BMW 1-Series Hatchback (2011 - 2019) 116i Sport 5d (2014/14) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I like a nice car with sporty character.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Wife likes it.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No. Too cramped inside. Seats are uncomfortable and nightmare to adjust to get a good position. Build quality is average, rear parcel shelf flimsy, some interior plastic cheap and body panels feel thin and light.

What are you likely to buy next?

Probably go back to Audi A3, far better car all round.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£15,750

When did you buy the car?

June 2015

Did you get a good deal and why?

I had a reasonable deal, although they gave me less than Audi for my trade in.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I had an Audi A3 S Line and I fancied a rear wheel drive car of a similar size, with similar running costs, so BMW was the choice.

What was the dealer like?

Very good. A longer test drive would have been nice, 15 mins in town isn't enough. Salesman was good.

What's it like to drive?

Still getting used to it, but it drives very nice. Relaxed at motorway speeds. Cruise control is easy to use but I don't use it really. Suspension just right for our roads, even with run flats, supple but still handles well. Steering can feel a little 'numb' at times. 6 speed gearbox and clutch are good. Pedals are slightly offset. Sport seats are NOT comfortable. Adjustment is crude and fiddly. Steering wheel blocks view of clocks. No water temperature gauge. Still experimenting with this and if I can find a suitable setting the car will be great to drive.

What's it like to park?

Easy due to front and rear PDC. Good steering lock.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing has gone wrong yet. Only has 8500 miles on clock. Was an ex BMW car so would hope it was looked after. I have sapphire black paint and it seems to have very noticeable silver specks in places ( bonnet mainly). Need to investigate further.

What's most practical about your car?

With rear seats folded down I can get golf clubs in, so is okay for me. Boot is decent size for me and my wife. Size of car is ideal for town driving.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Front and rear PDC. iDrive and USB for music. Bluetooth for phone. Speed limiter is a good idea. Auto wipers and lights.