BMW 116 M Sport Review: Chiselled and Sharpened

What we like:

Sharpened looks

M Sport package as standard

Drives brilliantly

What we dislike:

Harsh ride for rear passengers and suspension is non-adjustable

In the BMW portfolio, the lower-end models look more ‘typical’ BMW, eschewing things like outsized kidney grilles. This facelifted 1 Series has got to be one of the best of such examples, turning what was once a goofy-looking car into a crisp and resolved design.

It helps that the 116 (no ‘i’) now comes standard with the M Sport package. That includes a whole lot of cosmetic upgrades, like the black window surrounds, extra large air intakes up front, M side skirts, a rear apron with a diffuser and 18-inch M light alloy wheels. It all makes the 116 look really complete and in no way ‘entry-level’.

There are minute changes to its dimensions, with it becoming 42 mm longer and 25 mm taller. But I’d defy you to notice as the car feels as compact as it ever was - at least on the outside.

Inside, it’s pleasingly spacious, unlike the much older 1 Series built on a rear-wheel drive platform (although I am rather fond of those…). BMW has taken a very pragmatic step to make the 1 Series on a front-wheel drive platform, and arguably it has made it a commercial success.

Besides being roomy, there’s also a lot to keep you busy, like the BMW Curved Display that incorporates just about everything including climate control. At least the air-conditioning vents are still manually adjustable. As part of the aforementioned M Sport package, sports seats in Veganza leather (or combined with alcantara), an M steering wheel with paddle shifters, diagonal stitching of M colours on the dashboard, M pedals and aluminium interior trim are thrown in.

It surely puts you in the mood for enthusiastic driving, and you won’t be disappointed if you exploit the 116 to anywhere near its limits. The 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox and 122 hp 3-cylinder engine aren’t different to what we see in other FWD BMWs, but in the petite 116 it feels faster than its on-paper 0-100 km/h figure of 9.8 seconds would suggest. It is eager and thrives on revs, a potent partner to the fabulous chassis of the 1 Series.

In the LCI model, the rigidity of the body structure has been increased, along with a strut brace in the engine compartment as well as solid axle mounts. New shock absorbers of the lowered M Sport suspension reduce body roll, while sport steering is included as standard. The result is that the 116 truly loves corners. It feels lithe and agile, always up for a good road. However, while there is a good balance of comfort and sport for front passengers, it does get quite stiff at the rear.

All in, the 116 is now a much better proposition than its predecessor, which was a great car to begin with. In particular, keen drivers would take to the 116 very well. However, if you ferry passengers at the rear regularly, it’s well worth considering if they would like to partake in a speedy ride too.

Photos by James Wong

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