2011 BMW 118d Reviews

You can now have your hatch with radical iPod-white wheels, mirrors and trim. At the same time, BMW has been conservative by reducing the endless clutter of options and introducing trim levels like most other manufacturers.When the German-made hatch arrives in October it will come in base trim (to which can be added an M Sport trim and aero package), Urban Line or Sport Line.Fittingly the hatch was launched in Berlin this week (July 28) as the city approaches the 50th anniversary of the Berlin Wall (August 13) because, as dramatically as the wall tumbled in 1990, BMW has suddenly changed its attitude to endless variants.The 1 Series hatch is the first to benefit from streamlined trim levels with the 3 Series launched in November possibly next cab off the rank.VALUEThe streamlined trim levels should have economic advantages for BMW that should be passed down as savings to the customer.BMW Group Australia corporate communications chief Piers Scott says pricing will be “very sharp”.At launch there will be a 118i petrol and 118d diesel model, quickly followed by a “price-leading” 116i.We won’t get the 116d or 120d but there could be a six-cylinder model “a long way down the track”. However it’s unlikely to be an M model, says Scott.We also won’t be getting the three-door hatch which would conflict with the coupe. Scott says the 116i will compete on price with the Audi A3 and VW Golf.DESIGNThe 1 Series hatch was launched in 2004 and the coupe/convertible in 2007 and the two body shapes will remain out of kilter for some time.This second-generation hatch has little to do with the first-generation coupe, its underpinnings more closely aligned to the forthcoming 3 Series.It is 85mm longer and 17mm wider with 21mm more rear legroom and 30-litres expanded cargo capacity.With its wider track the hatch’s stance is more hunkered down and purposeful, its lines dramatically altered with a bulbous bonnet leading to a pointed shark nose like the recent 6 Series coupe.At the rear the wider taillights and lateral design lines give it a broader look and the hatch door is lower and wider for better access. This will be appreciated by women who will buy more of this model than any other BMW says Scott.The Urban is distinguished by its white and silver kidney grille and accents, while the Sport retains conventional alloy wheels and dark grille.TECHNOLOGYIronically it will arrive with more powerful twin-scroll turbo-charged petrol engines than the naturally aspirated and supposedly sporty coupe and convertible 1 Series. The 116i has the same amount of power as the current 118i hatch, but 40Nm more torque, much better fuel economy (5.5L/100km compared with 7.5L) and much lower emissions (129g/km versus 174g/km).The 118i is 25kW more powerful, with 70Nm more torque, better economy (5.9L/100km) and lower emissions (137g/km).This is despite the petrol models being slightly heavier because of the bigger body dimensions and stiffer and safer chassis.Power and efficiency gains are much lower with the new diesel 118d (same power, 20Nm more torque, 0.1L/100km better economy and 4g/km lower emissions). The manual transmission retains six speeds, but the six-speed auto has been replaced by the new eight-cog job.The cabin gets standard height-adjustable front seats, a BMW Business CD radio with six speakers and aux connection, and a “driving experience” switch on the central console that adjusts the car’s set-up to the driver’s preferences by modifying the engine programming, stability settings and shift characteristics of the auto.Even though the trim levels have been trimmed down, there is still a range of options available including two-zone airconditioning, electrically adjustable and heated seats, a multifunction steering wheel, rear-view and exterior mirrors with automatic anti-dazzle function, fog lights, an electric glass sunroof.BMW ConnectedDrive options include adaptive headlights, rain sensor, auto driving lights, high-beam assistance, parking sensors, rear-view camera, parking assistance, cruise control with braking, and lane departure and collision warning. There are also iPhone connectivity and internet capability options.SAFETYThe new chassis has high-strength load-bearing elements and large crumple zones. The hatch comes standard with six airbags, a tyre defect indicator and dynamic brake lights that flash to warn following drivers if you hit the brakes hard or the ABS system intervenes.DRIVINGThe old East Berlin and East Germany served as the backdrop to the road test for the new 118i and 120d hatch. There was no 116i or 118d available for test. The old Soviet territory provided a mix of high-speed modern autobahn driving, heavily trafficked city roads and bumpy old rural lanes.The