BMW 1 Series 116i ES 3dr Pre-Model Car Review - February 2012

The driving position in this 1 series 116i ES is superb, with an ample range of adjustments to accommodate most drivers. The dashboard, while being refreshingly simple, uses some interior trim which has a quite basic look to it. Overall though, it’s a remarkably refined cabin for a car of this size.

It comes fitted with BMW’s 116i, 122bhp, 4 cylinder-16 valve petrol engine which is refined and responsive. Capable of 0-62mph in 9.8 seconds, and with plenty of low pulling power (136lb-ft torque), it does feel a little lacking in power though, compared to some of the larger options available such as the 141bhp or 168bhp 2.0 litre petrol units.

While the ride may seem a little firm in city traffic, once you get it on a twisty country road you’ll be beaming from ear to ear. BMW’s front mounted engine and rear wheel drive chassis really comes into its own. It really is a driver’s car, giving loads of grip, excellent body control and balance. Its 6-speed manual gearbox has a nice solid feel to it when changing.

With a top speed of 127mph it’s fast enough for most needs and it’ll beat the Golf or Skoda Octavia equivalent. However, if you need more power then try one of the diesel power units instead.

Any noise from the road or suspension is hardly noticeable, but cruising on the motorway you are aware of some wind noise.

The ES model has all the basics such as air-conditioning, alloy wheels, stability control, air conditioning, electric windows and mirrors and CD plus MP3 connectivity; while the Sport option adds a multi-function steering wheel and fog-lights. SE models come with climate control and rear-parking sensors.

Additional add-ons for the ES include: climate control (£400), metallic paint (£515), and cruise-control (£220), rear parking sensors (£350), leather seats (£1115) and Bluetooth (£250).

While upfront there’s plenty of space, the same can’t be said of the rear and it doesn’t offer as much space as that of the VW Golf. Although the rear seat splits 60/40 folding flat to enlarge the space available (1150 litres), the boot is not as impressively big as its rivals.

Euro NCAP gave the BMW 1 series the top overall rating of 5 for safety; with standard fitted driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags as well as traction and stability control helping.

Alarm, immobiliser, remote central-locking and deadlocks also contribute to keeping thieves out.
The build quality is excellent all round and long-term reliability should be no problem. The 1 series has rated very well in customer satisfaction surveys. It comes with a BMW 3 year unlimited mileage warranty. BMW also gives a choice of fixed-price, 5-year service options.

This BMW 1 Series entry level model is relatively expensive to buy at £18,030 compared to the equivalent Golf, but the prestige and appeal of the BMW badge mean that it will have better resell value than the Golf and other similar hatches.

Running costs are generally lower than the class average too. BMW's 'Efficient Dynamics' technology comes on all versions and fuel economy of 46.5mpg is among the best in its class. CO2 emissions of 143g/km are also impressively low (beating the Golf) and putting it in VED band F for Road Tax, and insurance for this model is in group 19.

Overall it’s an attractive deal: prestige motoring with affordable running costs and predictable service costs. For those who looking for an engaging drive-driving a BMW is hard to beat, and the 1 series is a good way to experience it.