BMW updated their entry model hatchback last December – now simply called the 118 this small five door hatch has a lot of presence in a facelifted body that’s slightly longer and taller. Now $56,500 plus on-road costs but with more equipment and more tech savvy – slightly longer and taller, still powered by a 1.5-litre turbo three-cylinder driving through a seven-speed dual clutch automatic. This latest entry model BMW has a nice feel about, the interior especially well sorted with supportive seats, and a well- constructed dash layout with connected digital and infotainment screens. But with BMW’s latest iDrive 9 operating system which can become tedious to use but is very comprehensive. The drive rather sporty in the BMW tradition with good driving dynamics, beautiful steering, brakes and slick gear changes with the worst feature being ride quality. I’m not sure everybody who would buy a BMW 118 would need such a sport skewed ride but it is far too harsh and spoils an otherwise quality drive. Passive and active safety systems most comprehensive, a 360-degree camera a great driving aid while the adaptive cruise control is very polished in operation. There’s a lot to like in the BMW 118 but ride quality a disappointment.

IMAGE CREDIT / BMW

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