The 118i is more suited for non-BMW drivers like CHERYL TAY to join the club, instead of existing owners downgrading their rides.
It’s a tough choice between deciding if BMW deserves credit for keeping to its plan of developing a rear-wheel drive compact car, or criticise it for the preordained sacrifices that were made so as to differentiate this entry-level Beemer. With looks that only those with an acquired taste would appreciate, this five-door hatchback is quite hard to swallow on sight.
Powered by the same four-cylinder engine as its open-top sibling 120i, the 118i’s unit is detuned to a maximum power of 136hp and a maximum torque of 180Nm. Judging by these numbers, it means that the 118i produces the same kind of power and torque as the Mazda 3, but for a whole lot more of money. Then again, for just $116,800, this car represents the entry point to BMW ownership.
The 2.0-litre hatch may not exactly be fast, taking 10.1 seconds to reach 100kph from a standstill, but at least it feels fun and as solid as anyone would expect a luxury car to be. The 118i’s four-cylinder unit might be rev-happy and smooth. But its lack of power and torque makes overtaking and lane-changing, especially in traffic-laden situations, quite a chore as power only kicks in beyond 5,000rpm.
Once on the move however, the 118i’s steering imparts enough feedback to encourage the driver to carry enough speed through a set of corners to make the most of the available grunt. It might lack the outright pace in a straight line, but its handling feels more sportscar-like than any other hatch on sale today.
Unlike the 130i, it does not come with the M Sport suspension. Never mind that, the narrower tyres and softer suspension in the 118i makes the ride more engaging than its 6-cylinder sibling. At higher speeds though, the ride tends to get quite bumpy, reminding you of the car’s short wheelbase.
The interior is largely similar to any current-generation BMW with the same steering wheel, instrument dials and gear lever. It’s in the back where comfort is compromised most by all that rear-wheel drive hardware. The lack of legroom in the back seats is nothing short of torturous for two adults over any sort of distance. Fortunately, boot space is ample and you can get more space from the 60:40 split-fold seats.
Those planning to use this car primarily as a two-seater however, won’t notice how cramped the rear legroom is. Those looking for a family hatch though would do better to look at something else, like say a Volkswagen Golf GTI that’s quicker or the 1.4 TSI version that’s cheaper but more frugal.
The 118i’s pricing only gets you all the basics – No digital climate control, no LCD navigation screen, no electronic driver seat; but all these have-nots can’t hide its sparkling handling that makes the 118i feel like a proper BMW after all.
BMW 118i
We Say: The coupe makes sense. This five-door version? Ok.. but grudgingly.
Rating: 11/20
Price: $116,800 with COE
Performance: 0-100 kph in 10.1 secs, 204kph max speed
Tech: 1995cc, 16V in-line 4, 136bhp, 180Nm, 7.6 l/100km (combined)
