BMW 116d test: Our opinion on the new diesel series 1 first prize

We are ready to bet: 80% of buyers of the new Series 1 will never realize that the compact BMW has traded its rear-wheel drive for a classic front-wheel drive. Nice to drive on the winding roads, it gives the smile with its incisive direction and its stern winding just enough, without ever worrying. The traction control is so fine in its interventions that, even front wheels steered, no loss of motor skills is to be deplored. In short, the German is more dynamic than ever, even if it remains to refine the direction. It lacks low speed recall and, most importantly, does not provide enough information about the available grip.

Quite likely

Another reason for satisfaction: the German is quite popular here with the classic damping and 17-inch wheels (optional), which provide comfort, despite some parasitic movements from the rear. For its part, the 1.5 diesel seems more valiant than its small 116 hp suggest. It raises effectively, well supported by a box car. double-clutch management fairly neat even if we regret some brutal re-hitches in town.

Dear but sober

Not vibrating in slow motion, this 3-cylinder also has the good taste to be very discreet with steady pace and not to give too much voice when you jostle. Here is a companion all the more helpful that he knows how to be content with little everyday. It only needs 5.4 l / 100 km of diesel on the road and 5.7 l on average. What to ensure 730 km of autonomy despite the mini-tank of 42 … which goes to 50 l, for 55 €. A pettiness for this variant Lounge billed € 36,850, including the many options present here (price October 2019).

To justify this high-end rate, this compact has made efforts to enhance its interior. Behind the repetitive design of the dashboard, the materials used have progressed markedly, reminiscent of the Series 3. Ergonomics benefits from numerous direct access controls, a row of eight programmable buttons and a responsive touch screen. The range of settings allows tall people to sit as low as they wish. And if the storage could be more spacious, it is especially the lack of space behind that disappoints.

Still not very spacious

By switching to the transverse engine, one could expect better ratings of habitability, but the tape measure finds no progress, and even a slight regression on the roof (94 cm instead of 96). Even the trunk loses feathers (250 dm³ measured instead of 280), the fault at the height under shelf receding 6 cm. A storage was however arranged under the floor. But if this Series 1 is still not a queen of the home – especially since the cutting of the rear doors does not facilitate access – it remains nonetheless convincing in this variant which will seduce the professionals of the road.