Brief test: BMW 118d // Agile and dynamic

We have to admit something: Automotive development has not only made huge strides in safety and digitalization, but much has been done in propulsion technology.... If a sports car once didn't have rear-wheel drive, we didn't take it seriously and limited the front-wheel cavalry to a magical 200 "horses."... Today, when we know sophisticated electronic differentials, advanced mounts, adaptive suspension and various driving programs, things are completely different. Over the past five years, hot hatches have taken on a new dimension that no one expected. Given the numbers on paper and the fun to drive, they easily compete with cars that were considered supercars a decade ago.

This is why it is completely unnecessary to condemn BMW for the decision to transfer the third generation of Series 1 drive to the front pair of wheels. If you were convinced that it would break all the dynamics and thereby give away the brand mentality, trust me, you would not take it. Therefore, here we can easily write: The BMW 1 Series remains a pleasure to drive, hilarious and fun to drive.

But let's start from the very beginning. The third generation of this important BMW model in the European market is based on a new platform. SHEEPwhich is intended for future BMWs with front-wheel drive (also Mini, of course). As already mentioned, instead of a longitudinal engine and rear-wheel drive, it now has a transverse engine and front-wheel drive. In length, it has not changed much, since it has become shorter for hair (5 mm), but has greatly increased in width (34 mm) and height (134 mm).... Interesting that they are also involved in this slightly shortened wheelbase (20 mm). It will be difficult for the driver and front passenger to notice dimensional changes, because the millimeters behind them have already been carefully measured in the predecessor, and there is noticeably more space in the rear seat. Now there is more room as the roofline starts to drop quite late and we get a little "air" over the heads of the passengers. The technical data also promises 380 liters of luggage space (20 more than before), but the improvements from the user's point of view are much more important (double bottom, box for the rear shelf, pockets, hooks ().

Otherwise, the design of the Series 1 has remained faithful to its predecessor. It is clear that in the style of internal design codes, under which the Croatian Domagoj ukec is signedThe newcomer also developed larger and more angular “buds”. The sideline, with the exception of the previously mentioned elongated roofline, remains recognizable, but the rear has undergone a few more changes as well. This one has become more aggressive, especially in the M Sport version, where a large diffuser and two chrome tailpipes stand out at the rear.

The subject was equipped with the aforementioned equipment package, which strongly emphasizes sportiness, but unfortunately the engine did not make it into this story.... The 150-horsepower four-cylinder turbodiesel is hard to blame as it delivers rich torque and low fuel consumption, but not typical of a car with such a dynamic pedigree. When the driver gets into the excellent sports seats, grabs the fat steering wheel with his hands, feels the uneven seams under his fingers and presses the start switch, he is suddenly awakened from this harmony of preparation for dynamic driving from the rough sound of a cold turbodiesel. We believe that things would be different with a good turbocharger.

But, as already mentioned, when we set it in motion, we instantly perceive the dynamics. Fears that the drive and steering on the front wheels "struggle" are completely unnecessary. The feel on the steering wheel is excellent, the car is extremely controllable and the position is neutral. If you think the predecessor was pleasantly overwhelmed by the rear-wheel drive, you're wrong. There wasn't enough power to make it permanent, but the short wheelbase gave us big eyes, not the pleasure of drifting. Therefore, we do not in the slightest miss this feeling in a beginner.

Be sure to mention the one that gets the most space in the brochures. Yes, the new 1st Series is equipped with all of the most advanced safety systems that are also found on the higher-ranked BMW models.. Superb LED matrix headlights, well-functioning radar cruise control with lane keeping assist, a 10,25-inch center display and now a head-up display in front of the driver. Of course, there would be something else that would significantly increase the price of this car, but most importantly and standard - the BMW 1 Series, despite its different design, remains a dynamic, fun and playful car.

BMW 1 Series 118 d M Sport (2020)

Basic data

Sales:	BMW GROUP Slovenia
Test model cost:	52.325 €
Base model price with discounts:	30.850 €
Test model price discount:	52.325 €
Power:	110kW (150 KM)
Acceleration (0-100 km / h):	8,4 with
Maximum speed:	216 km / h
Mixed flow ECE:	139l / 100km

Costs (per year)

Technical information

engine:	4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - turbodiesel - displacement 1.995 cm3 - maximum power 110 kW (150 hp) at 4.000 rpm - maximum torque 350 Nm at 1.750-2.500 rpm.
Energy transfer:	the engine is driven by the front wheels - 8-speed automatic transmission.
Capacity:	top speed 216 km/h - 0-100 km/h acceleration 8,4 s - average combined fuel consumption (ECE) 5,3 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 139 g/km.
Mass:	empty vehicle 1.430 kg - permissible gross weight 1.505 kg.
External dimensions:	length 4.319 mm - width 1.799 mm - height 1.434 mm - wheelbase 2.670 mm - fuel tank 42 l.
Box:	380-1.200 l

We praise and reproach

driving dynamics

front seats

ease of use of the trunk

diesel engine inadequacy