Test drive BMW 1 E87 2004 - 2007 hatchback

Illusions and provocations

It seems that on the streets we are one. They look at us and are surprised. This is clear. For many BMWs of the first series, it seems like not BMW. And the point here is not only in the song Black Boomer and a color film with a similar name. Just after the name of the brand in our scale of values, the dimensions go. Not because we are so well-fed that our feet are crowded, and the stomach rests on the steering wheel, but because on the top five, and even better, it is somehow easier to go in the left row, leading to all the transverse bixenon horror.
But time will definitely correct us. When gasoline will cost like in Europe, when it will have to be in a place in the parking lot it’s already at 7 o’clock in the morning, and the car will lose its style-forming essence even more, we will understand that the BMW unit is not only a full member of the Bavarian family, but in a sense one of its best representatives. Let's get rid of stereotypes today!
 
The fall before last, when the model was first represented by reporters, one of its designers swore to me that the place in the driver's place in the 1st series is exactly the same as in a three-lash. I admit, I did not check with the ruler, but according to the sensations - this is true, and with an increase of 186 cm at the wheel you can feel very comfortable. True, if you turn through the right shoulder, it is clear that of course, there is not enough for the knees of the rear passengers. But look around - even in cars that we are commonly called family, the rear bench is usually empty. And BMW is a car for the driver. We will be equal to this.
 
Another illusion is the 118i index. In fact, not 1.8, but a two -liter engine is hidden behind it. Its 129 forces, of course, would be good with mechanics, on our car there is a 6-speed machine, which is offered as an option. If you believe the manufacturer, then it provides the maximum torque at the start, however, to remove the removal, you need to push the gearbox lever to the left, towards your knee. So you can overwhelm the programs manually, but you can trust the stepbronics. In this mode, the box gives the motor to spread before switching to the next gear to higher speeds, which provides very decent acceleration. We will not forget that under us is the only rear -wheel drive class, and where all other hatchbacks of the segment C will be uncertainly when starting, BMW will squat on the leading axis, providing a clear connection with the road and the very pleasure for The steering wheel, which was chosen by the motto of the Bavarian company. A curious detail. The way the car is steering, plus a characteristic sound that is reflected from asphalt and surrounding houses, when the engine gains 4000 rpm, as if it provokes sharply jumping into a neighboring row or screwing into a turn with a breakdown into the axles of the rear wheels. Plus, the very modest dimensions that, when viewed by someone, can cause thoughts of non-restraint and crowding, when you sit inside, on the contrary, they report a pleasant sense of unity with the car. There are, of course, many cars are faster and closer, but not everyone can boast of such a provocative character. And it's great. After all, we still have at least six months before the next snowfall.
  
 

Text Dmitry Gronsky, photo Alexander Antonov

BMW 118i
 
Gasoline engine, 4 cylinders, ahead
Working volume (cubic cub) 1995
Power (L.S. at rpm) 129 at 5750
Moment (nm at rpm) 180 at 3250
Length/width/height (mm) 4225/1750/1430
Fuel consumption (highway/city/average) 6.1/10.7/7.8
Acceleration to 100 km/h (c) 9.4
MAX. Speed \u200b\u200b(km/h) 204

Costs (01.04.06-17.06. Mileage 750 km)
Total mileage 5750 km
Gasoline 1560 rub.
Moika 600 rub.
The washer fluid is 180 rub.
 

A source: "Autopilot"