The third generation BMW 1 Series made quite the headline when it was first revealed, courtesy of its front-wheel drive layout, which was adopted in order to offer consumers more usable space aft of the driver.
Well, if it’s practicality you’re after in your premium hatchback, this new 116i variant should prove quite the tempting option.
Sensible commuter
Hold On—Porsche’s New 116i Knocks Out the Competition
Picture this: you’re eyeing the 116i in Sport trim and the price tag reads just $158,888! If you’re a luxury fan, the upgraded variant tops out at $163,888. Either way, that’s a brilliant bite for a Porsche.
Who’s Left in the Dust?
- Mercedes‑Benz A‑Class A180 Style – $161,888
- Audi A3 Sportback (newly launched) – $167,890
So, while the Audi whips up a bit more horsepower and the Benz adds a dash of prestige, Porsche’s sweetened price practically says, “Why settle?”
With the new 116i launching at these figures (as of May 12, 2021), it looks like the 1 Series is ready to steal the spotlight—and your wallet—right now.
<img alt="" data-caption="Memory seats are just the start of the various premium features available on this 1 Series.
PHOTO: sgCarMart” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”2d1dc6a0-264a-4b24-988c-eeb133a4d4b9″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20210519_car2_sgcarmart.jpg”/>And if you’re still in a practical frame of mind, you can take heart in knowing that the luxury variant adds 40:20:20 folding rear seats (as opposed to just 60:40), an automatic tailgate, and the ‘Dakota’ leather seats among others, all of which are items you could easily do without.
What you will get regardless of trim level, however, are all the trappings that come with a premium product, including items like ambient interior lighting, BMW’s digital key, the two 10.25-inch instrument and central displays, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.<img alt="" data-caption="Lane Departure Warning and Lane Change Warning work very well here.
PHOTO: sgCarMart” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”9ee746d9-bf29-4d2d-8681-1d2e4eb19f46″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20210519_car3_sgcarmart.jpg”/>More impressive perhaps, is the fact that you also get memory seats as standard despite purchasing from the bottom rung of the BMW ladder. Having said that, finding a comfortable seating position is hardly difficult in this hatchback.
Pleasing driver
Start that now 107bhp engine up and you likewise find that the 116i still offers a lot of what you’d expect from a premium vehicle.
The engine is not only smooth and quiet, but with 190Nm of torque available from just 1,380rpm, moving from traffic light to traffic light hardly feels strenuous in the 1 Series.<img alt="" data-caption="190Nm of torque from this three-cylinder will see to most inner-city commutes.
PHOTO: sgCarMart” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”e733ce5d-e8fe-4894-bd35-46b20b6a9e3d” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20210519_car4_sgcarmart.jpg”/>Push the pedal down to the floor, however, and you’ll find that the 116i has little more to give beyond that. It does not feel slow per se, but just rather disappointing when you do push the thing hard and that anticipation of looming acceleration as you reach into the higher ends of an engine’s rev range just never materalises in the 116.
ALSO READ: The all new BMW 4 Series Convertible now available in Singapore
Still, take a drive over pockmarked roads and you’ll find the ride excellent, with plenty of pliancy coupled with good body control over the rough stuff. And should you opt to carry more speed into the corners, the 1 Series rewards with reasonably feelsome steering.
Safe purchase
Riding the Chrome Highway: Safety Features That Feel Like a Treat
Want a smooth ride? Once you hit the open road, the Mercedes‑Benz 1 Series rolls out its Lane Departure Warning and Lane Change Warning systems like a candy shop on a Saturday—sweet, reliable, and oh‑so handy.
Why It Feels Like a Treat
- Subtle Hints – Your wheel nudges you just enough to keep you in lane without turning it into a go-kart.
- Intuitive Alerts – No buzzing beeps—just a gentle tap that says, “Hey, mind your lane!”
- Smart 911‑Style Alerts – Perfect for wily city turns where every lane change is a tight dance.
Fine‑Tuned Vibration Control
If you’re the type who likes to feel every road texture, you can tweak the steering‑wheel vibration to just the level that encourages safe “carving” while keeping your car from feeling like a wild animal. Think of it as turning up the “car‑safety drama” to the right volume.
Bottom line: The 1 Series makes high‑speed highway driving feel safer, smarter, and a little more fun—all while letting you stay in the driver’s seat. Whether you’re cruising or weaving through city streets, it’s a safety feature treated like premium chocolate rather than a dull knob.
<img alt="" data-caption="Apparent build quality is top-notch in the cabin.
PHOTO: sgCarMart” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”e6ac5633-6669-4e08-b40b-c6cc80833aa4″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20210519_car5_sgcarmart.jpg”/>Build quality all around the cabin is excellent, as you’d expect of a BMW, even if the materials used here could still be improved. Hard plastics abound on the door cards and you get plastic pieces in place of the speakers that usually sit at the bottom of the A-pillar, for example.<img alt="" data-caption="17-inch wheels come standard for the 116i
PHOTO: sgCarMart” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”ee08cbc2-406f-44cf-a723-651660a8eeb5″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20210519_car6_sgcarmart.jpg”/>Look to the back and you’ll find reasonable knee and leg room, while the boot space, at 380 litres, is still on par with that new Audi A3, while just barely managing to pip the Mercedes-Benz A-Class’ 370 litres.
Fuel consumption over three days with the car stood at 10.7km/L.
All-rounder?
Should You Take the BMW 116i For a Spin?
Let’s keep it simple: the new BMW 116i brings a whole raft of tech wizardry to the floor plan while keeping the price tag pretty light. But the real question is whether you crave that sweet feeling of “my car’s got spare power waiting to be unleashed” or you’re happy to keep it low‑key. If it’s the latter, the 116i could be a stellar, budget‑friendly pick.
What’s Inside the Box?
Inside this compact four‑door, you’ll find:
- Engine – A turbo‑charged four‑tuner that still feels quick without denting your wallet.
- Tech Stack – A user‑friendly infotainment system, plenty of driver‑assist goodies, and a touch‑screen that eats up your screen real estate.
- Style – Sharp lines, a contemporary interior, and that unmistakable BMW purism.
Things to Ponder
Brain over this:
- Do you love the idea of a “reserve” motor that revs up when you need a nudge? If you’ve got that itch, you might want a higher‑trim model.
- Are you mainly cruising the city or taking short weekend trips? Then the everyday, fuel‑saver 116i is just fine.
- Will you ever park in the parking lot of a fancy office or a high‑end apartment? The compact body fits like a glove.
Bottom Line
In a nutshell, the new BMW 116i provides a sweet blend of affordability and high‑end tech. If you don’t crave that extra turbo boost on demand, this little beast will likely keep you laughing and (more importantly) saving a few hundred bucks.
Saved your sanity? If you’re ready, hit the showroom—your new ride might just be a quick click away!
