Those of us who test drive cars are submerged in such a wealth of detail and such an excess of superlatives when it comes to the current generation of cars on offer, that it becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish one brand from another.

However, there are a handful of manufacturers whose local agents provide very expensive vehicles for us to enjoy and write about.

These few agents must be truly applauded and on a personal level I appreciate the Mercedes, the Audis, the odd Porsche and of course BMWs, be it a ‘humble’ Mini or a raging M5, which all stand proudly apart from the motoring masses.

The new Urban Line BMW 116d that we had out and about on one of the few recent dry days is, even in its most basic form, a grand car to throw about on the better surfaced rural roads.

These cars, with just a hint of oversteer when cornering close to the maximum safe speed, provides the driver and four passengers with a stimulating and mouth-watering drive.

Mouth-watering? Yes, because quite frankly this car is just screaming to be used seriously not only on our roads, where the handling inbuilt into every BMW makes it a grand drive, but also on roads elsewhere, which offer different challenges.

The basic model competes with the similar looking 120d, which gets to 100km/h in 7.2 seconds compared to the 10.3 that it took the test car, so the chassis and suspension on the entry level car are nicely unstressed.

The 116d has all the advantages that go with 116 bhp and 260Nm of pulling power. The sheer pull of the engine in the intermediate gears provides for a fast, carefree drive without having to pander to the gear change knob every time the foot is momentarily taken from the accelerator.

The interior is the model of luxurious living: comfortable, easy to adjust seats; keyless stop-start function; a proper handbrake, such a pleasure to grab and pull; and enough electronic software and onboard entertainment to keep Marcel Loporto, our long-suffering co-pilot, more than happy.

The brakes and suspension are frankly superb, and the emergency brake test was the expected success.

The One series is not a large car at 4,324 mm long, and 1,765 mm wide with the mirrors folded in, but the profile looks great, with a decent length of bonnet and a finely sculpted rear.

To ensure this BMW appeals to as many potential drivers as possible, the basic car has few standard features, the most important being the ECO Pro Drive (Drive Performance Control) which can save up to 20 per cent more fuel than cars without this software.

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is for most drivers the magic package that includes cornering brake control, hill start assist, brake assist, dry braking function and braking readiness. DSC detects any slight skidding and stabilises the car in fractions of a second.

The traction mode sub-function (DTC) is there to allow increased wheel slip to optimise acceleration under certain conditions, enabling more dynamic driving.

Enough is provided in this one package to keep most owners more than satisfied that the car will respond nicely to the use of hands and feet, naturally activating ABS anti-lock braking when braking hard.

This is in addition to the automatic functions mentioned above which will stop the driver coming off the road without good reason.

A warning triangle, smoker’s package, passenger airbag deactivate switch and folding rear headrests make up the standard package, and the car comes equipped with superb seat belts and six strategically placed airbags just in case it is rudely clouted.

In run-of-the-mill motoring, bumpers are liable to be damaged frequently and front and rear bumpers on this car have easily replaceable deformation elements specially designed to absorb impacts at speeds up to 15 km/h.

If a driver is unlucky enough to become involved in a serious incident the passenger cell with its system of nodes and strategically placed high-strength materials will help ensure passenger safety, providing of course that the seat belts are used.

All in all, not only does this car provide the driver with a relaxing but dynamic driving experience, it’s so well crafted that passengers can enjoy a speedy journey without discomfort or misgivings.

Verdict

Comfort
Geat even for larger people

Performance
High marks, simply because there are faster versions.

Cool
For enthusiasts and the young at heart.

Quality
Top class, as usual with BMW.

At a glance

Price
Starting from €27,950.

Top speed
200 km/h.

0-100km
10.3 seconds.

Fuel consumption
4.3-4.5 litres/100 km.

C02
114-119 g/km.

Engine
Four cylinders, four valves per cylinder displacing 1,995cc.

Power
260Nm from 1,750-2,500rpm.

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