BMW 118i
BMWs 118i Is A Carefully Considered Study In Compromise. Its Also A Very Tempting Proposition. Andy Enright Reports
Slotting into the 1 Series range between the entry-level 116i and the zesty 120i, BMWs 118i shares more of its bigger brothers DNA, the engine being a detuned version of the two-litre Valvetronic powerplant. It could well prove the pick of the petrol-engined models.
Unlike the 150bhp 120i, the 118i has to make do with 129bhp, although this is still a reasonable amount of go. The 180Nm of torque isnt much down on the 120i and on the road there wont be much to choose between the two models. Whereas the 120i will make 60mph from rest in 8.5 seconds and accelerate to a top speed of 135mph, the 118i isnt too far behind, notching a 9.
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2 second sprint and a terminal velocity of 130mph. The fuel economy figure of 38.7mpg is a little better than the more powerful car although its doubtful if too many decisions are swung by this factor. Most will just want the best 1 Series they can afford.
Itll help to keep an eye on the options lists here.
BMW quote an on-the road price of £17,515 for the 118i but only the most craven badge snobs will pay this. Most sensible buyers will add air conditioning, alloy wheels, metallic paint and body-coloured door handles which will add another £2,000 onto that asking figure. Somewhat coincidentally, this is virtually the price of the better equipped SE and Sport-trim levels, leading us to believe that BMW is merely using the base model as an eye-catching price tag knowing that virtually all customers will be spending at least £19,500 or so on a 118i.
"The 118i could well prove the pick of the petrol-engined models"
A particularly tempting option is the aerodynamic pack, a kit that may well help some to come to terms a little easier with the 1 Series challenging styling. Featuring a new front spoiler design, rear valance and additional spoiler extending from the top of the tailgate, is pack looks reasonable value at £895 (excluding fitting). Its also offered in conjunction with four different 18-inch alloy wheel styles complete with run-flat tyres. Previously, the largest wheel available for the 1 Series was a 17-inch rim and the bigger alloys really do give the 1 Series a more planted look on the road.
The run-flat tyres are also well worth having as they free up a good deal of space in the otherwise modestly sized rear. We tested the Dunlop run-flats, cornering a 1 Series hard around a test track and even with all four tyres as flat as a pancake, the car would still lap safely and without unnecessary drama. The SE and the Sport models feature as standard climate control, 16-inch alloy wheels and front fog lamps. One downside of opting for the bigger alloys is the decrease in ride comfort.
The rigid sidewalls of the run-flat tyres mean that more shocks and jolts from the road are transferred into the cabin and the lower the profile of tyre you choose, the firmer the ride will be. By the same token, the firmly-suspended Sport trim level isnt the one most would choose on typically bumpy British roads. If you wanted a car that demonstrated how relevant rear wheel drive is to cars with modest power, you couldnt choose better than a 1 Series. Put simply, the front tyres are utterly unburdened with trying to put power down and can devote themselves to steering.
It may sound simple but it works. Theres no scrabble, tug or kickback through the steering wheel. At first, you may not be able to quite put your finger on why the 1-Series feels so much better to drive than, say, an equivalently priced
Volkswagen Golf or
Audi A3 but punt one down a twisty road and itll become apparent. What more powerful rivals gain on the straights the BMW claws back through the bends.
Designed to compete in the prestigious part of the Family Hatchback sector, the 1-series might be truncated in length but spend any time behind the wheel and youll soon realise youre not being shortchanged any of BMWs look and feel. Rear wheel drive has traditionally been something of an anomaly in this market sector and key rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf, the
Alfa Romeo 147 and the Audi A3 are built around front wheel drive platforms. Where front wheel drive has traditionally scored is that its easy and cheap to manufacture a transverse engined hatch with a front gearbox and drive going to the front wheels. You neednt worry about a bulky transmission tunnel running through the cabin so it works in terms of packaging too.
BMW think otherwise. Open one of the narrow back doors and youll spot the compromises made. Theres less room in the back of the 1-series than youll find in a supermini like a
Honda Jazz. With a six-footer behind the wheel, legroom is shockingly bad and the transmission tunnel means that you wont ever want to travel piggy in the middle on the rear bench.
Thats not what the 1-series is all about. If you want a practical car, go and buy a
mini-MPV. If you want the latest urban bauble that will turn heads and get tongues wagging, the 1-series will be more your thing. At a stroke it manages to make the Audi A3 in particular look ridiculously staid.
The interior features a start button to get things fired up and a clean, minimalist look to the fascia. The dashboard resembles that of the BMW Z4 and dotted around the cabin are twin front airbags and head airbags for all occupants. Factor in Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Traction Control, Dynamic Brake Control and the non-dynamic but still worthwhile Electronic Differential Lock and theres also a high level of active safety offered. Theres a lot to like about BMWs 118i.
Although its not the most obviously appealing model in the line up, it offers a decent blend of performance and economy and although the price shouts premium, it looks like a commensurately well-built product. Residual values will doubtless depend on quite how commonplace the 1 Series becomes on our roads but early indicators look good. One to watch if you want something a cut above the mainstream.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: BMW 118i range
PRICES: from £17,515 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 11
CO2 EMISSIONS: 176g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 9.2s / Max speed 130mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 38.7mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and head airbags / ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4227/1936/1430
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