EXPECTATION AND SYNERGIES
Can a BMW four cylinder, turbo-charged car drive and behave like a normally aspirated power plant and yet be more efficient, powerful and refined at the same time?
This was one of many questions I pondered while test driving the brand new 1 series 118 (F20) sport over three days. But before I arrive at my conclusions let us explore this new kid on the block, a little more.
When the 1-series (E87) 5 door was launched way back in 2004, it was greeted with mixed reaction due to its unusual and for some controversial styling, which divided public opinion. When pictures emerged on the internet of the 2012, one series eyebrows were raised once again, and this time about its sad face, with wider grille and headlights that resembles the latest 5-series. But when I saw the new 1-series test driven in Spain early this year and the urban and sport models premiered at the Frankfurt Motor show in September 2011, they appeared very attractive and youthful to me and the synergies with the other BMW models such as the 5 series, Z and X models were pleasingly appropriate and deliberate. But I wanted to find out for myself if this car with its Eco Pro and turbo-charged technology was better than its predecessor.
You would then understand my elation when Donford, Stellenbosch asked me to test drive their mineral grey metallic 118; 5 door hatch sport line; over a weekend and share my impressions with their clients. The night before taking delivery of the car I was very excited, like I always am when a new BMW model arrives. I planned the routes, test hurdles and photographic locations with my brother and packed my "tools of the trade": a trusted Sony compact camera, tiny notebook, pen and plenty water. The weekend of 21 -23 October was blessed with typical Cape weather, sun, wind, rain and a hideous rain storm on the Saturday afternoon but perfect with the ONE as companion!
VISUAL IMPACT
Having owned the e87 120d since 2005, I was keen to square up these two siblings and draw comparisons. The car was delivered to my office promptly on the Friday by the efficient sales team of Tiesa Naude and the first thing that struck me when the old and the new one series stood next to each other was the fact that the new 1- series is undoubtedly a dynamic evolution of the 2004 model, yet bolder, more aggressive and grown up. The new design is far more practical and 85mm larger than that of the outgoing model, and the styling will "grow on" the public once more of these is seen on our roads.
From the side, the 17" star spoke light alloy wheels complimented the racy, squat, purposeful, flowing, forward looking and forward moving appearing newcomer.
MATURE AND SEXY
The interior of the new 1 series demo model exuded class and maturity and was kitted with Dakota Everest grey leather and black highlight with a stunning brush aluminum finish. Inside, rear legroom is improved by 20mm with a significant 360 liters luggage compartment. The centre dash and controls are all angled towards the driver and provides an excellent driving position. Standard items on the sport line packages are, aux-in jack, split/fold rear seats, engine start/stop button with keyless start and leather steering wheel. Our demo model also had manufacturer dealer fitted options such as front fog lamps, multifunction steering wheel, automatic air conditioning with micro filter and glass sunroof, electric with sliding and vent function and park distance control (PDC) rear.
The sports and urban packages add various exterior styling accessories and options including bumper trim as well as interior colours and trim enhancements and it would be advisable to talk to your dealer about these packages when ordering.
ECO PRO DRIVE
As expected Efficient Dynamics technology is standard across the range, and includes a stop/start system and an ECO PRO drive mode. Let me pause here, and say that I was initially not sure what the Eco Pro Drive mode would be doing and which driving conditions it was suited for. I was familiar with the normal, sport and sport plus dampening functions on this 118 model, which with the press of a button you can activate any one of a range of settings and change the character of the 1-series suspension to become stiffer and sportier.
But what an interesting experience with this intelligent Eco Pro system! Eco Pro drive essentially gears everything towards maximum efficiency: Altering the accelerator pedal (throttle response) and optimizing the gearbox parameters as well as shift points and intelligently adapting the heating/air-conditioning strategy with one aim only - to reduce fuel consumption.
