WeeklySA_AdminFOURTH GENERATION: The refreshed BMW 118 continues the brand’s tradition of sportiness and elegance even though somewhat faulted for its front-wheel drive configuration and ever-increasing price tag
By Ali Mphaki
The latest BMW 118 brims with charm and is also blessed with a feminine agility which enhances its elegance.
Now in its fourth generation launched in SA late last year, like its predecessor is based on the front-wheel drive platform and comes solely as a 5-door hatchback. It is the “cheapest” or rather affordable new BMW on sale on South African soil and consequently a gateway to those who yearn to be a part of the Bayenrische Motoren Werke family.
Yet, with a price tag of R761 895 for the premium model, it seems set to remain an aspiration and more than a dream for most people. Never has the Biblical injunction “many are called but few are chosen” been so apt.
My suspicion is that the price tag was important for the image and reputation of the BMW 118 s as a premium hatch. Clapping your eyes for the first time on the new 118 it becomes obvious that it is heavily facelifted rather than a complete redesign.
Another obvious change is that BMW has done away with the ‘’i’’ the 118, ostensibly not to confuse the market with its latest EV offerings.
Two trims are on offer, the Pure Design and Equipment variants Typical BMW proportions like a long bonnet, a passenger cell set well back, a dynamically flowing roofline and a powerful rear end underlines the 118’s sporty aura.
The Pure Design package, which we had for road impressions recently, adds a black roof and 18-inch alloy wheels, but the adaptive “snake like”” LED headlights are part of the Equipment package. The standard LED headlights feature striking vertical elements for the daytime running light and the turn indicators. Our test unit had optional adaptive LED headlights with glare-free matrix high beam, cornering light function and blue accents.
You can only marvel at the kaleidoscope of colours emanating from these LED headlights especially at night. BMW purists will also be pleased with s its slightly more traditional kidney grille instead of the large “buck-tooth” (as alluded by a colleague) grille design of the larger latest models.
The exterior length of the new BMW 1 Series has increased by 42 millimetres to 4,361 millimetres, while the wheelbase is 2,670 millimetres.
The vehicle width is 1,800 millimetres, while the height has increased by 25 millimetres to 1,459 millimetres. You can also opt for an M-Sport package, which adds even larger wheels, a sporty body kit, and other BMW M-Sport accoutrements.
The cabin is adorned with high-quality finishes like leather upholstery, brushed aluminium accents and features an expansive, sloping dashboard which somehow aligns the 1 Series with the larger 3-Series and features backlit elements for ambient lighting, creating an upscale environment for both the driver and the passengers.
The curved dual-screen display houses a 10.7-inch digital driver display and a 10.25-inch infotainment display that runs BMW’s Operating System 9. It comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with wireless charging in the centre storage cubby. It just feels like the right place to be what with the strikingly flat front end that sits significantly lower to the road than its predecessor. ‘
Since people associate BMW with dynamism its handling and agility are just as important as good looks. To this end, under the bonnet is a 1,5-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged engine which churns out 115 kW power and 230Nm of torque, a similar output to its nearest rival the Audi A3 Sportback TSFI S Line priced at R8 000 more at R769 000.
Power is propelled to the front wheels through a 7-speed DCT gearbox, and the ride quality is a mix of charming driving pleasure, comfort and firmness.
Even so, the 118 feels solid with suspension that is compliant. Noticeable, however, is that as the clutches engage the gearbox may be a bit jarring at times, but the brakes feel good with a progressive feel, in typical BMW fashion.
Once in full throttle, it’s all systems go with the 118 taking those curved undulating roads and everything in between with alacrity. One thing that will impress both critics and enthusiasts alike is that that spending more time in your 118 is guaranteed.
BMW claims a combined cycle fuel consumption of 6.4 L/100km. It may not be a rear-wheel drive which some purists find a big deal, no EV derivative yet, boast a smallanyana boot of 380-litres, no spare wheel, no service intervals, but few can deny its dynamic design presence and progressive character.
