Love and the BMW 118i M Sport

MANILA, Philippines — What’s not to like about the BMW 118i M Sport? Nothing. It was love at first sight for me when I laid my eyes on the beauty that it is.

The longish hood area — had me at first glance — it was not a snubbed nosed, modern looking compact vehicle — coolness.  Rather, it was one of those vehicles that had a front area reminiscent of compact vehicles of my youth — that brought a smile to my face and excitement to get behind the wheel and give it a whirl.

The compact vehicle segment came alive 10 years ago with the youthful spirit and fresh reserves of power under the bonnet of the BMW 1. And, SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp. (SMCACDC), the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines strengthened its line-up of compact vehicles in the country recently, with the inclusion of the BMW 1 Series, which carries more expressive, sporting, and efficiency-focused features to reinvent fun.

 Beyond the inspiring driving dynamics that it is known for, the enhanced version of BMW’s breakthrough automobile in the premium compact segment sets new benchmarks in aesthetics to show a modern and sporty appeal. The brand comes away with these unique exterior elements in the Sport Line variant that speak of its passion to turn the joy in every journey into waves of thrill.

Head-on, the fresh and self-confident character of the BMW 1 series is presented in the form of a wider BMW kidney grille between the flat, focused twin circular LED headlights. Larger air intakes also highlight the car’s dynamic ability in familiar BMW style.

The first thought that came to mind as I ogled the BMW 118i M Sport that day was: “Soon you will be mine —  I wish.”

The BMW M Sport badge brings with it a bolder looking exterior — compliments of the M Sport aerodynamic package, which adds a new front and rear bumper and side skirts. Not to be missed is the M Sport three spoke steering wheel and the sports car seats and door sill plates with the M sport emblems.

More than just looks

All within reach: The cockpit

But, the changes go beyond the aesthetics —the vehicle’s driving dynamics can also be changed with the Driving Experience Control to match various driving conditions. It allows drive and suspension components to be individually adapted via the Comfort, Sport, and Sport + modes. Activating ECO PRO mode optimizes fuel consumption and displays the bonus mileage in the instrument panel.

There are other changes are also seen in the BMW 1 Series’ profile and rear end. In side view, the proportions and design language along the vehicle’s profile make it look lighter and more agile. The 18-inch M light alloy wheels build on the athletic styling of the BMW 1 Series. At the rear, the LED taillights have been completely redesigned and now display the L shape characteristic of the latest BMW vehicles. Large wheel housings and a wide track that emphasizes close contact with the road complete the look of the new model.

If I sound like I am drooling — well, I am. The interiors are an echo of the BMW 118i M Sport’s energetic personality. The hallmark driver-focused cockpit design with a Sport steering wheel coupled with high-quality materials, new seat upholstery and a sophisticated premium feel for the center console controls — coolness.

Sitting in the cockpit was an experience in itself. The sound of the engine when it started — and then the humming of the engine as this compact baby made its way through the streets of Metro Manila and in the drive to nearby Tagaytay sent a wonderful chill up my spine.

It didn’t take very long for me to come to grips with 118i M Sport. And, that I was seated in a most comfortable cockpit made the drive so wonderful — and as for traffic… well, who cares.

As I stopped at the traffic light, I took notice of the rear seats, which comfortably fits three passengers and folds into one or more sections with a 60/40 split for increased boot capacity for quick trips in Metro Manila or a much-needed drive outside the metro.

Lest I forget — at the heart of the BMW 1 Series is the 1.5-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo in-line three-cylinder Petrol engine, which packs the driving force in a lightweight body. The eight-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic comes as standard to enhance handling and responsive gear shifting. All of these come together to make the BMW 1 Series an inspiration to explore an exciting life.

The BMW 118i  M Sport finally delivers on what any first time BMW owner aspires for. A vehicle that has decades of only the best engineering, too many race victories and of course, a compact vehicle that was built for city driving with the heart and soul of a warrior vehicle that can stand any challenge Philippine roads present it.

The BMW 118i M Sport stands for much more than an entry level BMW. Rather is serves as bridge between the brand’s origins and what the future of great vehicles stands for — efficiency and driving pleasure.