. In Singapore as well, the 118i comes in Sport spec as standard, and the 116i in Urban form for easier differentiation, although you can easily ask for it to be the other way around.
The 118i we have here definitely feels perky enough when placed in the local context, although truthfully, there is unlikely to be a vast difference between both cars in our daily urban city crawl anyway.
The 118i offers impressive performance, with its sprightly acceleration combined with the seamless and smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. This makes darting runs in and about city traffic such a joy to experience.
 |
This is enhanced by BMW's party piece, its handling. Rear wheel drive might detract from the car's interior packaging, but it translates into excellent driving dynamics. The 1 Series feels fluid through the corners, and its light and communicative steering are connected to a set of front wheels that are grateful to be unburdened by the need to handle the car's power as well. In return, it rewards the driver with sweet agility and responsiveness that makes the car ideal for our local conditions.
Ride too is well-damped, with the car's suspension taking on most road undulations with barely a sweat. However, go a bit faster and the car tends to bounce about a tad. But it is barely noticeable and is merely a minor quirk in what is an excellent driving experience overall.
What is more obvious though, is the car's refinement at higher speeds. Engine and tyre noise are quite evident as you push on, and for a BMW, it makes highway cruising a tad unpleasant.
On the centre console sits a switch which controls the various driving modes of the car. Sport mode firms up the suspension, and makes the car just that little bit more responsive in performance.
But the most interesting mode is Eco Pro. Developed as part of BMW's Efficient Dynamics technologies, Eco Pro helps optimises the car's efficiency, by changing virtually everything, from the engine performance, transmission, air con and even the heated seats, all in the name of fuel economy. It also provides useful tips within the instrument cluster for even more efficiency. However, the engine start-stop that comes as standard cuts in rather obviously and intrusively. At least it can be deactivated if it really bugs you.
Ride too is well-damped, with the car's suspension taking on most road undulations with barely a sweat. However, go a bit faster and the car tends to bounce about a tad. But it is barely noticeable and is merely a minor quirk in what is an excellent driving experience overall.
What is more obvious though, is the car's refinement at higher speeds. Engine and tyre noise are quite evident as you push on, and for a BMW, it makes highway cruising a tad unpleasant.
On the centre console sits a switch which controls the various driving modes of the car. Sport mode firms up the suspension, and makes the car just that little bit more responsive in performance.
But the most interesting mode is Eco Pro. Developed as part of BMW's Efficient Dynamics technologies, Eco Pro helps optimises the car's efficiency, by changing virtually everything, from the engine performance, transmission, air con and even the heated seats, all in the name of fuel economy. It also provides useful tips within the instrument cluster for even more efficiency. However, the engine start-stop that comes as standard cuts in rather obviously and intrusively. At least it can be deactivated if it really bugs you.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that BMW has definitely improved the breed with its new hatchback. In many areas the 1 Series has taken a step forward towards addressing much of the criticism levelled at its predecessor.
However, it is still not the perfect article. BMW's insistence on rear-wheel-drive for its hatchback means that interior packaging, especially in the rear, is still compromised, although it is much improved from before. High speed refinement, especially in terms of noise control, can also be improved.
If you could live with those drawbacks though, and find the car's looks to your liking, then the new 1 Series does actually make for a compelling choice for a premium hatchback, especially in Singapore. Its remarkable drivability and uplifting performance will put a smile on any driver's face.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
There is no doubt that BMW has definitely improved the breed with its new hatchback. In many areas the 1 Series has taken a step forward towards addressing much of the criticism levelled at its predecessor.
However, it is still not the perfect article. BMW's insistence on rear-wheel-drive for its hatchback means that interior packaging, especially in the rear, is still compromised, although it is much improved from before. High speed refinement, especially in terms of noise control, can also be improved.
If you could live with those drawbacks though, and find the car's looks to your liking, then the new 1 Series does actually make for a compelling choice for a premium hatchback, especially in Singapore. Its remarkable drivability and uplifting performance will put a smile on any driver's face.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
When we drove the new 1 Series up to Kuala Lumpur recently, we were much impressed with the car's capabilities along the winding back roads of Malaysia. The baby Bimmer coped well not only in the corners, as is expected of a BMW, but also on the often rough and unwieldy road surfaces that is truly Malaysia, highlighting the exemplary ride quality of the new 1 Series.
But that is Malaysia, which is a whole different animal from our tiny little island. A good hatchback should preferably be compact and nimble enough to tackle tight city streets and fight the urban battle, whilst still being well-rounded enough to be liveable on a daily basis.
The original 1 Series was a bit of a flawed product. While it drove well, its overall package just fell short of the high standards that the Bavarian carmaker has set for itself and its cars. Despite that, it still became a strong seller worldwide, proving once again the power of branding.
