Here’s an unescapable reality – entry-level premium cars almost always lack the ‘wow’ factor that their costlier counterparts have.

They may share some basic characteristics as their more expensive counterparts – think general build quality and resale value, but you can’t help but feel that there’s something missing from the overall ownership experience.

Which is a problem that the previous generation 216i suffered from. And it seems like this issue, superficially anyways, remains unresolved even in this latest iteration, especially when you realise that it shares the same basic underpinnings once you peel the updated bodyshell back.

But this is a classic case of why you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.

Distinctively Matured

Where the previous generation car played it relatively safe with the styling, BMW opted to integrate their controversially enlarged kidney grilles into the design of this car. In BMW models higher up the food chain, these have been known to divide opinion. They sure draw attention, but at the expense of the class, which you’d have expected from the Bavarians.

It appears that the super-sized nostrils are more tolerated on cars that have the mechanical mettle to match its aggressive looks. And yet somehow, it works well in this application. The headlights and bumper all play a part in creating road presence.

Gone are the soft, yet featureless lines of its predecessor – this all-new car is more grown up and muscular than ever before. Round the back, you’ll find smaller light clusters, sharp lines and even textured trim panels all working in unison to match the visual sophistication up front. It is when you start noticing these small details that you really start to appreciate the leap made by BMW from the older F45 cars to its latest offerings.

Properly Premium Cabin

The interior has also been thoroughly overhauled. Plenty of kit will come as standard on the car, and you’ll also find an infotainment/cluster combination that is visually similar to the units you’d find on higher-end BMW models.

There are plenty of soft touch materials scattered throughout the cabin, and whilst there are hard plastic pieces within its interior, everything feels nicely screwed together. It helps that these panels have some form of texture or colour to them, giving them a premium vibe.

This form factor is also good for passenger comfort, as space is decent all round. Comfort is further improved with BMW’s Sensatec synthetic leather, which does a good job in simulating natural leather of a decent quality.

Mature On The Go

With a 1.5 litre, three cylinder lump, you’d not be winning a traffic light Grand Prix anytime soon. It has just about enough power for you to commute with, and it goes about its business quietly and efficiently. Though it can sound a little agricultural when you demand too much, too quickly from the engine.

Built on the same platform the BMW uses to create the MINI, it is surprisingly entertaining to drive on a good bit of road. By no means is it as capable as a product built by the Anglo-German brand, but it really isn’t too far off. 

Also commendable is the car’s brakes. Or rather, its brake feel. The pedal is stiff, and there’s sufficient feedback through the pedal meaning you can always accurately modulate the anchors for smoother decelerations.

A Worthy Bavarian

I’ve actually spent a fair bit of time in the last generation 216i Active Tourer, and it never really felt complete to me. Sure, it is efficient and silent, but there’s nothing really distinguishing it from a more affordable product built in Asia.

The same isn’t true for this latest 216i. It preserves the efficiency of the old car, but pairs it with handling, quality and equipment levels that you’d really only find in higher end BMW models. This iteration of the 216i AT has a certain X factor that its predecessor lacked.

If your budget only allows you to buy a 216i AT, you’d definitely not be disappointed. This is a solid, capable family car that is easy on your wallet and surprisingly entertaining to drive!

Editor’s Note: Article has been updated in October 2024 for additional clarity.

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