WITH Black Coffee’s ‘Drive’ hit blistering inside the BMW 118, the road less travelled became more closer, thanks to this popular song.
Had a chance to fiddle with this burgeoning premium hatchback and what a pleasure it turned out to be.
It is fitted with 18-inch rims, automatic high beam LED headlamps, anti dazzle rear view mirrors, comfort access, wireless charging and black roof (loved it).
The engine comprising a version of BMW’s 1.5-litre B58 three-cylinder tuned to produce 115 kW at 4 900 r/min and 230 N.m of torque in the 118, was evident as I took it for a test ride from Jozi to Krugersdorp, enjoying the serendipity of hills and mountainous houses- what a beauty. “Oh what a therapy” one of my passengers recalled at the back seat, glancing at the lush SA is abundant with.
Negotiating the turns and avoiding potholes at all cost, I did the top speed of 227km/h from 0-100km/h clocking 8.66 seconds on the along the open route that takes you towards Rustenburg- enjoying the smooth 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that responds alertly to throttle and shift-paddle inputs.
The curved dual-screen display houses a 10.7-inch digital driver display and a 10.25-inch infotainment display that runs BMW’s Operating System 9, including facia, its brilliantly designed with angular cutaways.
In terms of controls- there’s little in the way of physical controls – the main cluster of buttons being grouped around the gear selector toggle – which works well in bolstering that clean aesthetic feeling.
Look, it terms of space and practicality- one needs to either agree or not. With my height it was seamless but for a taller person, well, tough.
There is plenty of headroom, and the bench feels comfy, the 575 mm of legroom, aided a little by front-seat cutouts, is modest and the dark headliner and rearward-tapering glasshouse make it feel a bit gloomy back there sans the sun-roof.
As for boot (it accommodated few bags) and utility space are fairly generous, accommodating between 240 and 288 litres, while stowing the 40:20:40 split rear backrest frees up a handy 848 litres. As indicated agree or not, well its another debate.
The 1-Series was fitted with numerous sporty cosmetic touches, sees the inclusion of 18-inch rims shod with 45-profile rubber and adaptive suspension; both contributing to the 118’s poise, plentiful front-end grip and fluidity under brisk directional changes.
Talk of appeal- all and sundry kept turning heads- with thanks to this German made for having an impressive job of retaining the blend of involving dynamics and refined road manners- for over two decades.
Standard safety- you get a baseline of 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, a stability control and traction control. You get ISOFIX mountings in the outer rear seats.
The 1 Series scores a 4-star Euro NCAP rating with scores of 78% for adult occupants, 84% for child occupants, 85% for vulnerable road users, and 80% for its safety assist features.
Fuel consumptionstood at8.68 L/100 km, having switched from Eco, Comfort to Sport modes, in an effort to establish if it does consume much fuel. The steering has no qualms and responded well to various driving situations.
BMW has done an impressive job of retaining the blend of involving dynamics and refined road manners that have lent this model a particular appeal over more than two decades.
BMW 118 is nothing more than a pricey premium hatchback, if you want to enjoy solid drive and maximum pleasure…
It comes with 2-year/Unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100,000 km maintenance plan with service intervals of 20,000 km.
Verdict
Performance 1-10 (7)
Fuel 1-10 (6)
Image SLM (BMW 118 hatchback does strike a punch.)