engineers have tweaked the suspension to suit the new stiffer chassis and defied physics to produce a plush ride from the runflat tyres.On a particularly nasty stretch of road, the car rode better in “sport plus” setting on the models with optional adaptive M suspension than in “comfort” setting with the dampers screwing it down and preventing bounce.More importantly they have tuned out the sharp hits of the first generation 1 Series. Steering has also sharpened up and can be further tuned to a razor-like finish with adaptive drive that also attenuates the throttle and quickens the transmission response.On a few laps of the Linthe proving ground, the adaptive M suspension was put through its paces with stunning results.It changes direction with a minimum of fuss and keeps the rear-wheel power down while providing plenty of feedback through the seat of the driver’s trousers or skirt. It’s a car you can drive with gusto and reap the rewards with safety.The cabin feels airy and fresh with a less domineering dashboard and a large, high-mounted, freestanding info/satnav screen.VERDICTBMW have been adventurous with the 1 Series hatch design and those dazzling but hard-to-keep-clean white wheels, while being conservative with the rational trim levels.The former will attract younger drivers and the latter will simplify the buying process, get cars to owners quicker and alleviate dealer overstocking. It’s a win for all concerned.BMW 1 Series hatchOn sale: OctoberPrices: about $40,000-$45,000Engines: 100kW/220Nm (116i), 125kW/250Nm (118i) 1.6-litre twin-turbo 4-cylinder petrol; 105kW/320Nm 2.0-litre twin-turbo dieselTransmissions: 6-speed manual and autoEconomy: 5.5/5.6L/100km (118i man/auto), 5.9/5.8L/100km (118i), 4.4L/100km (118d) CO2: 129g/km (116i), 137g/km (118i), 115g/km (118d)Dimensions: 4324mm (L), 1765 (W), 1421mm (H), 2690 (WB)Weight: 1290/1365kg (116i manual/auto), 129/1370kg (118i), 1320/1395kg (118d)

WE turn the spotlight on automotive's newest and brightest stars, as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. Ultimately, however, there is one question that really needs answering would you buy one?WHAT IS IT?This is the current range topper in the BMW 1-Series lineup, to be supplanted in a few months by the awesome M1. The 135i cabrio offers pretty much everything you need to get a tan, go fast, look good and be safe.HOW MUCH?We reckon the upspec' test car came in at around $86,000 with the optional but highly desirable seven-speed manumatic auto.WHAT ARE THE COMPETITORS?Not too many really; the Audi A3 cabrio, possibly high-end Mini Cooper S cabrio, Lexus IS250 cabrio, base model E-Class Benz cabrio at a stretch.WHAT'S UNDER THE BONNET?Scores potent twin-scroll turbo, 3.0-litre, petrol six with variable valve timing and lift on inlet and exhaust sides. Absolute gem of an engine. Sounds unreal. Maximum torque — 400Nm, available from a low 1200rpm. Peak power is 225kW.HOW DOES IT GO?Like stink, capable of clocking mid 5.0 second 0-100kmh sprint, has great roll-on and is smooth as silk. Well matched to seven-speed twin clutch "auto" with launch control a possibility soon. Keeps pesky WRXs and Evos at bay and it's a rear wheel drive.IS IT ECONOMICAL?Can be if you can keep off the right pedal. We saw better than 8.5-litres/100km on the highway but averaged in the mid 9.0s combined.IS IT `GREEN'?'Greenish, passes Euro 5 so that's a big plus, probably mostly recyclable — another plus, CO2 emissions not too bad given performance potential. Uses elements of EfficientDynamics to lighten the load on the planet.IS IT SAFE?Five star safe. Has rollover protection, four air bags, sports stability control.IS IT COMFORTABLE?Extremely thanks to stylish and well appointed interior, expertly calibrated suspension and comfy seats with multiple adjustments. Soft top roof comes off electrically at speeds up to around 30kmh, back on at same speedsWHAT'S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?Impressive — dynamite on tight roads thanks to broad spread of engine power and tidy dynamics. Great brakes despite extra weight of cabrio. Definitely falls into the sports category - would show a clean pair of tyres to plenty of highly regarded contenders.IS IT VALUE FOR MONEY?At $82,500 kick off price, you are giving the government a fair old wad of cash upfront in tax. Makes us choke too. The seven- speed auto adds $3500 — definitely worth the extra dosh as it offers the best of both worlds. Plenty of kit — leather, premium audio, Bluetooth, electrically adjustable driver's seat. M package for go fast looks, bixenon lights, Multiple interior trim choices at no cost. Paddle gear change.WOULD WE BUY ONE?Yep, but would put bigger (19-inch) wheels on it, portable satnav as GPS is not standard.