BMW’s newest hatchback wows drivers with its stiffer chassis and better-tuned suspension that enables it to deliver a sparkling drive.
The previous-generation BMW 1 Series caused an uproar among enthusiasts when it moved from a rear-wheel drive to a front-wheel drive layout. But that didn’t deter most buyers, who happily enjoyed the hatchback’s sweet handling anyway.
So, it didn’t matter when BMW stopped retailing the 118i in favour of the 116i, because the Cat A model had a less expensive and hence more attractive price. Besides, despite lower performance, the car’s fundamentals remained the same.
BMW builds on this with the all-new 116 (no more ‘i’ now), which promises not just improved technology, but further enhanced driving dynamics as well. The formula works, even if there are some kinks that need to be ironed out.
POLARISING DESIGN
To these eyes, the last good-looking 1 Series was the facelifted second-generation model. It had ditched the oversized head lights for sleeker one and featured a reworked grille to maintain the front end’s balance.
The styling of the latest model is an evolution of the preceding one’s. Although the overall silhouette remains similar, the car has sharper angles all around. The kidney grilles are positioned lower, the headlamps are smaller, but the air intakes have grown larger.
Viewed from the side, the hatchback looks more eager to pounce than before. The front three-quarter view is also probably the car’s most flattering angle, although the rear end, with its squarish bumper, isn’t too bad either.
Naturally, the new 116 is larger than the older one. Its overall length has increased by 42mm to 4,361mm, and it has grown 25mm taller to reach 1,459mm. However, the wheelbase length, a key indicator of interior space, remains unchanged at 2,670mm.
The cockpit, on the other hand, has undergone a full revamp to make it neater and look more resolved. For instance, the Curved Display houses both the instrument cluster and infotainment screens together, instead of them being separated. The air-con vents are greatly minimised to the point that they are mere slats on the dash, which also adds to the modern vibe.
Powered by OS 9, the infotainment is relatively user-friendly as long as you create a user profile (which owners would do anyway). Using it as a ‘guest’ will result in the system reverting to its native language – Chinese – each time the car is restarted. If you’re wondering why this is so, it’s because the software was coded/developed in China.
It’s not a problem if your Chinese vocabulary is good, but having to reconfigure all settings and re-sync your phone is annoying. Apparently, without a profile, the system won’t save the newly configured settings and reverts to the default ones each time the car is started.
INSIDE: MOSTLY THE SAME
Without an increase in wheelbase length, space in the 116 is about the same as the 116i, which means it’s still better at accommodating two adults instead of three.
The backrests are supportive, which is a plus on longer journeys, but it isn’t as useful as before, as the elastic netting previously found behind the front seats have been deleted.
Fortunately, the rear air vents and USB-C ports under them are still present. Perhaps the reduced storage was a nod to occupants who prefer scrolling on their devices to reading magazines.
The boot was another area that could have been improved – even marginally. Capacity here remains 380 litres with the rear backrests up and 1,200 litres when they’re folded. Fortunately, the 40:20:40 split-folding backseats are around to enhance versatility.
MORE FOCUSSED
Despite being a Cat A model, the 116 now delivers more performance than before. The turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine produces 121bhp and 230Nm of torque, or 14bhp and 40Nm more compared to the 116i.
Paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, the 116 does the century sprint in 9.8 seconds, or 0.8 of a second quicker than its predecessor. The increased torque, which is available from 1,500rpm, also makes the hatchback feel more animated off the line.
The 116 really shines once the road turns curvy. BMW engineers have given the suspension a thorough going-over, equipping the hatchback with goodies that include solid axle mounts, highly preloaded anti-roll bar mounts in the front and rear, and a new front strut brace.
Within the first few minutes, the stiffer chassis and precise helm are palpable, encouraging you to indulge and take it on a more spirited drive. Luckily, there’s still some pliancy in the dampers, so the ride is firm but not punishing.
The 116’s nose eagerly anticipates the corner, before tucking in and following the driver’s chosen line. Sure, there’s not much power, but with grippy tyres (the test unit was shod with Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6s) and well-tuned suspension, threading your way around bends is fun.
The car has a lot of potential. Remember that saying about how driving a slow car quickly is more fun than driving a fast one slowly? That rings true here. You’ll want to utilise the paddle shifters or at least put the gearbox in Sport mode to stretch the revs.
The 116 is chuck-able for sure, but the combination of its well-judged chassis tuning and accurate steering, along with a bump in torque, result in a hatchback that spurs you to take a longer drive.
THE COMPETITION
If you’re shopping for a premium hatchback, your candidates are the BMW 116, the updated Audi A3 Sportback, and the facelifted Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the latter which we’ve yet to review. The A3 has an edge in cabin quality, but it won’t attempt to wow you outright. Its drive is also measured rather than exciting.
You may not agree with the design of the new 1 Series, or the fact that the backseat and boot space haven’t been improved, but it’s easy to look past those once you’re in the driver’s seat. The 116’s handling is even sweeter than before while the meatier output adds some much-needed urgency at low speeds.
The biggest bugbear then, is the infotainment system’s requirement for a driver profile, without which all settings are reset to their default ones each time the car is started. But for owners, that won’t be an issue.
BMW 116 M Sport 1.5 (A)
ENGINE 1499cc, 16-valves, inline-4, turbocharged
MAX POWER 121hp at 3900-6500rpm
MAX TORQUE 230Nm at 1500-3600rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 82.6hp per tonne
GEARBOX 7-speed automatic with manual select
0-100KM/H 9.8 seconds
TOP SPEED 210km/h
CONSUMPTION 15.2km/L (combined)
PRICE INCL. COE From $220,888
AGENT Eurokars Auto, Performance Motors
