A small hatchback with rear-wheel-drive may be rarer than a 10-year-old kid with a long attention span but both are equally welcome although the former is a lot quieter.

While BMW Asia is still deciding whether or not to introduce the BMW 1 Series for the Singapore market, one parallel importer has already done so.

BHP Automotive is offering the five-door BMW 116i for $103,555, thus making it the only BMW model in Singapore that comes close to the $100,000 mark.

First introduced in 2004, the 1 Series is unique among the compact hatchback competition for having a classic front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout.

Unlike other front-wheel-driven hatches like the Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golf, the 116i has very different driving characteristics.

The baby Beemer actually feels like a little 320i, with dynamic handling and those typical BMW traits of accurate steering and excellent composure.

That is because even if it doesn't share the same platform as the 3 Series, it does have more than half of the latter's components, including the front and rear suspension.

The only drawback is that the 1.6-litre four cylinder engine is just about adequate. It lacks the oomph of a bigger six cylinder unit although manually shifting the six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission does help to eke out every last horsepower.

But once the 116i gets going, it feels almost as magical as its bigger Beemer brothers.

There is that instant turn-in and delightful agility around corners and over uneven surfaces. Just try not to slow down.

While some have criticised the 1 Series for a cramped interior, the rear bench is actually acceptable for anyone six feet and below. But a third average-sized adult in the back seat will certainly make it too snug for comfort.

A three-door 1 Series with a profile that looks more balanced was unveiled at last month's Geneva motor show.

But BHP Automotive only has the five-door version for now. An optional M Sports Package is also available. Costing an extra $13,000, it includes the M bodykit, M sports suspension, bigger 17-inch rims, bucket seats, an M steering wheel as well as sports pedals and M scuff plates.

Also on special order are the 120i and the range topping 130i with the superb three-litre, aluminium/magnesium straight-six engine. Good things do sometimes come in small packages.

Engine: 1,596cc inline-4
Gearbox:6-speed Steptronic transmission
Max power: 115 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max torque: 150 Nm @ 4,300 rpm
0-100 kmh: 10.8 secs
Top speed: 200 kmh
Price: $103,555 (with COE)
Distributor: BHP Automotive.
Tel: 6844-4473