BMW 118i M Sport 2020 review: a true rival to the VW Golf Mk8?

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The third-generation (that’s F40 to us BMW geeks) 1 Series got a whole load of flack when it first appeared. That was partly down to its chunky proportions, but what really riled fans was the move from a rear-wheel drive layout to a front-driven format.
Why did this anger so many people? Well, BMW’s USP has always been how driver-focused their cars are. Take away the rear-wheel drive layout and not only could it ruin the experience behind the wheel, but it could take away the car’s USP against rivals such as the VW Golf Mk8 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
So why did BMW shake-up the 1 Series formula? And does it still stand out amongst its rivals in the hatchback world?
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#BMW #BMW1Series #BMWMSport

[@sesnuev]

I would like to let you know that the plastic guard, opens automatically whens the engine needs some fresh air and closes when the engine is cold.

[@decarp3nt3r]

Big grille: Yes Gawky: Yes Wedge shape: Yes Short body: Yes Small engine: Yes More tech: Yes Ugly: Yes Controversial: Yes Still love it: Yes

[@YesAutoUK]

This ^^^^^ - Cam

[@jej1.]

can relate

[@phillip3330]

That transmission tunnel is actually an "exhaust" tunnel. Pretty much every modern car has this tunnel whether its FWD or RWD.

[@oddities-whatnot]

The 1.5 three cylinder engine really is fantastic and probably the best three cylinder out there. No lag, it sounds great, plenty enough power for this car. Ive driven Minis with the same engine and in manual it really helps having that twin scroll turbo so you don’t get the usual pause and lull before pickup that is evident in most three cylinder turbo manual cars. Ive had a few of various makes including my current cheapo car the Dacia Sandero. As per usual he makes a point about the sound if you put your foot down and for me I like it, and is far more characterful than most small four cylinder engines which sound boomy when revved.

[@pradakumajay8833]

Golf is not rival to BMW 1, it would be A-class or A3. As a real buyer of premium small hatchback, no one considers BMW 1 or Benz A-class suddenly change minds to Golf, simply not going to happen for sure. Golf's price range and build quality are not in same criteria to BMW 1 or A-class. You should compare with A3.

[@joyantonygunasekara5232]

Technically, golf had a3 engine and parts so it’s all same 😊

[@AlpineGABE]

Your comment about the grille being blocked off... you do realize it opens when the engine is running/hot? It's closed/open to manage engine temp and get it warm asap for performance haha, just a neat bmw thing :)

[@nickkyriakidis4350]

Fully agree. My 218i g.c. has the same system. It opens when it is needed.

[@oneshot1544]

He fails to mention it opening. Not the best of reviews, sorry

[@Kamogelosibisi]

Mom just got the bmw 118i 2021 it's such a nice car!! -supporter from SA

[@nickkyriakidis4350]

2:05 Regarding the plastic guard behind the front grille, it opens when the engine increases its temperature. Also worth to be mentioned that the car has an excellent application for mobiles; you can check the tires, oil etc. remotely, to start the engine, open or close the windows, to honk etc. or send destinations to the navigation system. Quite useful app! The car has permanent Internet connection by also offering concierge services; you just call, ask for a restaurant, hotel etc. and they send you the destination directly to your car's navigation system.

[@chrisosborn8297]

From the mobile app you can lock, unlock, turn the auxiliary ventilation on and send nav destinations, that's all !

[@nickkyriakidis4350]

@@chrisosborn8297 Hi, you can also find your car by checking its actual location, get directions to find it, check oil status, check tires, be informed abouts its mileage and next service, to book a service with your preferred or another agent, and as you mentioned to find whatever you are interested and send its destination directly to your car + creating a list with favorite destinations. Personally I use it a lot in my 218i grand coupe and do not need anything more, considering that this is something new to me and I do not have any references / relevant experience from my previous cars.

[@BIG2hats]

My cords has everything you mentioned

[@lukefoster3397]

Great review, how did you remove the split screen showing dead space for Apple car play!?

