BMW 1 Series 116i SE 5dr Car Review - February 2012

REVIEW
List Price: £20,425
Tax Band: D
Insurance Group: 17
MPG: 52.3
CO2: 125
0-62 Mph: 8.5 secs
BHP: 136 BHP
Range: 598 miles
CarSite Verdict:  3.75/5
The 116i SE is often described as an entry-level car and is a perfect option for first time buyers, offering smooth acceleration through all six gears and great handling around corners and B-roads.

The efficiency is fantastic and it is a good low-cost option for fuelling. However, there is cheaper competition on the market that offer the same power with more room, such as the VW Golf.

The space problem is one that crops up repeatedly with the 1 Series and although they have improved on interior space after criticism of previous versions, the rear seats do not offer much leg room and the boot isn’t massive: which may pose problems for those after a family car.

PROS:  The 116i SE offers a fairly powerful, smooth driving experience with responsive and controlled handling, perfect for bending roads and corners. With BMW’s ‘Efficient Dynamics’ technology, there is a low running cost and fairly low carbon emissions to boot. The SE model offers a good compromise of the 1 Series features and includes most equipment a driver would expect.

CONS:  Although the five-door option has more room in the boot than the three-door, it is still a tight fit in the back seats, which is not ideal for a family car. The diesel version might suit company car drivers better as it has better combined economy and less carbon emissions with little difference in price.

Behind the Wheel

Although the 1 Series is often a little too firm in the suspension, the manual drive is smooth and the car really comes into its own on twisty back roads, where the front engine and the rear-wheel drive chassis result in fantastic body control, good grip and balance which provides a great driving experience.

The engine is smooth and quiet and the road and suspension noise are also hushed, although there is a little wind noise on motorways.

The 136bhp engine reaches 0-62 mph in 8.5 seconds and has a top speed of 130 mph.

Looks & Equipment

The 1 Series has a great driving position with a lot of adjustment available, although this can be a bit fiddly making it difficult to operate. BMW have also improved the space in the boot and rear seats after much criticism on previous versions, bringing it in-line with that offered by its rivals. Unfortunately, it is still less than roomy in the back and limited leg room is a major disadvantage.

The 1 Series’ interior also fails to match up to the elegance of the more expensive models. The materials and features used are all more functional rather than ornamental and although it has been given a make-over there is still much to be desired in the style stakes.

The SE model comes with alloy wheels, MP3 connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, climate control, a stereo system as standard. Optional extras of leather seats cost £1115, with rear parking sensors available for an additional £345 and satellite navigation another option at £1550. The iDrive control system will take some getting used to for those unfamiliar with it but can eventually be operated without too much fuss.

BMW’s ‘Efficient Dynamics’ technology utilises braking, electric power steering and an automatic Start/Stop function which reduces wasted energy to make the car more efficient.


Practicality, Safety & Reliability

The 1 Series is a well crafted car which offers long-term reliability. It rated well in the 2011 JD Power survey which should give potential drivers confidence over their purchase.

Driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags are all fitted as standard, with traction and dynamic stability control also featuring to help aid accident reduction. An alarm, immobiliser, remote central locking and deadlocks are all part of the cars design for increased security and help to deter criminals.

In terms of practicality, the 1 Series is short on leg space in the back and although it does have more boot space than before this does little to compensate for the compromised comfort. The five-door version does have more room than the three-door but this is not increased by much and restrictions in the back mean it is unlikely to make a huge difference to passengers.

Value for Money

The 1 Series 116i is fairly pricey for a hatchback with a purchase price of £20,065 but running costs are much lower than average due to the ‘Efficient Dynamics’ technology.

Fuel economy offers a fairly impressive 49.6 mpg and carbon emissions are just 132 g/km - putting it amongst the best in its class. Whilst this keeps road tax to a manageable band E and insurance premiums low under insurance bracket 19, the diesel model offers better efficiency and may be more popular.

Overall, the 1 Series is a good investment for a small family hatchback so long as the back seats won’t be used to carry adult passengers. A BMW will always be a safe option in terms of its quality and service and this means it could prove popular with families looking for long term ownership of a reliable car.

BMW 1 Series 116i SE 5dr Car Review - by 
All BMW 1 Series Reviews
BMW 1 Series 116i ES 3dr Pre-Model - February 2012
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BMW 1 Series 116i SE Auto 3dr Pre-Model - February 2012
The 116i SE Auto is pricey but offers good driveability and controlled handling. The fuel economy and low CO2 emissions also make it an inexpensive car to run and the BMW badge endows the car with ...
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With inexpensive running costs thanks to decent fuel efficiency and low carbon emissions, the BMW 1 series 118i SE is an ideal car for those who can get past its high price tag. This model is more ...
BMW 1 Series 116d ES 3dr Pre-Model - February 2012
The 116d is the cheapest diesel option in the 1 Series range with very low running costs, but if performance is important to you then it may offer a false economy. The engine may lack power but sti...
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Medium Family Alternatives

You might want to read reviews for other Medium Family cars that you can then compare to the BMW 1 Series. Here are some popular BMW 1 Series alternatives:

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