A great drive, but at a price
Viewed from the side you see the slope of the roof, the crisp lines that run through the side doors and the upward line at the base of the car.
The BMW 1 Series model is viewed as a starting point for young drivers anxious to own a Beemer of their own.
I recently reacquainted myself with the current third generation of the model before the new car arrives here later this month. It’s been a labour of love … with some small exceptions.
This third generation featured quite a dynamic design, a new headlight arrangement, larger black kidney grille, a roomier interior, a raft of cutting-edge technologies as well as great handling and performance. The car's bright Misano Blue metallic exterior colour (an additional €925.81) drew many favourable comments including that it was 'a cut above the norm’.
Viewed from the side you see the slope of the roof, the crisp lines that run through the side doors and the upward line at the base of the car. The 18-inch V-spoke style black alloy wheels, with blue callipers, gave a slightly sinister look, and of course, the colourful M badge was prominently displayed. The rear features nice wrap-around lights, the model designation, black diffuser and single tailpipe.
The interior feels upmarket and very well finished; in this case, a black interior and roof but with enough silver to lift the look. Trims and materials are all of high quality. I especially liked the elaborate trim on the doors that lit up at night.
The driver-oriented cockpit features a quite lovely instrument cluster and an equally good 10.25-inch central Control Display. The infotainment system is controlled by the iDrive Touch Controller located on the flat of the central console which proved intuitive to use. I must mention the superb Harmon Karden Sound System that was brilliant when using Spotify. Of course, you can connect to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Below the central screen are easy-to-get-at dual-zone temperature controls; front seat heater controls, and those for the air conditioning and a knob for the volume control.
The gear selector lever is located on the flat of the central console close to the iDrive Touch Controller which means all the controls relating to driving functions are grouped together in one area. There's a wireless charging pad for your smartphone, a small C-type USB port and a 12V power socket.
I’m not sure why BMW favour chunky steering wheels. The multi-functional steering wheel can be heated via the control on its bottom spoke.
Front sports seats supported my back, had power adjustments but seat cushion extensions don’t favour less tall people like me as they are uncomfortable behind my knees. The driver’s seat had two memory seat settings.
Two adults seated in the rear can travel in comfort but a third would be fine for short journeys. There’s good rear knee room for a 6ft adult seated behind an equally tall person in front with the large knee indents on front seatbacks, but the middle seatback doesn’t lower as an armrest. A high transmission tunnel may be a problem for the middle seat occupant’s foot space. There are two rear USB ports and two ISOFIX child seat anchors.
The luggage capacity of 380 litres expands to a huge 1,200 litres with the rear seat bench folded down.
Three equipment lines are SE, Sport and M Sport. Model variants include the 118i, M135x Drive, 116d, 118d, and 120d xDrive Sport. My car was the 118i petrol M Sport with automatic transmission, powered by a turbocharged 1.5 140hp three-cylinder engine.
Drive modes are Sport, Comfort, and Eco Pro. The 118i M Sport can do 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds which isn’t a blistering pace but yet has enough poke to allow you to enjoy the car to its potential. I felt it especially engaging when cornering on twisty country roads and the steering wheel provided great feedback while driving. The M Sport trim comes with stiffer suspension which aids the vehicle’s handling without making the ride uncomfortable for occupants.
While the official average fuel return is 6.5L/100kms, I clocked 7.6 L/100kms driving over all types of roads. The annual road tax is €210.
My review car lacked two basic features that I look for in a car, namely a reversing camera and good blind spot alerts (it just had the very basic blind spot monitors on side mirrors) both of which usually come as standard in less costly cars.
Standard items included a tyre repair kit, LED foglight, folding side mirrors, BMW Online Services, Live Cockpit Professional, front and rear parking sensors.
The Dakota leather upholstery was an extra €1,789.37. Packages and other optional equipment were automatic DTC transmission at €2,100.57, sun protection glass at €365.65 and a Comfort Pack. The M Sport Pro Pack, at €3,228.65, added the M Sport Brakes with Blue Callipers, the sound system, and an M Sport spoiler.
Extras and packs added €13,171.33 to the cost of the car.
All that aside, the 1 Series 118i was one of the most satisfying cars I have driven in quite some time.
PRICES: The basic 118i M Sport sports hatch 1.5 is €45,317.26. Extra packs and optional equipment came to €13,172.33. Plus VAT and VRT, the price of my car, as driven, came to a substantial €58,488.59.
