Equipment updated image and a renewed BMW 1 Series which introduces an unprecedented gasoline engine 3 ‘alien’ cylinders, so far, the BMW sensations.

We’ve been talking a few years of growth ‘down’ of the engines, the sacrifice of displacement and recovery overfeed to set up efficient engines of today. This trend ‘downsizing ‘ He has led us to assimilate propellers increasingly little ones, by displacement Y cylinder, in gasoline Y Diesel.

Overall, 8 cylinders They are giving way to 6; these to 4, which they are also replaced by mechanical compact 3 cylinder. This last step has been questioned, so inherently entails ‘Odd’ engine: vibes Y acoustics ‘Incompatible’ with some mechanical refinement. Engines 3 cylinder They are not new. For many years they have covered the demand for strictly urban models and versions.

I remember a while as an engineer Group Volkswagen I defended the advantages of 3-cylinder engines, but the problem was that the customer minusvaloraba the idea that had made them. But today these mechanics begin to take over and meet many more ambitious missions.

In fact, BMW You will bet on three-cylinder and rather than the step taken by including them in the Series 1 (Earlier in the Series 2 Active Tourer and Mini), Do so in the Series 3 has been a statement of future intentions. Also because of their size these engines are provided as the best configuration for versions hybrid. Sure to be the brand that is, engines 3 cylinder the start to see otherwise. I already see them as proposals since estupendísimas Ford dared with its avant-garde 1.0 Ecoboost petrol 125 hp installed on the dynamic Focus and now in the Giant Mondeo.

BMW He has prepared its way and making your block tricilíndrico a first propeller-edge, intended for sports plus sophisticated, hybrid i8. In this case, the block 1.5 made of lightweight aluminum, with distribution Double-VANOS and Valvetronic, and injection turbo direct, reaches pay 231 hp, which it gives us an idea of ​​their potential … and possible future destinations. On the same block, with the same technical solutions, takes over from the previous 4 cylinder 1.6, that the projection BMW 114i surrender 102 hp. In this case, the new 116i announces 109 CV and half a liter less than average consumption. At the time we wondered satisfaction 114i, as we have now asked about this 116i. Yes with him 114i we conclude that perhaps it was debatable how pushes, but not how it does in the new 116i comes into play a third aspect, the feel of rotation: how you feel and how you hear.

Refined … 3 cylinder

The previous 114i missed assimilated turning refinement of that 4 cylinders. East 116i surely has one of the engines 3 cylinder more harmonics by rotating the market but the most, but immediately the level of vibes what you perceive in steering wheel Y lever changes to start it They give him away. his acoustics It is low, but lacks ‘identity’. Or so I think. In this sense, it may be that the BMW customer is more demanding. In any case, soon you get carried away by its enormous pleased to answer.

Not much push, but it is very consistent and progressive from very low speed, enough to make up to higher gears generous developments excellent response below 2,000 revolutions. You drive like a good turbodiesel. The best values ​​focuses on low and mid-, so your power at the end spreads a lot more than expected. In fact, from 4500 rpm your answer is so flat that you makes that point as roof and see you long before changing gears. You will not feel that driving a BMW fast, but yes solvent and especially nice If you are someone you are moving to the other traffic.

Behavior

You wonder why this version, when the Series 1 It is everything BMW your sporty propulsion rear It indicates. his chassis It is also indicated by a geometry from address exalting his dynamism. Interestingly, the cut 1.5 not only weight reduction compared to the previous 1.6, also it contributes to a weight distribution rigorously verified by us symmetrical Wheelbase, as he likes to preach to BMW. In short, you feel that this 116i is very neutral and fast chassis and not by its engine.

The quality of your tread is extraordinary. I think here comes your property more premium regarding models proud compact generalists they may question this 116i. The front end is very informative and accurate but also offering a comfort General bacheo very high. As they are now BMW series, this 116i does not hide flexibility suspension you mark certain swinging curved and leaves appear vertical movements the most accused of what you would expect from the brand body. But his drawn seem unshakable, also because the motor not compromise at all the chassis. The rear assimilates to spare all you can extract from your engine, without feeling that the electronics, as in many other BMW, be an active part of the dynamic of the car.

At the controls of 116i You feel it’s like everything Series 1 and as all BMW saloon. low point hips and ceiling, is a compact ergonomics very sporty. You feel more lying what seated compared to conventional compact, understand with transverse engine Y traction lead, as will be the next generation series 1.

Meanwhile, you find yourself wrapped in a driving very task-oriented driving. Under the wide center console runs the tree of the transmission, It requires also a central tunnel in rear seats very intrusive. While the bench is shaped almost like a Double bed, with raised ends.

Possibly be the compact less family market, but also the exclusive by its very mechanical configuration. his equipment also confirms the exclusiveness and quality of the model, but not by his standard equipment, and that has improved its renewal. configurarte one BMW It requires patience by quantity from options you have at your disposal, many thought that would be standard.