116d 1.5 SE 5dr Hatchback

Great Car!

I rented this car for a week on holiday in Spain in January 2018. I was pleased when I got a free upgrade to a BMW. I got a sense of how it drives in urban environments and on Spanish mountains roads. It is my first experience of driving a BMW car.

My overall feeling about this BMW is positive, and I can't think of a single reason not to recommend buying one.

How is it to drive? : The car is easy to drive. I was pleased with how it drives. Visibility from the car is great. The car stalled a few times, because it is hard to figure where the 'bite' point (the car does not communicate that to the driver so well).

The car always seemed to have power, I never felt the car was struggling or having to push it. Even when going up-hill on mountain roads or on motorways, it was already great.

Honest John describes the car 'fun to drive'. I would dispute this. I would say it is 'good to drive'. On mountain roads, I expected a thrill, but the BMW did not give that, it was very poised and grown up. So I never felt, I was going fast on corner. I could not feel being thrown left to right. It was a very different type of drive.

I also noticed that when I reached my destination, I did not feel tired, which was great (and for me the reason I like the car). I think the suspension is hard at times, but what it does is remove all the 'small' vibrations bumps shakes from the road surface and to leave the driver refreshed. The BMW suspension is very different to other cars I have driven.

Radio - It is generally good. A car such as the Honda Civic has a better sound system.

Mobile phone - I had to use a windscreen phone caddy, so I could use my phone as a sat nav. It is a shame, there is n't a place to keep phones.

Phone connectivity. I noticed, if I connected my phone via USB (for charging), it would drain my phones battery, so I had to use a classic phone charge (cigarette lighter) so I could charge the battery.

I could also play music via Bluetooth.

Luggage space, when we checked out of the hotel. Managed to cram in two suitcases (one big one medium) and two hand carries. I was doubtful and though would have to return to the hotel to pick up our bags, but managed to fit everything in! I did not want to leave luggage in the back seat in case someone breaks.

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