Diesel-powered compact cars - the mainstay of European motoring for years - are now becoming increasingly popular in Australia and BMW has upped the ante with the 118d Sports Hatch.
The newcomer joins the 120d as the entry models to BMW’s classy compact family – and, like rival Euro diesels, they show the new direction in small cars.
What You Get
BMW dynamics in a fuel-frugal compact car is what the 118d Hatch is all about. And its 2008 World Green Car of The Year award shows this compact is a serious piece of engineering.
Car Showroom tested the entry-level model with a six-speed manual transmission. Typically BMW, the 118d is handily equipped and armed with just about every fuel saving technology known to man which makes its $42,170 sticker price more than competitive with segment rivals.
For many, the 118d is a step up to their first BMW, so its modern styling and substantial on-road presence will be appreciated.
Engine
BMW’s 2.0-litre turbo-diesel is predictably beautifully engineered. Featuring an aluminium crankcase, variable geometry turbocharger and diesel particulate filter, it sips fuel at just 4.5l/100kms and CO2 emissions are only 119g/km.
Maximum power is 105kW at 4000 rpm and peak torque is 300Nm at 1750 rpm. While those figures don’t quite match rival 2.0-litre diesels from Alfa Romeo and Audi, the 118d is more miserly in the fuel consumption department.
Those fuel savings are optimized thanks to standard features such as Auto Start/Stop, Electric Power Steering, Brake Energy Regeneration and the dashboard Optimum Shift Indicator.
Zero to 100km/h takes nine seconds and BMW says the 118d covers 80 to 100km/h (fourth/fifth gear) in 7.7 seconds. The latter figure is important as it shows handy acceleration for freeway merging (a major requirement at home on Germany’s not-for-the-feint-hearted autobahns).
The Interior
This might be an entry-level model, but the familiar BMW ambiance, look and feel is there when you open the 118d’s doors. This was boosted in our test car with the optional Boston leather seats (cloth trim is standard).
Tactile elements like the leather-wrapped steering wheel and switchgear have the usual BMW high quality feel and the driving position (seats have height adjustment and the wheel adjusts for rake and reach) is first-rate.
Same for the instruments – the usual BMW twin-dials with orange lighting and graphics and familiar dials to operate the air-conditioning in the center.
The audio system has an auxiliary jack but the boot-mounted six CD player is an option. Steering wheel buttons provide the driver with remote control for the sound system.
Two satellite navigation packages are on the options list but, pleasingly, rear-parking sensors are standard.
Like rival compacts, rear seat legroom is modest. The rear seats split-folds 60/40 and the luggage capacity is 330 litres with the rear seat in place or 1,150 litres when folded.
Exterior & Styling
BMW’s stylists’ take on a five-door hatchback is typically very substantial…the 118d has that almost indefinable BMW ‘presence’. Like every BMW, the 118d presents the long bonnet/short rear overhang look that has become customary.
The steeply sloping rear windows and forward-slanted C-pillar blend nicely with the rear end to give the 118d a unique look that stands out from rival vehicles.
At the front there are noticeable styling cues from the 3-Series, the usual BMW ‘kidney grille’ and sharply tapered clear lens twin headlights.
On The Road
In the modern way, the 118d has remote locking and a push-button start. Even when cold, the 2.0-litre turbo diesel is quiet and refined.
Circumstances meant we didn’t ‘ease-into’ the 118d – we were straight out of town and onto our mountain roads test route where the roads were damp.
Immediately impressive was the ‘synch’ between engine and gearbox. The six-speeder came into its own when called upon for frequent, rapid shifts up and down the range and BMW’s fuel-frugal diesel responded nicely every time.
Riding on 16-inch alloy wheels, 205/55 R16 run-flat tyres and independent front/multi-link rear suspension, the 118d is no M3 (an M Sport Pack is an option, including sports suspension, seats etc). However it does provide typically precise, taut European ride and handling which enthusiast drivers will enjoy.
And of course those same keen drivers will also appreciate the hallmark BMW rear-wheel-drive chassis dynamics (a standout in this segment). Dynamic Stability/Traction Control is standard.
On the freeway, sixth gear is very much for relaxed cruising with the 118d using very low engine speeds in the 100km/h – 120km/h range. That means a quiet ride and low fuel consumption.
Back in the city, the 118d showed its credentials as an all-rounder. Easy to park and – when working the gearbox – zippy enough to conquer the CBD rush hour, the 118d was appreciated by both male and female Car Showroomers.
And non-car lovers are still amazed as the Auto Start/Stop function has the engine automatically turning on and off as you negotiate city and suburban streets.
Challenges
While we didn’t ask the tech guys to run their tape measures and micrometers inside, our test car before the 118d was a Volkswagen Golf and we were surprised how cramped the BMW’s rear seat - especially the legroom - seemed by comparison.
Verdict
Compact cars buyers who aren’t looking at diesel-powered models are behind the times.
The 118d shows how you can have a genuine European hatchback and fuel-frugal diesel economy with good performance and hallmark BMW dynamics.
The Competition
Rack-up all the big-name Europeans in this segment, for example…
Alfa’s 147 JTD isn’t as dynamic as the BMW, but it’s fast and nicely priced.
From Audi comes the TDI A3 and it definitely should be on your list.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class and B-Class are also tough competition but don’t quite measure-up for enthusiast drivers.
Likes:
Excellent fuel economy; great chassis
Dislikes:
Tight rear seat
