BMW 1 Series F40 118i (2019-2024)

Could be designed by a child – I'll start with the good - it has a good engine like 1 series BMWs always have. Good grip too. Unfortunately it's all down hill when you live with this car. It's actually dangerous in my view as you have to take your eyes off the road so often. The climate control buttons are too small (so you have to look down at them) and the ICE has way too many clicks to get where you want or to turn off annoying announcements etc. Car play doesn't work. I believe you have to use some bmw app but I don'dt car carplay should just work. No blind spot warning lights on mine which should be standard on new cars these days and there were no forward or reversing cameras! There are sensors but these don't see everything as I founmd out when I nudged a bar that was protecting a light pole. Sensor didn't see it and I was going really slowly and carefully then crunch. It beeped then but too late. Camera beats a sensor every day of the week. Usability just hasn't been tested it seems. As I say almost like a school project rather than the product of a company that should know better.

It has the WOW factor, that's for sure – This is my first Beamer and after driving 3 Golfs, I am more than impressed. The power of the turbo-charged 1.5l, especially in Sports Mode, in Sydney traffic and on country drives, is fabulous. The digital cockpit, voice control features including concierge function and automated emergency assist (BMW will call you if you have an accident and if you don’t respond, they dispatch emergency services to your location, as the car is monitored via Satellite 24/7) , neat little touches, such as multi colour ambient lighting, standard M sport package, multi level boot floor and wireless Apple and Android with a big screen, ....it’s the complete package. The Audi A3 looks nice, but is a glorified Golf with the same transmission and motor as the VW, well virtually the same inside space, just much more superior materials, but you pay thousands extra for the privilege. Mercedes A-Class, well the base car is underpowered in my opinion and the 2 iPad screens are so complicated, you need to do a course, well, we test drove all 3 and the 118i became the obvious choice. I custom ordered mine from Munich. Took a few months but well worth it as BMW Sydney, which is a factory owned dealership, really knows how to look after you. Note that the standard car does not have rear air vents, which I wanted and a couple of other bits and pieces that tickled my fancy. Lol. Love it. If you’re looking for that little bit extra, test drive it. You’ll fall in love.