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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
Normally,
you'll be cursing to yourself when you've got a BMW stuck in midday EDSA
traffic. Normally, you'll be wishing for a wide, open road with a
billiard-smooth surface to sample the BMW's impeccable balance and spirited
engine. Normally, you'd wish everyday was a Sunday. Sadly, Sunday happens just
once a week and in the six other days, you have to be content crawling through
traffic in your P 2-million hatchback. Yet, for all the traffic and
unpredictable weather Manila offers, this is the sort of environment that tests
the all-new BMW 118d. Rarely does a car prove itself while stuck in traffic,
but that's exactly what this premium car did. For a minute, you can forget that
BMW's were designed to tackle the autobahn, and relish a fuel economy that's
close to 20 km/l (and that's not a typo).
Gazing
upon the BMW 1 Series parked, you can't help but pinpoint the several corporate
design cues present on this car. From the 7 Series-like arrow shaped headlamps
to the large, upright kidney grille from the Z4, there's no mistaking that the
1 Series is a BMW through and through. Some may say that the sheet metal is
polarizing to the eye, but whatever you think of it, it's certainly more
beautiful in person than in photographs; you cannot appreciate the almost
non-existent overhangs, the subtle play of curves, the razor-thin side mirror
indicators (the first for BMW) and even the highly complex lamp clusters.
Indeed, the BMW 1 Series is a detail-obsessed machine any which way you put it.
The
1 Series's interplay of curves and lines make it look more compact than it
really is. In reality, it's actually a full 85 millimeters longer and 17
millimeters wider than the model it replaces. These may seem minuscule, but
considering that a full 30 millimeters went to the wheelbase (21 millimeters to
rear section alone), the all-new 1 Series answers the only criticism leveled at
its predecessor: the lack of interior room. The 1 Series still isn't a 5 Series
inside but at least there's more than ample room for everyone even for those
long distance, though seating 3 abreast at the back still isn't recommended.
Sitting
at the back, the most noticeable difference with the all-new 1 Series is how
there's much more leg room than before. Even the rear seats are highly
supportive and there are even aircon vents this time around. Next, you'll
notice how well it rides compared to before. The jittery ride is gone and it's
replaced by a more serene ride that's perfectly balanced.
Move
up to the front passenger seat, and you'll get to sample the new iDrive
interface. Having sampled the single-wheel, four-directional iDrive from
before, it's clear how the new interface feels much more user-friendly. The
free-standing screen is a joy to look at and even more joyful to use. You can
channel your inner Captain Kirk easily with the new iDrive's array of shortcuts
and favorite buttons. There's little need to fumble through the menus and
controls as everything feels well designed and intuitive. And despite being an
entry-level Bimmer, the audio system is nothing to sneeze at either. The BMW
Professional system is a high-fidelity audio fan's dream plus it can now play
your favorite tunes in a wide range of formats from compact discs to USB and
even iPod.
Finally,
settling into the most important seat of all--the driver's, you'll be enveloped
in a wide range of adjustments for the perfect driving position. And despite
the dizzying number of adjustment permutations, you can find the perfect
driving position in less time than it takes for you to tie your shoes.
Despite
the "d" suffix, the BMW 118d is no slouch. This next-generation
diesel features BMW's new TwinPower turbo technology and magnetic-valve direct
injection. All in all, it has 143 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque, making short
work of the climb up Tagaytay. BMW quotes a 0-100 km/h time of 8.9 seconds, but
it felt faster than that. Coupled with the segment's first and only 8-speed
automatic, the 118d was able to maximize its wide power band and make
overtaking easy. It also sounds quieter than previous BMW diesels with even
less vibration to boot.
The
new 1 Series's chassis is also one of the industry's best. The body itself is
made from high-tensile steel for excellent rigidity and a lighter curb weight.
And then wrapped around this body is a multitude of systems that push the
handling envelope even further. First is the electromechanical power steering
that provides precise and linear feedback of the road. And then, add to that a
perfect 50/50 weight distribution as well as all-around independent suspension
and you end up with a fun-to-drive car. Even with torrential rains, it is
fairly easy to push the 118d because of the multitude of standard driving aids
such as Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Traction Control and Corner Brake
Assist.
Now,
before you come to the conclusion that the 1 Series is a one-trick pocket
rocket, it's as efficient as it's fun and fast. All 1 Series models are
equipped with BMW's EfficientDynamics technology. This technology package
includes brake energy regeneration, an automatic engine start/stop function
(quite discomforting but a welcome feature in the 118d) and a switchable
driving mode that facilitates an economical driving style. This mode, dubbed
ECO PRO can reduce fuel consumption by up to 20 percent by optimizing
everything from pedal response to gear shift pattern to even the air
conditioning system. It even displays tips for you if the car feels you're not
driving economically enough. And finally, bonus kilometers are even shown on
the multiple-function display for posterity's sake. And after a week's worth of
driving, the BMW 118d proved its chops by delivering the best fuel mileage out
of any non-hybrid car tested in the past 14 years: 16.7 km/l and a driving
range of close to 1,000 kilometers. Impressive.
After
handing back the keys to the BMW 118d, you can't help but miss it immediately.
It can be easily dismissed for being an expensive toy, but it's tremendously
good showing proves it treads the balance between sporty and sophistication,
fast and frugality, compact yet roomy. The BMW 118d remains a personal choice,
but ultimately one of the best you'll make in a lifetime.
nice car, I Iike it!
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