3 series without a sedan boot

Exterior

 The exterior, although criticised to be odd in every review I had read, is nothing but a 3 series without a sedan boot and hence, is attention drawing when you see the car from the front at first. Because it looks long for the segment it is in (a hatch), it justifies its premiumness. Although the absence of xenon headlamps and LED tail lights may concern some, but in a crowded city where 2 wheelers are likely to damage the car more often than not, these low cost lights can surely put a smile on the owner's face when they are to be replaced.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort)

 Fabric seats are a great plus point over the Sensatec as I've found Sensatec upholstery to be very hard and heat emitting. I am also an ardent ahinsa promoter, so fabric seats and urethane stearing wheel give me peaceful sleep at night. Although there is no screen or i-drive, this car does have a diagnostics system where it informs you of the status of vital stats of a car like the engine oil, brake pad wear, etc. The audio system is also decent. A great thing about this car is the sensors of auto headlight and auto rain sensing wipers are highly accurate.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox

 The advantage of 116i over higher models is the higher profile tyres (as compared to low profile ones on 118d sport, etc.) it has giving the car smoother feel of suspension over potholes while driven in the comfort and eco pro modes. You hate that - put the car in sport mode and all your hates will turn into likes, trust me. The steering weighs up beautifully, engine response becomes free and exact. The tyres used by BMW are not of low rolling resistance type, hence fuel economy will be lower than otherwise. However, this feature is needed for a car of this acceleration (0-100 kmph is less than 9 seconds) for better control.

Ride Quality & Handling

 Great ride quality and handling in the sport mode. Great bump absorption in the comfort mode. You've got  both worlds and not the famously marketed 'best of both worlds'.

Final Words

 RWD, independent suspension, non-leather seats, 8 speed AT, auto headlights and wipers, big boot, runflat tyres, ABS, 6 airbags, DTCS, ease of driving in the city (length < 4300 mm) - so if you are buying a skoda superb at this price point, please think again.

Areas of improvement  

 Climate control aircon

 

Good suspension, space, boot space and driving modesLess equipment for the price