BMW's 118 Sport Collection: Premium touches without the premium price tag

At $64,900 drive-away, you get metallic paint, a panorama glass roof, and adaptive M suspension bundled together - something that would typically cost you extra across the options list. The front-drive hatch delivers 115 kW from its turbo triple-cylinder and comes with a five-year warranty, undercutting performance rivals while delivering cabin tech that's usually reserved for pricier variants.

• Performance: 115 kW, 230 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 8.5 s

• Efficiency + Range: 6.4 L/100 km ADR combined

• Design highlight: Panorama glass roof and Veganza vegan leather

• Safety headline: No ANCAP yet but EuroNCAP five stars (2019)

• Fleet teaser: Fuel cost $11.6/100 km; EV equivalent about $2.7

Performance & Drivability

The 1.5-litre turbo engine now punches out 12 kW and 10 Nm more than the previous 118i. That seven-speed dual-clutch transmission knows when to hold onto gears in Sport mode, yet it's smooth enough for stop-start city driving. The adaptive M suspension paired with 18-inch Y-spoke alloys gives you sharper cornering without beating you up over rough roads. Front-wheel drive keeps things simple, and that tight 11.3 m turning circle makes parking a breeze.

BMW still claims the same 8.5-second sprint to 100 km/h, but the extra power really shows in the mid-range where you need it most. The steering adjusts its weight depending on which drive mode you select - light and easy in Eco, more substantial when you want to push harder.

Design & Cabin Tech

Sport Collection models get your choice of metallic paint plus that full-length glass roof, which definitely makes them stand out from the crowd. Inside, the soft-touch Veganza trim combines with M-illuminated aluminium dash inserts and heated power seats to create something that feels genuinely upmarket. BMW's curved display setup brings together a 10.25-inch cluster and 10.7-inch infotainment screen running the latest iDrive 9, with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and over-the-air updates all standard.

The practical stuff hasn't been forgotten either: 380 L boot space, split rear backrest and plenty of storage throughout the cabin. A 65-watt USB-C port and standard wireless phone charging keep your devices topped up.

Safety & Ownership

• EuroNCAP five-star rating (2019); no local ANCAP yet, but 5-stars expected

• Driving Assistant with lane-keep, AEB, rear cross-traffic and speed-limit info standard

• Five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty; roadside assist included

• Service interval 15,000 km/12 months; prepaid packages available

Fleet Insights

• Fuel cost approximately $11.6 per 100 km at $1.82/L; equivalent EV approximately $2.7 per 100 km

• 49-strong BMW dealer network means service is accessible to metro-based fleets

• Adaptive M suspension and 18-inch wheels standard; no costly options needed

• Five-year warranty supports residual values

Sustainability Snapshot

• ADR CO2 rating 135 g/km combined

• Animal-free Veganza upholstery and LED lighting throughout cabin

• BMW Australia participates in national end-of-life battery stewardship scheme

Verdict

The 118 Sport Collection works well for drivers who want premium looks and equipment without getting stung by the options list. Fleet managers get predictable whole-of-life costs, while driving enthusiasts get adaptive M hardware and more grunt than the old 118i delivered. You should definitely cross-shop the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class, but if you want a glass-roofed, M-sprung hatch with BMW's latest tech, this limited run is worth grabbing while it's available.