BMW 116d

Dec 15 2009 Peter Keenan

THE BMW 116d provides a relatively cheap way - even at a price in excess of £18,000 - of accessing the brilliance the German company brings to its automobiles.

The 1 Series is a dream to drive thanks to certain family traits present in all BMW cars that have been passed on to the young pup. These include exceptional balance due to the now legendary 50:50 weight distribution and BMW's commitment to separating power and control by allowing the rear wheels to drive the car while the front set are tasked solely with pointing it in the right direction.

Also present is the traditional nimble handling and levels of grip usually exhibited by a shipwreck survivor on a plank of wood. Thus the 116d is able to boast an uncanny ability to go round corners as if on rails that gives it a big edge over traditional front-wheel drive family hatchbacks.

The thick steering wheel, short-throw gearchange and a clever anti-lock braking system that only intervenes when there is real trouble and not just because it feels like getting involved, are the icing on a cake that should make the 1 Series universally popular.

That it is not owes much to those who question whether BMW's involvement in this sector of the market dilutes the quality of the brand and indeed whether the model actually satisfies the requirements a modern family has of a compact hatchback.

In the rear it is a fact that space is a little tight - due mainly to the bits and bobs needed for the rear-wheel drive system - with leg and head room failing to approach levels found in some major rivals. The boot is also relatively small although the rear seat backs split 60/40 and fold flat to extend the space available.

Personally, I think the 1 Series is ideal for a BMW-loving individual or couple without children, who want the driving dynamics and kudos of owning a Beemer without the need to mortgage their souls to get one. If you have children then you're probably best waiting for the high-powered job or lottery win that allows you to afford one of its bigger brothers. As for diluting the quality of the brand I think the 1 Series makes no compromises on driving performance that is at the heart of the company's ethos when it comes to producing quality motor cars.

And as I was largely on my own during my time with the 116d, so had no need to either sit in the back nor stow large amounts of luggage, I had a ball.

The 114bhp diesel engine offers both performance and economy. It is quick off of the blocks - the official 0-62mph time of 10.3 seconds does the car no justice, while average fuel consumption is an impressive 60-plus miles per gallon. BMW's 'Efficient Dynamics' technology also helps keep running costs low while carbon dioxide emissions are among the best in the class.

The exterior has also proved controversial, but again I like the concave flanks and neat hatchback rear which allied to the traditional double headlamps and kidney grille provides an enticing package. Move inside and a comfortable driving position is easily achieved while all the controls and dials are well set out and easy to see and use.

Sales of the cute baby Beemer have been good to date and look set to continue vindicating BMW's decision to move into this sector of the marketplace.

FAST FACTS

BMW 116d

Price: £18,135

Mechanical: 114bhp, 1995cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving rear wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox

0-62mph: 10.3 seconds

Max speed: 124mph

Combined mpg: 64.2

Insurance group: 10

CO2 emission: 118g/km

BiK rating: 13%

Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage