If you feel a BMW as a brand that dynamism and sportiness are standard, one would question the credibility of this unreleased version petrol 114i. Or as little mechanical magic hides name?

years ago today was an exception, but the last two digits of the designation of Series BMW need not strictly indicate the engine capacity. East Unpublished 114i (he has also appeared a new 114d), engine mounts 1.6 liters Turbo…, yielding power only 102 hp, much like the 1.4 atmospheric they are left on the market. Honesty above all. So, without further ado, just over 100 hp this series 1 They lead me to think that, like BMW, has lowered the threshold step, which would distort that much of the philosophy of the brand. You wonder about the meaning of this new version of Gasoline access to the world BMW; why the effort of a rear-wheel drive and a weight distribution expediting the front, in a sport chassis powered by a hundred CV, when the transmission is also partly responsible for a weight verified nearly 1,400 kilos. And all this combination, 25,400 euros, at full price BMW. often Focus 1.6 Ecoboost 180 HP you take 3,000 euros less. But that is another story.

as good amateur BMW, It is not the first time questioned boot versions range. What disappointing experiences with former 116 and 316, those generations exasperating engines 1.6 / 1.8 atmospheric, so little and "wrong" they went. In this sense, recovery overfeed It has especially benefited the smaller engines, while so I think BMW He has dared to grow further down. And the result, as you advance it makes sense to have this BMW 114i a whole, yes not by how much goes, yes the how’s. In short, I liked driving it …

Technically, the engine 1.6 used not wasted. Is the same block lightweight aluminum riding the 116 (136 hp) and 118 (170 hp), and brings an exquisite combination of solutions, such as raised (Valvetronic) direct injection, variable time distribution (Double Spans) and, in addition to the usual turbo type twin-scroll. Such technique for single engine and 102 hp may seem a nonsense, but its operating profile warrants.

his maximum power catches up only 4000 rpm, as a turbodiesel, but what best defines this bet are the 18.4 mkg listed 1.100 rpm !, yes, at high idle. I do not know if there is another engine of tourism in the world to announce its maximum torque at such a low rate. Amazing. This means that its entire range of rotation is good or very good. In any case, above 5,000 rpm (6,500 cuts) is very flat, you do not feel that generate more thrust, and therefore lacks "spark" sports, but instead have very good push from idle. Reread what I wrote: very good push, not much thrust.

We are talking 102 hp, let’s face it, our bank 115 according roller; from 1,358 kilos and a most generous final development in 6th of 49 km / h per 1,000 rpm, and if you take through the numbers, it will seem little walking. And it can be objectively, but subjectively the feeling of always receive constant push of a motor that rotates with a lot of softness, It generates much driveability. In town it is wonderful and in road, power level, too. With developments elected by the strong rhythm changes you have to resort to change. The trouble is not that, but the long and physical movements calling for the lever.

So good drive takes you to stop worrying, almost drive as a turbodiesel… with finesse and acoustics highly refined petrol engine. You are inserting marches low / medium engine speeds for the good response you get there. You may assume that does not walk much, but this 114i you feel very agile steering, very BMW, very dynamic. It is very lively chassis and that included what ultimately touches mean the BMW: Standard seems to go something loose rebound damping -and balances on curved for what he had become accustomed brand.

Feelings are more critical of their stability. And least in this version, motor, I see no compromising the chassis. Even you perceive that the rear by motor amague oversteer of propulsion. In return, you feel much pleasure in his stride. Without such a wheel as other versions, with less weight and linearity of response of the engine, ride quality and driving this 114i It seemed especially good to me.