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.

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Driving BMW’s new entry model – the 118 hatchback which arrived last
December at $56,500 plus on-road costs. The small German five-door hatch
restyled and powered by a familiar 1.5-litre turbo three-cylinder engine with
a small lift in power and torque driving the front wheels through a seven-
speed dual clutch transmission. Also included a sports mode with manual
shift paddles. This latest BMW 118 is 41mm longer and 25mm taller, other
dimensions remain unchanged. Internally it has slightly better rear legroom
however like most small BMW’s it’s still on the tight side. The cabin has a
premium feel with well-structured seats while the overall impression is one
of sportiness in the BMW tradition, accentuated by nice finishes and a
modern dash layout. Good instrumentation with a welcome head up display
over, although the 10.7-inch touchscreen with so many options can be
tedious to use. While the air vents below are mounted low and look like an
afterthought. BMW claim to have added significant features to the 118 – the
driver-assist systems also most comprehensive, there’s wireless phone
charging and two USB ports in each row, comprehensive 360-degree
camera views, front and rear parking sensors, parking assist and a
welcome reversing assistant. Warranty five-years/unlimited km.

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Porsche is the latest company to cancel plans to take much of its line-up
electric by the end of the decade. At a recent Annual General Meeting with
investors the German sports car maker said, “it would be a significantly
longer transition phase globally, on the journey to electric mobility.” The
slower than expected transition putting pressure on the company’s bottom
line. According to Porsche CEO, Dr. Oliver Blume, “the world has changed
– we are experiencing a fierce storm, in challenging times we are
continuing to develop Porsche with a precise focus.” Previously
announcing that most of its models would join its Macan SUV with electric
powertrains Porsche is now making major changes. But the change of plan
will come at a cost, the company confirming it will cut around 3,900 jobs by
2029 in order to save money in the long term.

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