BMW 1 Series 116i Review: Hitting from the baseline

What we like:

Strong turbocharged performance

quick gearbox

well-balanced dynamics

What we dislike:

Not exactly pretty to most

engine can sound strained at higher revs

As expected of a BMW, everything is very driver-centric – the dials are clear and legible even at a glance while the placement of all the switchgear is logical and within reach of the driver. Sitting on top of the dash is a standalone LCD screen for the iDrive operating system – strangely, the screen can’t be retractable into the dashboard like the latest Audi A3’s.

The increased exterior dimensions for the second gen one equates to a more practical and versatile cabin than the old car’s on the utility front. Rear passengers will not likely to complain as much about any lack of room when compared to the old model. Adults of any size and shape will have more than sufficient leg and headroom when seated at the rear of the 1.

The new model’s cabin has a higher level of build quality and perceived luxury compared to the older 1 Series models but next to new competitors like the Audi A3, the 1 Series’ cabin feels rather less premium in comparison. The 116i Urban Line tested here makes do without the Sport Line’s coloured accents on the dashboard and the instruments among other places.

Despite its sticker price being $20k lower than the 118i’s, the entry level 1 Series doesn’t feel noticeably inferior to the more expensive model on most fronts while retaining the strongest virtues of values of the 1 Series – its rear-wheel drive layout and its ability to entertain a keen driver.

Credits: Story and Photos by Joe Yeo