PREMIUM CITY CAR
The BMW 118i now has a three-pot engine that’s most suited for urbanites with money to spare
WHAT’S NEW?
After giving the 2-series Active Tourer and Gran Tourer MPVs a 1.5-litre petrol-turbo engine from Mini’s Cooper models, BMW has extended the 136hp three-pot motor to the 1-series in Thailand.
Dubbed 118i, the five-door hatchback also comes with the mandatory mid-life facelift of the 1-series. Finished from BMW’s Thai plant in Rayong, the 118i goes for 1.899 million baht and an extra 200k for the M Sport trim, as tested here this week.
Similarly priced rivals in the Thai premium hatchback market include the Lexus CT200h and Volvo V40 (see sidebar below). Although the A-class is a direct rival for the 1-series, Mercedes-Benz Thailand has stopped selling the five-door hatch and decided to focus on the Thai-assembled CLA coupe-cum-saloon.
WHAT’S COOL?
The first thing to like about the 118i is how smooth and refined the three-cylinder engine is, especially at low to medium speeds around town. Then there’s that useful amount of torque at low engine revs in which the 220Nm maximum arrives from just 1,250rpm.
Drive the 118i outside the city and it isn’t really that bad. No, it isn’t gutsy in a straight line, but performance is still better than in the porkier X1 sDrive18i — the most recent BMW to get this downsized motor. And if you’re careful with the throttle, BMW’s claim of 20kpl in the 118i is possible.
The 1-series remains the only hatchback in both the premium and mass-market scene to employ a rear-wheel-drive layout meaning that the handling balance in corners remains enjoyable to the driver. The ride also seems softer than in the pre-facelift model and doesn’t really harm the car’s handling in most real-world driving conditions.
WHAT’S NOT?
As in the fashion of BMW’s facelifted cars, the cosmetic tweaks are on the very minor side. Only eagle-eyed fans will probably note the tweaked grille, bumpers and LED lights on both the front and rear ends.
The same goes for the interior, which looks practically the same as before. But at least the quality-feel red leather and sporty steering from the M Sport pack helps you forget what is old or new in the cabin.
BUY OR BYE?
Many driving enthusiasts will be quick to point out that the 1-series stands out in its class with that reardrive matrix. But truth be told: you can hardly enjoy the benefit in a genuine manner with such a motor producing just 136hp.
And when power isn’t on the abundant side of things, the 118i would mostly appeal to urbanites who like driving on their own — rather than with families over the weekend.
This is where the 118i makes some sense. In simple terms, the 118i is like a premium city car for buyers with money to spare.