On the dash the control display indicates the choice of gear at any point in time, for example at a full stop the gear would shift into neutral (actively reducing energy consumption) even though the manual stick is still physically in first gear. BMW claims a 20% reduction in fuel consumption depending on your driving style. In addition, a thing called the "Bonus Range" in the on-board computer shows you exactly how many additional kilometers you can still drive with Eco Pro active. Eco Pro has a very serious intention but it was such fun to experience how the electronics come together in this mode to support economical driving in daily traffic as well as on long distances. If you are in a hurry or want a more spirited drive you can always quickly switch into sport or sport+ mode.
BRILLIANT PERFORMANCE & SUPREMELY BALANCED CHASSIS
Now back to my question, which I asked at the start of this review: Can a BMW four cylinder, turbo-charged car, drive and behave like a Normally Aspirated power plant and be more efficient, powerful and refined at the same time? The answer is an unequivocal yes!
The 118 shares the exact same engine as the 116 with its four cylinder capacity (cc) 1598; with 125Kw/4800 and Max Torque of 250/1500-4500.
When driving, there is no indication that this car is turbo-charged. There is no typical turbo-lag or the typical power surges which one find in the current turbo-charged three series, X models or the diesel variants. Power is delivered efficiently throughout the power-band and the steering is positive, taut and accurate. In the bends and corners on Du Toit's mountain pass, the 1 series was composed and good fun to drive especially in sport mode. I also found less need to downshift to a lower gear and on a few occasions in the tight bends I left my brother in the 120d behind as the 118 goes about its business with aplomb and without fuss.
As you'd expect, the 1-series is brilliant behind the wheel and it may have a "sad face" but it is rear-wheel drive after all, with a great chassis, which is ideal for agility and grip. On the Saturday afternoon after returning from a photo shoot, we were caught in a hideous rain storm on the N1, between the toll gate and the Kraaifontein turnoff and were completely impressed with the stability and handling prowess of this car. I am convinced that like its predecessor the new entry premium 1-series will continue to dominate within its segment when it comes to a supremely well balanced chassis, as its strongest selling point.
Try this for fun at least once in your life: Deactivate the DTC completely by holding the button down for a couple of seconds until the triangle warning symbol appears on the dash, from a standstill gently rev the 118 up to 2,500 rpms, release the clutch and it will rocket out the blocks without rolling back and you will enjoy the rear wheels spinning off the line and put a grin on your face. I was reluctant to return the key of the 118 after the weekend, as it impressed me as a sporty, family car which is in every sense a BMW.
Gone also is the "hard" ride previously associated with the BMW sport-pack models. The 118 incarnates and introduces a superb comfortable, soft and cushioned sport drive even on rough surfaces. Sport or sport+ mode do not "harden" the drive but "stiffens" up the suspension to give a more precise, planted and exciting drive.
THE PAST & FUTURE
VERDICT
The new 1-series (F20) is a brand new car from the ground up and BMW focused on the strengths of this model and literally "boosted" it. The 1- series and 3 - series accounts for 49% of BMWs car sales and the 1 series sold 2.2 million worldwide. The success of the new 1- series is strategically of paramount importance within the BMW groups product line up and I think this model is excellently executed in the market.
CHOICES & OPTIONS
I would consider the 118 but I think the 116 is going to be the choice of many, in alpine white, with black Dakota leather in red highlight.
Zenon headlights and 18s wheels would be niceties but not essential.
LIKES
*Eco Pro drive
*Brilliant handling
*Interior quality
DISLIKES
*USB connection is not standard
*Rear leg space has improved but is still cramped
PRICING
The 118 demo is roughly retailing for 347,450.00 with certain options included, but for exact pricing, discounts or finance options, contact Donford, Stellenbosch directly. They also have the beautiful alpine white 118 in their showroom.
THANKS
* A huge thank you to Mo for the very professional and beautiful photos and for his dad assisting with the ideal camera angles and location.
* Thank you also to BMW Donford, Stellenbosch for trusting me with the 118 for a solid 3 days. My appreciation to the sales and marketing team at Donford.
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