BMW 118i: A compelling option

A WIDER BMW kidney grille, LED headlights surrounded by LED daytime running lights, and bigger air intakes up front

Photos by Aida Sevilla-Mendoza

Over the last 10 years, more than 2 million units of the BMW 118i LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) have been sold worldwide. The 118i is BMW’s smallest model and the entry level to the German brand’s growing family of compact passenger cars.

The 2016 BMW 118i hatchback is a refreshed version of the second-generation 1 Series which was unveiled in 2011.  It competes with other premium compact cars like the Audi A3 1.4 TFSI, Mercedes-Benz A-180, Volkswagen Golf, Lexus CT 200h and Volvo V40.

Like its competitors, the BMW 118i is quick, classy and fuel-efficient. But it has one thing the others don’t have: rear wheel drive.

Powered by the new 1.5-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-3 cylinder gasoline engine borrowed from the latest MINI Cooper, the 118i teams up its advanced chassis technology with rear-wheel drive, and an almost perfect 50:50 distribution of weight between the front and rear axles to give the driver superb handling, agility and excellent dynamics, and deliver a suitably intense driving experience.

You can feel the difference when you take the wheel, press the start button to switch on the sporty-sounding engine, and step on the gas. The 118i is no slouch, able to hit 100 kilometers per hour in 8.5 seconds and run on to a top speed of 209 kph.

Twin scroll turbo

Although the 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder powertrain produces only 136 brake horsepower and 270 Newton-meters max torque, its performance is boosted by a twin scroll turbocharger that forces additional air into the combustion chamber upon demand.

THE BACK bench seat splits and folds 60:40 to increase cargo space.

The powertrain runs at very light pressure, so there is none of the turbo lag and lunge of more heavily boosted cars.

The smooth-shifting eight-speed sport automatic transmission with Steptronic helps to keep the torquey engine revving, especially if you switch to Sport mode which holds on to lower gears for longer.

Sharp, well-weighted steering and loads of roadholding grip translate into great fun to drive on winding roads.

THE 1.5-LITER BMW TwinPower Turbo inline-3 cylinder petrol engine is mated to an eight-speed Steptronic transmission.

Although the rear-wheel-drive platform is still a unique selling point in the compact car segment as it allows you to place the car on the road with greater accuracy, it also means less space in the cabin.

The 118i hatchback is a bit more cramped in the back due to a transmission tunnel running through to the rear as it sends its power to the rear wheels.

For two only

The back seat can comfortably accommodate only two passengers because anyone sitting in the middle in a three-rear passenger arrangement has to straddle the bulky raised floor section over the transmission tunnel.

THE DRIVER-FOCUSED cockpit with a slim red line on the dash and the inside of the leather-wrapped steering wheel tell you this is the Sport edition.

On the other hand, there is plenty of room in front, and the seats are supportive for enthusiastic cornering and long highway trips.

The interior is minimalist yet premium-looking with easy to navigate menus and controls.

The cockpit is driver-focused with a free-standing control display above the dash integrated into the instrument panel and the center console-mounted iDrive controller dial behind the gearstick.

L-SHAPED LED taillights, 17-inch spoke wheels and a wide track enhance the athletic road presence.

Chrome surrounds adorn the air vents and the controls for the automatic aircon and radio while the keypads thereof are set against high gloss black paneling.

High-quality materials are used throughout the cabin for a sophisticated premium ambience.

Well-connected

The 118i is well-connected via convenience telephony with extended smartphone connectivity, additional 12-volt power socket, and Radio BMW Professional.

The Sport line hatchback which I test-drove has 17-inch alloy wheels, ambient lighting, dual zone automatic aircon, electric adjustment with memory for driver’s seat, black high-gloss interior trim with coral red matt trim finishers, Sport seats, Sport steering wheel and Sport exterior styling elements.

THE TRUNK is narrower than a German rival’s but can be expanded with the rear seat backrests folded.

The back seat splits and folds 60:40 with folding headrests to expand cargo space from 160 to 1,200 liters max.

The exterior has been refreshed with a wider BMW kidney grille, narrow LED headlights surrounded by LED daytime running lights, larger air intakes in front, L-shaped LED taillights, a wide track with large wheel housings and low ground clearance.

As a result, the 2016 BMW 118i hatchback exudes a more elegant yet sporty road presence.

Safety equipment includes six airbags, Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Traction Control, anti-lock braking system, run-flat tires, rear parking camera.

Comfy ride

Despite the firmness of the run-flat tires, the ride is comfortable, soaking up potholes and most bumps reasonably well.  Wind noise is pretty well suppressed.

To match driving conditions, the Driving Experience Control adjusts drive and suspension components to the Comfort, Sport or Sport+ mode.

BMW claims that the 118i consumes only 5.1 liters per 100 kilometers.  Its automatic Stop/Start system and Eco-Pro mode with coasting function for low-speed driving help improve fuel efficiency.

Summing up, the 2016 BMW 118i Sport hatchback offers plenty of performance, premium quality and fuel efficiency for P2.32 million.

Although it is considered the entry-level BMW, the 118i stands alone as a very good car, and presents a compelling option for singles and young couples seeking sustainable yet enjoyable mobility.

By the way, the next generation BMW 1 Series circa 2018 will switch to front-wheel drive, so if you prefer the rear-wheel drive of the current 118i, get a unit now.

Who knows, the rear-wheel drive 2016 BMW 118i can very well become a collector’s item in the future with accelerating value as the years go by.