Now it's time for Baby Bimmer, take two. Can the new 1 Series address the flaws of its predecessor, and bring the Bavarian hatchback to another level in the face of ever competitive rivals?
Exterior
The 1 Series hatchback's looks has been called all sorts of names by people over the years, ranging from 'unique', to 'different', to 'challenging'. And those are just the ones that are decent and printable.
The new one continues that form, and like it or hate it, it is most certainly a design that polarises opinions. Whatever one thinks, there is no doubt that the 1 Series' styling is a talking point for sure.
But that is Malaysia, which is a whole different animal from our tiny little island. A good hatchback should preferably be compact and nimble enough to tackle tight city streets and fight the urban battle, whilst still being well-rounded enough to be liveable on a daily basis.
The original 1 Series was a bit of a flawed product. While it drove well, its overall package just fell short of the high standards that the Bavarian carmaker has set for itself and its cars. Despite that, it still became a strong seller worldwide, proving once again the power of branding.
Now it's time for Baby Bimmer, take two. Can the new 1 Series address the flaws of its predecessor, and bring the Bavarian hatchback to another level in the face of ever competitive rivals?
Exterior
The 1 Series hatchback's looks has been called all sorts of names by people over the years, ranging from 'unique', to 'different', to 'challenging'. And those are just the ones that are decent and printable.
The new one continues that form, and like it or hate it, it is most certainly a design that polarises opinions. Whatever one thinks, there is no doubt that the 1 Series' styling is a talking point for sure.
|
Up front, the odd triangular headlamps and the pointy nose make the car seem a bit cross-eyed and awkward. Someone even made a reference to the titular character in the popular game Angry Birds.
If the front is provocative, then the rear end of the new 1 Series is sadly uninspiring. More than one critic compared the 1 Series' rump to the Volkswagen Polo, which, for BMW, might not be all that flattering. The similarity is quite uncanny though.
The 1 Series is available in two trim levels, and our 118i test car was decked out in Sport spec. The difference between this and the other Urban trim cosmetically lies mainly in the grille, with Sport having eight black vertical bars in each 'kidney' and Urban having 10 chrome white ones, as well as minor stuff such as black or chrome in places such as the front bumper trimmings and door mirrors. They're all customisable though, and you can choose which element you want to add or delete from your One.
Interior
One of the major criticisms of the previous 1 Series was its interior packaging, specifically with regards to rear passenger space and its boot. It may have five doors, but it might as well have been a coupe.
|
The new car fares slightly better in that aspect. BMW has lengthened the 1 Series' wheelbase, which provides for much better room for rear passengers. It isn't a great improvement, mind you, but at least your rear occupants no longer have to have their legs amputated in order to ride in the back. The boot too is much improved, and is able to accommodate decent sized items like the weekly shopping.
But ultimately, a BMW is a driver's car, and therefore the main man at the helm is more likely to feel at home than everyone else. The front seats are comfortable, with nice bolstering and support, and everything can be adjusted every which way to the individual's liking. Space upfront is excellent too.
And like all BMWs, there's no question about build quality. The materials feel solid and top-notch, and the red trimmings on the Sport line certainly give the interior the desired effect of sportiness. The Sport spec also feels a tinge more upmarket than the Urban, with leather on the seats and door inserts, as opposed to fabric on the Urban. One minor quibble though is the absence of paddle shifters, which, given the car's nature, comes across as a bit odd.
But ultimately, a BMW is a driver's car, and therefore the main man at the helm is more likely to feel at home than everyone else. The front seats are comfortable, with nice bolstering and support, and everything can be adjusted every which way to the individual's liking. Space upfront is excellent too.
And like all BMWs, there's no question about build quality. The materials feel solid and top-notch, and the red trimmings on the Sport line certainly give the interior the desired effect of sportiness. The Sport spec also feels a tinge more upmarket than the Urban, with leather on the seats and door inserts, as opposed to fabric on the Urban. One minor quibble though is the absence of paddle shifters, which, given the car's nature, comes across as a bit odd.
The Drive
Both the 116i and the 118i are equipped with the same 1.6-litre engine with Valvetronic variable valve control and Double-Vanos variable camshaft control, as well as BMW's TwinPower twin-scroll turbocharging technology.
However, the 118i churns out 170bhp and 250Nm of torque, as opposed to the 116i's 136bhp and 220Nm of torque. In Singapore as well, the 118i comes in Sport spec as standard, and the 116i in Urban form for easier differentiation, although you can easily ask for it to be the other way around.
The 118i we have here definitely feels perky enough when placed in the local context, although truthfully, there is unlikely to be a vast difference between both cars in our daily urban city crawl anyway.
The 118i offers impressive performance, with its sprightly acceleration combined with the seamless and smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. This makes darting runs in and about city traffic such a joy to experience.
