By Samuel Ee
THE BMW 1 Series hatchback has always been an unusual proposition, not only for having rear-wheel-drive but also for its unconventional looks.
Compact hatchbacks on the market are invariably front-wheel-driven but this premium German model is unique for its front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout.
The new 1 Series continues with this tradition but in a new body that is longer, wider and slightly taller. Its wheelbase has also been extended by 30 mm to 2,690 mm, thus benefiting what was a common complaint of the old 1 Series hatch - rear legroom.
Its styling continues to let it stand out from the crowd although now, the big headlamps and large kidney grille give the 1 Series a cuter, friendlier face in a wide-eyed, open-mouthed sort of way.
Inside, the 1 Series cabin looks like that of any other BMW interior except that it has been tastefully brightened with red accents. Even the key fob has snazzy red detailing.
But the most significant change to the second-generation 1 Series is to be found beneath that long bonnet. BMW has developed a new four-cylinder 1.6-litre petrol engine featuring a twin-scroll turbo that it calls TwinPower Turbo technology.
There are two model variants - the 116i and 118i. Both use the same unit with Valvetronic variable valve control and Double-Vanos variable camshaft control but tuned for a different power output.
The 116i has 136 hp and 220 Newton-metres of torque, while the 118i produces 170 hp and 250 Nm.
For a 1,600 cc unit, the five-door BMW 118i's specifications are nothing short of impressive. With a class-leading eight-speed automatic transmission, the turbocharged engine launches the 1,390 kg model from zero to 100 kmh in 7.5 seconds.
More interestingly, the relative small displacement allows the 118i to achieve excellent economy and emissions figures.
Under the combined cycle, fuel consumption is 5.6 litres per 100 km, or an eye-popping 17.9 km/l, with carbon dioxide emissions of 131 g/km. Put another way, BMW says the 118i has 34 hp more than its predecessor but consumes up to 28 per cent less fuel. Of course, it helps that an Auto Start/Stop function is part of the standard equipment.
On the road, the oomph from the extra horses is palpable and the 118i feels alert. As with its bigger brethren, the 118i also has the familiar Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport and Sport+ driving modes, except that these do not change the chassis setting but only the engine management, steering weight and gear shift points.
| BMW 118i |
| Price: $173,800 (with COE) Engine: 1,598cc turbocharged Transmission: Eight-speed automatic Max Power: 170 hp @ 4,800 rpm Max Torque: 250 Nm @ 1,500-4,500 rpm 0-100kmh: 7.5sec Top speed: 222kmh Fuel consumption: 12.6 litres/100km (city-highway) Distributor: Performance Motors Website: www.pml.com.sg |
Also different is that these driving modes are selected with a rocker button on the lower centre console even though there is an iDrive control system with a knob and Control Display monitor. In Sport mode, the 118i displays very slight lag initially but once it's on the move, it is extremely responsive for a 1.6-litre model.
The steering also feels meatier and more direct. But best of all, the 118i has that sweet, vice-free steering that only a rear-wheel-drive car can exhibit and this small BMW is so much fun to throw into a corner. Its 50:50 weight distribution endow it with balance and agility.
The eight-speed Steptronic auto is another of the 118i's virtues. Smoother than the best-selling chilled beancurd, it not only contributes to the 118i's fuel efficiency but also to fast gear changes. The latter can also be effected manually using the electronic gear lever, and the transmission's ability to downshift quickly increases the 118i's sporty handling.
Who would have thought a fuel-sipping model could be so much fun.
This article was first published in The Business Times
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