The BMW 1 Series Hatchback, codenamed F20, was first unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2011. And it wasn't long after when the second generation 1er, available in two variants, came to Singapore that same year in November.
It was a good chance for BMW to iron out the previous generation's shortcomings. Necessary changes to the car were made to allow the hatch to keep up with the competition.
Now, just over a year and a half later, BMW launches a three-door version of the 1 Series Hatchback - dubbed the BMW 118i M Sport.
Exterior
One of the factors that contributes greatly to its aggressive looks is the M Sport package. Resembling the M135i, the 118i that you see here will easily pass off as one of the hottest hatch in town, thanks to the stunning blue brake calipers, M Aerodynamics package and the 'M' badges on the 18-inch alloys.
But despite the enhanced aesthetic change to the sheet metal, the front fascia still sports the brand's signature kidney grille, making it instantly recognisable as a 1 Series.
It was a good chance for BMW to iron out the previous generation's shortcomings. Necessary changes to the car were made to allow the hatch to keep up with the competition.
Now, just over a year and a half later, BMW launches a three-door version of the 1 Series Hatchback - dubbed the BMW 118i M Sport.
Exterior
One of the factors that contributes greatly to its aggressive looks is the M Sport package. Resembling the M135i, the 118i that you see here will easily pass off as one of the hottest hatch in town, thanks to the stunning blue brake calipers, M Aerodynamics package and the 'M' badges on the 18-inch alloys.
But despite the enhanced aesthetic change to the sheet metal, the front fascia still sports the brand's signature kidney grille, making it instantly recognisable as a 1 Series.
The pronounced shark snout and droopy headlights may still not be your cup of tea, but you can certainly appreciate the long, low bonnet and expressive character lines and contours on the car.
While some people consider small hatches 'cute', they're wrong. The 118i M Sport looks the part of an outright bruiser rather than casual cruiser.
Judging by its looks alone, the 1er has all the grimacing aggression it needs to make it stand out from the Audi A3, A-Class and the Volkswagen Golf.
While some people consider small hatches 'cute', they're wrong. The 118i M Sport looks the part of an outright bruiser rather than casual cruiser.
Judging by its looks alone, the 1er has all the grimacing aggression it needs to make it stand out from the Audi A3, A-Class and the Volkswagen Golf.
Interior
The interior is just as impressive. While there isn't much of a change here compared to its five-door brethren, it has a level of fit and finish that's superior to many in its class.
It's ergonomically and aesthetically laid out, with a cockpit and a multi-functional M leather steering wheel that's modern and sporty.
The interior is also more spacious than before. Measuring 85mm longer and having a bigger wheelbase of 2,690mm, the Bavarian hatch boasts 21mm more rear legroom. That said, it's more than comfortable enough for two, rather than three, adults back there.
The interior is just as impressive. While there isn't much of a change here compared to its five-door brethren, it has a level of fit and finish that's superior to many in its class.
It's ergonomically and aesthetically laid out, with a cockpit and a multi-functional M leather steering wheel that's modern and sporty.
The interior is also more spacious than before. Measuring 85mm longer and having a bigger wheelbase of 2,690mm, the Bavarian hatch boasts 21mm more rear legroom. That said, it's more than comfortable enough for two, rather than three, adults back there.
More importantly, it also has a rather spacious 360 litres of boot compartment - 30 litres more than before - and can be increased a couple notches to 1,200 litres with the rear seats knocked down.
While this figure may not be as big as the Golf Mk7, it remains to be considerably generous for a car in its segment.
While this figure may not be as big as the Golf Mk7, it remains to be considerably generous for a car in its segment.
Drivetrain
To describe the car as zippy, on the go, is an understatement. With a sportier suspension and 250Nm of torque from just 1,500rpm, the 118i M Sport feels perky on the straights.
Mated to an eight-speed automatic sports transmission, delivery of the 170 horses from the 1.6-litre four-pot powerplant is never jerky. It'll gather speed in a rather polished manner and dash across the century mark in 7.2 seconds before reaching a top speed of 222km/h.
More notably, the precise and well weighted steering wheel makes the hatch a very obedient one, listening to your every bid and action when tackling bends.
In fact, with the enhanced rigidity of a three-door body, the 1er allows you to attack even the most challenging roads with reassurance and inspiring levels of confidence. It corners keenly with the kind of agility that's on par to some of the sportier cars in the market.
To describe the car as zippy, on the go, is an understatement. With a sportier suspension and 250Nm of torque from just 1,500rpm, the 118i M Sport feels perky on the straights.
Mated to an eight-speed automatic sports transmission, delivery of the 170 horses from the 1.6-litre four-pot powerplant is never jerky. It'll gather speed in a rather polished manner and dash across the century mark in 7.2 seconds before reaching a top speed of 222km/h.
More notably, the precise and well weighted steering wheel makes the hatch a very obedient one, listening to your every bid and action when tackling bends.
In fact, with the enhanced rigidity of a three-door body, the 1er allows you to attack even the most challenging roads with reassurance and inspiring levels of confidence. It corners keenly with the kind of agility that's on par to some of the sportier cars in the market.
The only setback is that the 118i M Sport, despite having a sporty disposition, doesn't come equipped with paddle shifters. Then again with the automatic gearbox being so responsive and precise in swopping gear ratios, the paddles are probably unnecessary.
The car is just as impressive around town. The engine feels extremely flexible and happy to be lugged around at low revs should you decide to take a leisurely drive. And with a well developed sense of flow, the car absorbs bumps and broken tarmacs with pliancy and remarkably little noise from the suspension and tyres.
Conclusion
BMW's reliability has been proven over the decades, and it applies to this three-door beaut too.
It may not be the best-looking car in its class but if performance, reliability and comfort are what you are looking for, the 118i M Sport model cuts it.
The car is just as impressive around town. The engine feels extremely flexible and happy to be lugged around at low revs should you decide to take a leisurely drive. And with a well developed sense of flow, the car absorbs bumps and broken tarmacs with pliancy and remarkably little noise from the suspension and tyres.
Conclusion
BMW's reliability has been proven over the decades, and it applies to this three-door beaut too.
It may not be the best-looking car in its class but if performance, reliability and comfort are what you are looking for, the 118i M Sport model cuts it.
