Turbo 1.6 is a pearler; BMW rear-drive chassis; value
Family buyers might prefer the extra space of rivals over the 1 Series’ driving dynamics
Naturally BMW is at the front of the premium compact hatchback segment. And naturally BMW’s model (the 1 Series) drives the rear wheels – in fact it’s the world’s only rear-drive hatchback.
You get a lot of car for your money in this league and BMW’s lineup takes-on the best of them. For performance drivers, that BMW rear-drive could tip the scales in favour of the 1 Series.
BMW 1 Series Hatchback Overview
Car Showroom tested the BMW 116i hatchback in six-speed manual which, at $39,593, is the lowest-priced model in the BMW Australia lineup. Exuding the usual BMW premium look/feel and with sporty rear-wheel-drive dynamics, the BMW 116i hatchback is remarkable value-for-money – especially when you consider the majority of Volkswagen Golfs sold in Australia are the up-scale models priced north of $35,000.
This may be the entry-level BMW but on-road it still has that unmistakable ‘presence’.
BMW 1 Series Hatchback Engine
The all-new BMW 1 Series lineup debuted a 1.6-litre powerplant. Featuring a twin-scroll turbocharger, BMW’s latest technical masterpiece is all about maximum output/minimum emissions.
Our BMW 116i was good for 100kW at 4400rpm and peak torque of 220Nm from 1350rpm.
Efforts to reduce fuel consumption/emissions were everywhere – our 116i, like the entire BMW 1 Series range, featured a dashboard indicator light to promote fuel-efficient gear change points and brake energy regeneration. Auto start/stop was also standard and, good as BMW’s system is, it doesn’t match Jaguar’s for rapid/silent re-starting.
Our BMW 116i (six-speed manual) covered zero to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds and combined cycle fuel consumption is rated at 5.7l/100kms.
BMW 1 Series Hatchback The Interior
The all-new BMW 1 Series certainly delivers inside. The extra length in overall size has delivered enhanced rear-seat spaciousness although, like most in this segment, in that department the 1 Series is overshadowed by the all-new Mercedes-Benz B-Class.
There’s the usual BMW-style sporty driving position achieved via height adjustment for both driver and front passenger seats and height/reach adjustment for the usual high-standard BMW steering wheel. Instruments too are the expected BMW standard and are housed in a nice curved binnacle.
To the left is the new, freestanding 6.5-inch colour screen for the six-speaker audio system which has the expected connectivity features and of course the BMW i-Drive controller.
Our test car came with the standard ‘Move’ anthracite cloth trim (only the range-topping M135i gets standard Dakota leather) and nice matt satin silver highlights.
BMW says the latest 1 Series hatchback provides 10 per-cent more luggage space than its predecessor – that would be an impressive 360-litres with the 60/40 split-fold rear seat in-place or 1200-litres with the seat folded flat. The seat also features a 40/20/40 through-loading system which enabled the BMW 116i to pass our golf club test.
BMW 1 Series Hatchback Exterior & Styling
While the 1 Series may be the entry-level BMW, the compact hatchback looks purposeful/sporty and retains the classic BMW proportions – long bonnet, wide track and swept-back passenger compartment. And compact though it may be, the latest BMW 1 Series hatchback gains some size over its predecessor – 85mm longer overall with 30mm of extra length in the wheelbase to improve rear seat leg-room.
At the front of course are the BMW hallmarks - four round headlights and this time a forward-slant for the kidney grille which runs matt black slats. The bonnet has four contour lines pointing towards the grille.
In profile, again there’s a noticeable aerodynamic downward-slope for the roof and another BMW hallmark in the form of the ‘Hofmeister kink’ – the forward bend of the rear side windows.
At the rear, the BMW 1 Series hatchback gets a modern look with a low-opening tailgate and dynamic L-shaped LED tail-lights.
Our BMW 116i test car ran 16-inch V-spoke alloy wheels, which in the typical BMW way filled the wheelarches to promote the overall sporty look.
BMW 1 Series Hatchback On The Road
BMW doesn’t do front-wheel-drive. Sadly this may change soon if the front-drive plug-in hybrid Active Tourer (a family crossover stylistically like the ‘Benz B’Class) goes into production.
But as things stand, the 1 Series is the world’s only rear-drive hatchback. A 100kW/220Nm turbocharged 1.4-litre driving the back-end via a six-speed manual transmission sounds like a recipe for fun…and in the BMW 116i it is.
The BMW 116i gets off the line rapidly and - thanks to smart ratios in that six-speeder – pulls strongly as it covers zero to 100km/h in 8.5-seconds. While no ‘weapon’, over our high-speed mountain roads test loop, the 116i was pleasant enough with good mid-range torque, that smooth transmission and hallmark chassis technology delivering the sporty dynamics you expect from BMW. Left us thinking how much fun the turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder M135i would be…
For our weekday commute, the BMW 116i proved a handy gadget – nimble enough to give the slip to slow-moving trucks currently clogging the Melbourne CBD and refined in the BMW way to provide a relaxing freeway ride. And of course that compact size and good all-round visibility meant our tight city car-park wasn’t the chore it is with SUVs – although surprisingly, the BMW 116i misses-out on the rear park distance control system which is standard in all other 1 Series variants.
BMW 1 Series Hatchback Challenges
‘DINKS’ and singles can skip this bit. Our only points deduction for the BMW 116i is rear seat space where the ‘Baby Beemer’ doesn’t the match the Mercedes-Benz B-Class.
BMW 1 Series Hatchback Verdict
Not so long ago talking of a BMW priced under $40,000 would have got you a start at the Comedy Festival. But the global scene has changed and even the premium German brands have given ‘premium’ a do-over.
The fact is the $39,593 BMW 116i hatchback we tested does have a lot in common with the $72,400 M135i…good news for small car buyers.
Bottom line: the 116i is a BMW with all that brings in terms of quality, technology, safety and brand appeal – and that’s good. No other rival in this league offers rear-wheel-drive driving dynamics…and for us, that’s more than good, that’s great!
BMW 1 Series Hatchback The Competition
Talking European prestige hatchbacks brings up some great cars.
In this league, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta is a Car Showroom favourite. Sharply priced from $36,990, the Giulietta brings Italian style, great dynamics and the 125kW/250Nm 1.4-litre turbo outmuscles the BMW 116i’s 100kW/220Nm 1.6.
Car Showroom’s other favourite is the Mercedes-Benz B-Class. We love the looks, the quality and there’s no doubt the B-Class leads the pack for interior space so is probably the best bet for family buyers. Merc. has the B-Class keenly priced too – ranging from $38,950 to $43,950
Audi’s A1 and A3 get the style points from the chardonnay-sippers and there’s a massive range from $26,500 to $53,400. Check the specifications and outputs of the various models to make sure you’re making a fair comparison to the BMW 116i – for example only the range-topping A1 Sport ($42,500) has more power than the Beemer.
