An automobile with four cylinders is completely matured. In these times of downsizing and hybridization, this is one of those auto truisms that is gradually losing its relevance. Why not in the tiny class? There are already even upper-class SUVs with mild hybrid three-cylinder engines, so why not here?
The BMW 1 Series, Seat Leon, and VW Golf all use three-cylinder petrol engines in their base models, although there are minor variances. In the test cars with 110 horsepower on these pages, the VW Group depends on a one-liter engine backed by belt starter generators and a 48-volt electrical system. Both versions are theoretically available without e-support and with 90 horsepower, but the Golf with this drive is now unavailable – allegedly because to a shortage of chips.
BMW 116i: 109 horsepower, 190 Nm, 7.9 l/100 km in tests, starting at 26,850 euros, basic price series 26,850 euros.
With 1.5 liters and 109 horsepower, the BMW triple in the 116i is a touch more generous. The BMW’s entry-level model starts at 26,850 euros, with 16-inch steel wheels and halogen headlights, but a M Sport model, such as the one in the test, costs at least 32,750 euros. A seven-speed dual clutch gearbox is also available for an additional 2,100 euros.
BMW: The joy of saving
The test car is worth roughly 55,000 euros with all of the optional accessories, although not all of them are beneficial or even required for driving enjoyment on the 116i. This is how an affordable motorized base model can go without the 18-Customs aluminum with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 (2,460 euros), albeit the investment pays off with extremely strong braking values: The small BMW cuts a lot of ground here with 34.6 meters from 100 to 0 km/h, even if the competition is slowing down at a comparable rate.
The three-cylinder, on the other hand, is unable to fully use its higher displacement of 500 cm3. He moves more slowly, accelerates more slowly, and pays less attention to the gas pedal than the one-liter engines in the Golf and Leon, which have minimal hybrid assistance.
Dispensing with this technology has an influence on fuel economy, since the 116i uses roughly one liter more than its competitors in all scenarios. The fact that the BMW three-cylinder is also rougher and noisier than the VW Group‘s one-liter turbos adds to the sensation that you may have cut corners at the wrong end.
Achim Hartmann
Keyword: BMW 1 Series, Seat Leon & VW Golf Now Testing