BMW’s entry-level 116 hatchback proves that you don’t need big power to deliver big smiles.
Every family has a younger sibling, a slightly overlooked yet charming member who quietly gets on with things. Within the BMW clan, this role falls to the 116, the Bavarian marque’s most affordable hatchback on Singapore roads.
Starting at S$223,888, it’s not exactly pocket change, but it does give you entry to the BMW club. And despite its modest figures on paper, this humble hatchback brings plenty to smile about.
Little engine, big personality
At first glance, the spec sheet doesn’t inspire excitement. With just 3 cylinders and a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine producing 122 horsepower, you might worry if BMW’s accountants have been overly ruthless.
Paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, the 116 reaches 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds, numbers that won’t set your pulse racing, especially when there are electrified alternatives zipping around town.
However, once behind the wheel, numbers become secondary; the 116’s engaging, agile personality shines through. It’s simple yet immensely satisfying.
This engine delivers torque smoothly from low revs, allowing easy modulation through tight corners. Though the artificially generated ‘BMW Iconic Sounds’ might be a little cartoonish, there’s still a sense of spirited enthusiasm each time you prod the accelerator.
One quibble though; the 7-speed dual-clutch can occasionally feel indecisive when you’re gentle on the throttle. Thankfully, steering-mounted paddles quickly banish any transmission hesitation, making manual shifts a joy rather than a chore.
If you decide to push hard, be prepared to have less-than-stellar efficiency; I clocked in 13.7km/litre on average, less than what other German rivals can muster.
Out on twisty roads, the 116 shows off BMW’s meticulous chassis tuning. Steering feel is confident and nicely weighted, giving a satisfying sense of feedback and precision. Throw the car into corners, and it eagerly responds, staying poised and balanced without any fuss or drama.
Despite its sporty intentions, the ride remains composed, thanks to BMW’s frequency-selective dampers. The suspension filters out most imperfections gracefully, although deep potholes will still send an unpleasant jolt your way.
It has grown up too
The M Sport trim, featured on this test car, significantly sharpens the experience. With a slightly lowered ride, black gloss Shadowline trims, and purposeful 18-inch wheels, the 116 carries itself with youthful swagger.
Inside, the 116’s cabin feels like familiar BMW territory. The twin-screen layout is attractive and intuitive enough, with a sensible combination of touchscreen controls and physical buttons.
The air-con vents have evolved into slender slits, operated by tiny joysticks, a design choice that makes you long for simpler times when vents were easier to manuvouvre.
Interior storage is modest at best: a small tray for your phone, two cupholders, and a compact central console box. It won’t accommodate bulky gadgets, meaning you’ll need some creativity organising daily essentials.
Practicality extends into the rear, though three adults might be a bit of a squeeze due to the lower headroom.
The boot swallows up to 380 litres, growing to 1,200 litres with seats folded, more than adequate for most daily duties. There’s even a thoughtful cubby for the luggage cover.
Missing a few luxuries
At this price point, certain features you’d expect as standard are missing. There’s no head-up display, adaptive cruise control, or 360-degree camera, equipment increasingly common on cars costing significantly less.
It’s clear BMW intends the 116 as a gateway drug: enticing enough to pull you in, but leaving you craving more from pricier models down the line.
Still, it’s not completely bare-bones. Soft-touch surfaces with classy hand-stitching, aluminium-trimmed ambient lighting, and the snug M Sport seats all contribute to a premium feel.
The BMW gateway experience
Ultimately, the 116 doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. It won’t worry sports cars at the traffic lights or beat a fully-loaded Korean hybrid in a fuel economy showdown.
However, it captures BMW’s core values remarkably well, delivering genuine driving pleasure, sharp handling, and understated style in a compact package. It might be the entry-level rung on BMW’s ladder, but it feels authentically part of the family.
Technical Specifications
BMW 116 M Sport
Engine: 1.5-Litre in-line 3 TwinPower, Turbocharged
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Power: 121 bhp
Torque: 230 Nm
Gearbox: 7-Speed (A) Steptronic
0-100km/h: 9.8 seconds (claimed)
Fuel Economy: 15.2/litre (claimed)
Price: S$223,888 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)
Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on YouTube and on TikTok!
