What We Like
Offers impressive driving dynamics
More rear seat space than before
Three-cylinder engine offers a pretty neat soundtrack
What We Dislike
19-inch wheels can get a little harsh on uneven roads
For the new BMW 1 Series, we've driven the diesel 118d and the top-range M135i. Here, we have the petrol 118i, the entry point to the 1 Series that will also be available in Singapore.
And they all share one good thing - they're great cars to drive.
So what's different here?
What we drove in South Africa is the 118i M Sport variant - which comes with bumpers and trims similar to the M135i, and lowered M Sport suspension.
With the exception of the kidney grille, the 118i M Sport closely resembles the M135i at the frontThere are ample features on the inside. Digital gauge displays are standard (Singapore gets the larger 10.25-inch Live Cockpit Professional), as well as an iDrive infotainment system running the latest 7.0 firmware. It too comes with BMW's Personal Assistant, for voice-activated commands.
Cabin materials are well put together too, with a good mix of soft-touch plastics and polished metal fittings. Elsewhere, there's more space for three passengers in the rear, along with a larger 380-litre boot.
Across all variants of the BMW 1 Series, there's improved legroom and headroom for rear passengersThis certainly helps to bring this car closer to being a purposeful hatchback with practicality added to the mix.
Good to drive?
The 118i sports a three-cylinder, 1.5-litre turbocharged lump that produces 138bhp and a hearty 220Nm of torque.
And they all share one good thing - they're great cars to drive.
So what's different here?
What we drove in South Africa is the 118i M Sport variant - which comes with bumpers and trims similar to the M135i, and lowered M Sport suspension.
Cabin materials are well put together too, with a good mix of soft-touch plastics and polished metal fittings. Elsewhere, there's more space for three passengers in the rear, along with a larger 380-litre boot.
Good to drive?
The 118i sports a three-cylinder, 1.5-litre turbocharged lump that produces 138bhp and a hearty 220Nm of torque.
And if the numbers do not impress, getting behind the wheel certainly will. The 118i certainly can pull a quick corner without a fuss, and remains suitably planted and responsive through fast B-roads around Johannesburg.
The 118i is just as good to drive compared to the rest of the 1 Series range, and doesn't feel very much like an entry-level variantFor what is worth, the 118i doesn't offer an entry-level drive, and that is a big win for what is the first front-wheel drive 1 Series.
Is this the hatchback to get?
We reckon it is. The BMW 1 Series doesn't do as well in first impressions compared to other premium offerings like the Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback, but it is incredibly good-natured and then some.
Even if it is other variants of the 1 Series, like the 118i Sport Line (pictured), you can be assured that it is the only hatchback you'll ever needWith a high level of practicality, a well thought-out interior, and a solid drive, the 118i is certainly the hatchback for you.
Because these are the areas where it matters the most - for you, the driver.
Is this the hatchback to get?
We reckon it is. The BMW 1 Series doesn't do as well in first impressions compared to other premium offerings like the Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback, but it is incredibly good-natured and then some.
Because these are the areas where it matters the most - for you, the driver.