[@RevuitNet]

Heated steering wheel isn’t standard with msport pack. This review is full of mistakes. 118i is 138bhp. The 118d is 148bhp and the 120d is 188bhp. Also those wheels come with M Sport Pro Pack as well as spoiler which is t standard. The wireless charging isn’t needed to connect CarPlay wirelessly as this is available on all models. It just ads wireless charging. Heated steering comes with comfort pack 2 which gives electric memory seats and head up display. Also tech pack gives harden Karmen sound upgrade. Jeez you guys need to read up more before doing these reviews.

[@southsideslondon]

Hi mate, So how much for tech pack also the pro pack?. seeing as still wating for a callback for the dealership for 4days might as well ask someone who knows lol

[@brockobama2599]

Just delivered it last week, i can't wait to drive it again after i test drove it

[@roybatty4687]

118i is 138bhp not 158bhp.

[@spanesar5939]

Please get your information correct!! The M Sport model doesn't come with a heated steering wheel as standard, it is £150 optional extra or you can get it part of the Comfort Pack II which totals £1,500.

[@beysan_tasci]

Thanks for video, what is colors name?

[@c4715]

Tech pack 2 has been discontinued. You have to buy the 2 items separately costing an additional £450 unfortunately. I've just gone through that with my order.

[@MrSnicol]

Controversial yes, but only among motoring journalists!!

[@nickkyriakidis4350]

Fully agree. Real life reaction to its looks by "normal" / non expert people is not aligned to the comments of journalists and some BMW "petrolheads". In any case, the car looks different in real life vs. photos. This is even more valid for the 2 series gran coupe.

[@iainsmith8448]

Enjoyed the review and i know the front grill has it's haters , i actually love it because of that lol , anyway just over two weeks until i take delivery of mine - reviews like this just make me more impatient to try it out on some of the local country roads around me , cheers

[@StringerBellz]

Lucky man, I've still got 2 months wait for mine. The wait is killing me. Think I've watched every review on KZbin 😂

[@iainsmith8448]

@@StringerBellz i know what you mean , 2nd October mine is due , been on order since June , been killing me lol

[@StringerBellz]

@@iainsmith8448 what colour did you go for? I went with the stormbay . Saw this blue the other day and it really pops

[@iainsmith8448]

@@StringerBellz mineral white , mainly because I've never had a white car before but it looks almost pearl like when next to it

[@Cripplegee]

Good Review on the car. I got one in February and it really is a great car to drive, especially on the twisty country roads in the NE of Scotland where I live. M sport is so planted and the quality of the interior is first class. I love the colour too, my one is the same and even with no added options you get a lot of great kit standard.

[@gregormax10]

The armrest in the back seats is an optional equipment

[@dotSnx]

Absolutely love the interior of the new 1ers, just wish they'd coupled that with the old engines & exteriors! Think a used M140i might just take the biscuit for my next one, rather than one of the new models - thank you for the help!

[@isaaccox5271]

It actually has 136bhp....

[@andytait3262]

Never really got the 1 series but this looks genuinely desirable helped by the great video explaining it!

[@user-ow8hs2qo6w]

I drive it and I love it. Every day car really. Also bought one.

[@AdamSpyker]

Hi, what is the answer to the title of your video? Should I upgrade my current golf, which I really like (no stock/yet to launch in Australia) best car to value ratio for an Enthusiast and just a Salary & Wage employee. Or go for the very enticing offer BMW has on the 1?

[@fredensminde]

Does BMW give you Android Auto in the UK? Here, only Apple Carplay is available ( which is a pain ).

[@boxingking7]

Is that misano blue?

[@georgewhiteford9869]

Doesn’t the 118i have 138hp, instead of 158hp as you say in the review? Enjoyed the video, though.

