In an era dominated by electric cars, it’s rare to get a chance to test a gas-powered vehicle. It’s like discovering a refreshing spring in the desert—while it may not be the most exquisite or thirst-quenching experience, it certainly nourishes the mind. This perfectly encapsulates the driving experience of the BMW 116 M Sport Edition we got to test this time: not the fastest, but loads of fun!
Arriving at the fourth generation of the 1 Series, designated F40 evolving to F70, it continues with a front-wheel-drive layout just like its predecessor. Perhaps many were initially skeptical about a front-wheel-drive BMW, feeling it lacked the essence of what a Horse flavor should be. However, this layout offers more passenger space. Friends who have experienced the first and second generations will remember how tight the back seats were. Yet, when properly tuned, its cornering abilities are on par with traditional rear-wheel-drive BMWs. Although I still believe that the E87 original 1 Series is the most stylish, and we can’t forget the breathtaking E82 1M…
Beauty and ugliness can be subjective; many people used to say the previous F40 was ugly, but now, looking at it again, it actually seems quite appealing. As for the new F70, it continues the previous generation’s shark-nose front design, with the kidney grille’s distinctive layout Inner groove, similar to the new X3. The test version, the M model, comes with a full set of M accessories, featuring a larger front bumper and a rear bumper that includes a diffuser, giving it a more dynamic look. In terms of dimensions, it’s 42mm longer and 25mm taller than its predecessor, while the width remains the same. Additionally, this generation 1 Series is the first to adopt a new naming convention; the gasoline versions no longer have the ‘i’ suffix, which has been reserved for electric vehicles, so the new car is simply called 116 instead of the previous 116i.
Although the dimensions have only slightly increased, the rear space has noticeably improved. Due to the softer cushions, when you sit down, it wraps around you completely, almost giving the feeling of being pushed back, which significantly relieves the space for your feet in the back. As for the driver’s seat, it’s exceptional; while it may look quite plain, the cushy seat directly contributes to an embracing feel right when you sit down. Additionally, the extension of the leg support allows someone with longer legs like myself to enjoy ample support.
There’s no denying that the cabin layout of the current generation is the most stylish among all iterations of the 1 Series, taking cues from the iX with a sleek design that combines two screens—one for the instrument cluster and another for entertainment and information—housed within a seamless panel. The traditional physical climate control buttons have been moved to the screen, lending the entire cockpit a cleaner look. While some might appreciate this more modern arrangement, there are always those who oppose this virtual setup. Fortunately, the steering wheel and the side mirrors can still be adjusted with physical buttons.
The current 116, like the previous 118i, features the same B38 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbo engine. The moment people hear ‘three-cylinder engine,’ they often think it will be quite shaky—and they’re not wrong, as this engine does exhibit some vibrations. However, it’s only when you lift the hood that you really notice it shaking noticeably; inside the cabin, there’s no sensation of any vibrations whatsoever. This issue seems to have been completely remedied since the previous F40 generation, which had already made significant strides in dampening vibrations. By the time we reached the F70 generation, it’s entirely flawless.
Despite its modest 1.5-liter engine, the performance is as mentioned—acceleration feels incredibly brisk and the response is direct. Even a slight change in the throttle position results in an immediate speed boost, with no lag whatsoever. Plus, with the Boost paddle on the left of the steering wheel, you can pull it for a 10-second overboost, making it a champ at seizing positions. However, being a three-cylinder engine, there’s inevitably a bit of a power drop at higher revs. But to be fair, if you’re pushing it to the limit, this isn’t the choice you would make; it’s not a speed demon but rather a fun ride. With its short front end and low body, combined with a suspension tuned by BMW, the stability is top-notch for its class. When taking corners, it won’t throw you off balance—just grip the wheel and steer in the direction you want to go, and it will take you through the bend with ease.
