At the turn of last year, when I was invited to the official presentation for the launch of the new generation BMW 1 Series on the Czech market, I felt a wave of embarrassment. Controversial shapes of the rear on the one hand, increased dimensions and state-of-the-art turbo engines on the other. However, the first personal contact and the subsequent drive with the diesel and gasoline versions convinced me of the excellent work of the Munich engineers.
The full-fledged editorial test took place a little later, as usual, and I got my hands on the petrol version, covered with a lot of badges with the magic letter M. I am again indebted to the Synot Auto car showroom based in Zlín for renting the car.
Exterior – Maxievolution
If I compare the shapes of the previous and current generation BMW 1 Series, I definitely give a thumbs up. The original skepticism of the design aspects, especially the rear part, faded away at the first personal contact with the car, and the overall increase in dimensions now appeals to a wider range of clientele. Yes, the BMW 1 Series is no longer pejoratively called a couch potato or a car for women. It is considered a full-fledged contender for the most used family car.
As I mentioned at the beginning, the tested model was equipped with the M aerodynamic package. You can recognize the optical changes immediately when you look at the front, which is dominated by a larger front bumper with three openings for fresh air intake. The wheelbase of 2,690 millimeters is filled by wider sill extensions, the rear part, which the tested specification will show most often on the road, received a sporty and elegant bumper. The tested piece was built on 18" Star-spoke alloy wheels, for which the manufacturer charges 12,100 crowns. The icing on the cake is the perfect metallic body paint Black Sapphire, for which you can find the value of 16,650 crowns in the price list.
Before we look at the interior, it is necessary to develop the idea of \u200b\u200bthe increase in dimensions compared to the last generation. BMW has already convinced us of this trend with the new generations of the 3 and X3 series, so the smallest model cannot be an exception. In the case of Series 1, I register an increase in length by a noticeable 85 millimeters, the width has increased by 17 millimeters. Fortunately, the height of both generations remained the same, so passengers do not suffer from a lack of headroom and at the same time have a car that has increased its sporty appearance to a level further.
Interior – Sporty elegant, elegantly sporty
After sitting behind the wheel, it was immediately clear to all members of the editorial staff where they were. However, that doesn't mean I'm complaining about the interior space. Already in the first phase, I praised the perfect position behind the wheel, the sporty front seats, upholstered in a combination of Hexagon and Alcantara fabric and, above all, the perfect M three-spoke steering wheel. Yes, it is the piece that I admired so much in the BMW X3 test and which, in my opinion, should be installed in all Bavarians . Unfortunately, here it is part of the M sports package worth 93,275 crowns, as well as those excellent sports seats.
The interiors of Munich cars have always been about elegance, exemplary processing of quality materials and also about perfect ergonomics. Even with the basic version for 552,500 crowns, I could hardly find a single flaw, the tested model was additionally equipped with an attractive Aluminum Hexagon aluminum trim to enhance the impression of luxury.
A strong criterion for buying a Munich premium hatchback is clearly the size of the interior space. In the new number one , he will find sufficient comfort and valuable centimeters for the knees of four passengers, the middle place on the back seats is more of an emergency. Even with my height of 190 centimeters, I did not suffer from a lack of elbow and knee room, but personally, in terms of entry space, the three-door variant would suit me. With the new generation of the number one, I also register an increased volume of the luggage compartment, which now reaches a respectable value of 360 liters (+30 liters). By folding down the rear seats, a volume of up to 1,200 liters (+ 50 liters) can be reached, which is fully sufficient even for moving an apartment.
Engine – The Golden Mean
The tested car had a turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine with a volume of 1.6 liters, a maximum power of 125 kW and a torque of 250 Nm. The unit with the designation 118i is located right in the middle of the five-member palette of gasoline engines, here, in addition, in conjunction with an excellent eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, through which the power is sent to the rear wheels.
It is not for nothing that it is said that small-volume turbocharged petrol engines will soon replace the current generation of diesel engines. The maximum power of our version is 4800 revolutions per minute, the torque is available in the range of 1700-4500 revolutions. In practice, this means that you always have enough power, even in the city, where the transmission tries to shift into the highest gears as soon as possible to reduce fuel consumption. So it is not unrealistic to drive in the city on 8 liters, outside the city on the limit of 6 liters and when frolicking in the districts on about 9 liters of Natural per 100 kilometers. The Start/Stop systems and the revolutionary EcoPRO in Series 1 have an unforgettable share in these values. With a simple switch next to the automatic transmission selector, you define exactly what driving style you are interested in, and the first gear adapts immediately. The reward for this is either an indication of the "saved" kilometers that the car registers on the integrated display in the lower part of the tachometer or favorable fuel consumption even in the toughest driving modes.
Driving – Sport here, comfort here
The majority of the public takes the BMW 1 series as a car for the city, for the wife or as a second piece for the family. Of course, the car control is adapted to all this, which in comfort mode is limited to only the steering wheel, brake and accelerator.
However, the number one tested hides much more in itself, mainly thanks to the installation of the M sports chassis. Do you want to drive around the city or on the highway, without worrying about anything and without worrying about your spine every time you cross a bump? Leave the drive mode selector in the Comfort position. The car will then reward you with a high level of comfort, low fuel consumption and always available performance. After switching to Sport mode, however, the genes and spiritual power of the magical M designation will be fully expressed! The chassis stiffens, the function of the stabilization system is remapped, the steering stiffens and the automatic allows you to rev the engine up to the red zone! Classics. However, thanks to the car's overall proportions and surgically precise steering, you'll go through corners much faster than with any other premium hatchback. All this accompanied by the pleasant sound of a turbocharged 16! Considering that the perfect driving feeling was offered by a car with a medium engine power, I can't imagine what hell must be going on behind the wheel of the most powerful specification M135i !
Resume
The new generation of the BMW 1 Series made a huge impression on me from the very first ride. During a full editorial test, my positive feelings deepened thanks to the fuel-efficient petrol engine, first-class interior design and perfect driving characteristics. I also fell in love with the tested piece thanks to the overpaid M sports package, which, however, we won't see much on Czech roads due to its price. In my opinion, the manufacturer managed to perfectly refute the claim that the 1 Series model is only a car for women. The BMW 1 Series is now a full-fledged family car!
You can watch the recording of the BMW 118i M Sport test in the VIDEOS section or on our official YouTube channel.
Do you like the tested car? You can find this and many others at the authorized BMW dealer Synot Auto s.r.o. based in Zlín
Basic price of the car: CZK 690,000
Price of a specific car: CZK 1,033,900
Pros:
– design
– processing quality
– economical gasoline engine
– driving comfort
– sports chassis
– increase in dimensions
– M sports package
Cons:
– base price
– the size of the entry holes
– space in the back seats
Compare the parameters of the BMW 118i with the competition