[@paul7t5]

Yeah you're correct

[@utubevids1100]

Whats the automatic gearbox like at junctions? My mum has an A-Class A180 with an auto, but says at junctions there is a delay putting the pedal in and the car moving which makes it difficult to get out in a gap safety

[@generalismoquabablinotheth5902]

Turn off stop start

[@idesireit31]

I had that problem in the auto. It was an awful drive. Slow, sluggish and very unresponsive. Worst car I've ever had! I returned it after a week for a golf. I feel for anyone driving that car.

[@BIG2hats]

@@idesireit31 You mean the Mercedes or BMW?

[@Mihalinho78]

No shift padles BMW??? Whyyyyy???

[@Ronald-rn3yz]

We need rival for A45s not for VW..... VW should rival with focus ST, Hyundai i30 n Megan RS...... M still crying for Shadow Edition... M140i

[@Arda972]

Nice

[@adebisi1094]

You sit too low, you can hardly see over the steering wheel.

[@drummingspain207]

This, or the Hyundai i20N ?

[@psimoes30]

I dont see any problem in the Serie 1 changed to Front Wheel, the thruth is Serie 1 drivers are not typical "Racers" soo its very likely they buyed this car for enjoy nice travels and confort and not to do burnouts or drifting xD Also i think Serie 1 shouldnt never come was a Back Wheel car, its not a model for that (just an opinion). The Car is beautifull and confortable, it does 5.5 L / 100km medium, im a recent owner of one (F40 2021) and im very happy! Dont be afraid of choose it because of the "front wheel".

[@beysan_tasci]

Hello, I own a 2017 model f20 and I am very satisfied with both the comfort and sound insulation of my vehicle. What can you tell me about these issues in the F40? Thanks.

[@psimoes30]

@beysantasci6334 Make a travel arround 70/90km/h speed whit the back windowns down, thats the noise im speaking. Its Terrible.

[@Sir_Lloyds]

Buying this on 29.07.2023 🤞🏽

[@beysan_tasci]

what about me ? 😀 I ordered a month ago, I think I will be able to receive it in January 2024.

[@granvillebarraclough8846]

How much is Apple Car Play after the first free year?

[@chrisosborn8297]

Its free for at least 3 years

[@robjackson1319]

Free. No charge

[@stuartjenkins2814]

OK

[@matthewhossack9183]

One thing u can’t do is re map it

[@Itiswhatitis113]

U can stage 1 it

[@Itiswhatitis113]

To 190hp

[@chrisosborn8297]

terrible review, half the features shown are paid options! pushing the car price as tested up towards 40k !. First it has 158 BHP, later it has 138BHP. Come on get your facts straight !

[@Michael-hd2gq]

companies usually give full options or almost full opt cars to reviewers but u are right he made a lot of mistakes

[@DØRÄ-GMBLR]

no its not a rival, you can't compete with something already far behind

[@marcinsobczak2485]

funny you didn't say a word about dual clutch transmission that bmw uses now instead of automatic. for me it is a deal breaker and I think missing any comment on this matter in your review is a shame

[@reforest_71]

Can you tell me a little more on that? DCT transmission?

[@joyantonygunasekara5232]

@@reforest_71I think he’s talking about dsg gear box? Whichever got dsg works on DCT , when you moving you don’t feel that pulling/stoping feeling on auto gear changes basically

[@mukinfagic69]

FWD......what slogan do they now use instead of "The ultimate driving machine"?

[@beysan_tasci]

😀

[@FortuneCookie187]

Dude did you fell on your head or something?! You can’t compare a BMW to a VW Golf!🤦🏻‍♂️💩☠️

[@chrisroxs31]

Grill opens up when the engine gets hot, the power is wrong, Carplay is for free... for 1 year! Not the best review unfortunately

[@eshay6161]

This guy doesn’t know cars 🤦

[@thierrydogniaux1252]

Bmw who's the rival of the Golf, is the 128ti : 265 hp

[@checkyourself164]

He said the golf, not the golf GTI...

[@Gts2pro]

Dead website

[@tisbales]

put rear windows down and keep front windows up the sound it makes after 50 klm