Both the 116i and the 118i are equipped with the same 1.6-litre engine with Valvetronic variable valve control and Double-Vanos variable camshaft control, as well as BMW's TwinPower twin-scroll turbocharging technology.
However, the 118i churns out 170bhp and 250Nm of torque, as opposed to the 116i's 136bhp and 220Nm of torque. In Singapore as well, the 118i comes in Sport spec as standard, and the 116i in Urban form for easier differentiation, although you can easily ask for it to be the other way around.
The 118i we have here definitely feels perky enough when placed in the local context, although truthfully, there is unlikely to be a vast difference between both cars in our daily urban city crawl anyway.
The 118i offers impressive performance, with its sprightly acceleration combined with the seamless and smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. This makes darting runs in and about city traffic such a joy to experience.
|
This is enhanced by BMW's party piece, its handling. Rear wheel drive might detract from the car's interior packaging, but it translates into excellent driving dynamics. The 1 Series feels fluid through the corners, and its light and communicative steering are connected to a set of front wheels that are grateful to be unburdened by the need to handle the car's power as well. In return, it rewards the driver with sweet agility and responsiveness that makes the car ideal for our local conditions.
Ride too is well-damped, with the car's suspension taking on most road undulations with barely a sweat. However, go a bit faster and the car tends to bounce about a tad. But it is barely noticeable and is merely a minor quirk in what is an excellent driving experience overall.
What is more obvious though, is the car's refinement at higher speeds. Engine and tyre noise are quite evident as you push on, and for a BMW, it makes highway cruising a tad unpleasant.
On the centre console sits a switch which controls the various driving modes of the car. Sport mode firms up the suspension, and makes the car just that little bit more responsive in performance.
But the most interesting mode is Eco Pro. Developed as part of BMW's Efficient Dynamics technologies, Eco Pro helps optimises the car's efficiency, by changing virtually everything, from the engine performance, transmission, air con and even the heated seats, all in the name of fuel economy. It also provides useful tips within the instrument cluster for even more efficiency. However, the engine start-stop that comes as standard cuts in rather obviously and intrusively. At least it can be deactivated if it really bugs you.
Ride too is well-damped, with the car's suspension taking on most road undulations with barely a sweat. However, go a bit faster and the car tends to bounce about a tad. But it is barely noticeable and is merely a minor quirk in what is an excellent driving experience overall.
What is more obvious though, is the car's refinement at higher speeds. Engine and tyre noise are quite evident as you push on, and for a BMW, it makes highway cruising a tad unpleasant.
On the centre console sits a switch which controls the various driving modes of the car. Sport mode firms up the suspension, and makes the car just that little bit more responsive in performance.
But the most interesting mode is Eco Pro. Developed as part of BMW's Efficient Dynamics technologies, Eco Pro helps optimises the car's efficiency, by changing virtually everything, from the engine performance, transmission, air con and even the heated seats, all in the name of fuel economy. It also provides useful tips within the instrument cluster for even more efficiency. However, the engine start-stop that comes as standard cuts in rather obviously and intrusively. At least it can be deactivated if it really bugs you.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that BMW has definitely improved the breed with its new hatchback. In many areas the 1 Series has taken a step forward towards addressing much of the criticism levelled at its predecessor.
However, it is still not the perfect article. BMW's insistence on rear-wheel-drive for its hatchback means that interior packaging, especially in the rear, is still compromised, although it is much improved from before. High speed refinement, especially in terms of noise control, can also be improved.
If you could live with those drawbacks though, and find the car's looks to your liking, then the new 1 Series does actually make for a compelling choice for a premium hatchback, especially in Singapore. Its remarkable drivability and uplifting performance will put a smile on any driver's face.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
There is no doubt that BMW has definitely improved the breed with its new hatchback. In many areas the 1 Series has taken a step forward towards addressing much of the criticism levelled at its predecessor.
However, it is still not the perfect article. BMW's insistence on rear-wheel-drive for its hatchback means that interior packaging, especially in the rear, is still compromised, although it is much improved from before. High speed refinement, especially in terms of noise control, can also be improved.
If you could live with those drawbacks though, and find the car's looks to your liking, then the new 1 Series does actually make for a compelling choice for a premium hatchback, especially in Singapore. Its remarkable drivability and uplifting performance will put a smile on any driver's face.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by Zachary Lau
Also read our comparison article on:
Audi A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI S-tronic (A) vs BMW 1 Series Hatchback 116i (A)
Car Information
BMW 1 Series Hatchback 118i 5dr (A)
CAT B|Petrol|17.8km/L
Horsepower
127kW (170 bhp)
Torque
250 Nm
Acceleration
7.5sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used BMW 1 Series Hatchback
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