The second-generation BMW 1 Series is a fantastic little car. Addressing the criticisms of the first car, the new 1 also adds a higher level of sophistication and polish to the smallest BMW.
The addition of a lower-powered version of the turbo 1.6-litre petrol engine that features in the 118i in the newly-available 116i lowers the entry price on the 1 Series range as well. But that doesn’t mean you have to go without, because the 116i is available as an ‘Edition 30’ model (a special edition to celebrate 30 years of BMW in NZ) that adds more than $11,000 worth of kit for a tiny $100 bump in price.
We check out the new engine and the extra kit in the first of our ‘new look’ Quick Drives!
Outside
Likes: Awkward looks of previous model long gone. Has a distinctive, yet still clearly BMW face. The subtle ‘Edition 30’ body add-ons – a rear spoiler, gloss black grille, fog lights and the sexy 17-inch alloys – work a treat, without screaming about it.
Dislikes: Doesn’t quite have the sexily flowing lines of the rest of the BMW line up.
Inside
Likes: Perfect seating position and fantastically supportive seats. Well-designed, attractive and nicely laid out dash. The extra ‘Edition 30’ kit is impressive, with sat nav, automatic air con, sports seats, a leather sports steering wheel and a rear view camera all coming as standard.
Dislikes: Cupholders are a bit awkward to get to and use. Rear seat legroom, while nowhere near as bad as the previous-generation car, is still quite tight.
Under the bonnet
Likes: 1.6-litre, turbo-charged four-cylinder engine is eager and willing. Feels strong everywhere in the rev range. 110kW of power and 220Nm of torque makes for enough power o be massive fun, and still manages to be startlingly frugal, drinking an average of 5.7L/100km.
Dislikes: Not a lot really. The engine is a good balance between power and frugality, the transmission matches it perfectly. What’s not to like?
On the road
Likes: The whole car feels as perky and eager as the brilliant little engine. Every little detail is communicated instantly to the driver and turn-in is razor sharp. Where else would you get rear-drive Mazda MX-5-style dynamics in a small hatch?
Dislikes: Ride is a little firm around town, but never brittle or uncomfortable.
Verdict
The 116i Edition 30 is a very special little car indeed. Jammed to the gills with extra kit, it also boasts a fantastic engine and transmission and, of course, the same wonderful platform that sits under every other 1 and 3 Series BMW.
It does raise the question that if BMW can jam all this extra kit ($11,200 worth) into a car for only a $100 price hike, then is it really worth that much in the first place? They sure won’t be selling it for a loss… But then again, who really cares, because it means that for $49,900 you can get an extremely well-equipped, frugal and hugely fun small hatch withe a BMW badge on the nose. That is good enough for me!
Price: $49,900
Engine: 1.6-litre inline four-cylinder petrol
Power/torque: 100kW/220Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
0-100km/h: 8.7 seconds
Fuel consumption: 5.7L/100km
CO2 emissions: 132g/km
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