BMW 1 Series Coupe: the performance business coupe
Review: Ralph Morton
Date Posted: 29/10/2007
Road Tests RSS FeedBMW 123d 2.0 M Sport Coupe
What is it?
Following the launch of 1 Series three- and five-door hatchbacks comes BMW's latest: a 1 Series Coupe. There's the choice of a Porsche Cayman beating 135i M Sport petrol model. Or two diesels: a 120d, and this twin turbo 123d version. It's the world's most powerful production four-cylinder diesel: there's 204hp. Yet, astonishingly, it will return over 54mpg. Sounds like the perfect business car.
What's hot?
- Truly effortless pace from twin turbo engine
- Yet easy to drive in town using all the low-down pulling power
- Supple ride adds to composure
- Quality of materials - feels special to drive
- Fuel-saving EfficientDynamics gives 54.3mpg economy
- All that performance - yet only an 18% tax banding
What's not?
- Initial braking performance too sharp
- Foot rest fouls clutch foot
- Tight to get into the rear two seats...
- ...and it remains tight in the rear for headroom
What you need to Know
| P11D Value: | £26, 125 |
| Monthly Rental*: | £444 |
| Tax Band when posted: | 18% |
| Monthly BiK: | 78.50 (20%)/£157 (40%) |
| Engine: | 2.0-litre 4cyl twin turbo diesel |
| CO2 Emissions: | 138g/km |
| Power/torque: | 204hp/400Nm |
| Economy: | 54.3mpg |
Business Car Manager Road Test Rating
Not everyone will be convinced by the styling - but what's without question is the 123d Coupe's brilliant combination of outright pace, sports handling, and outstanding fuel economy - thanks to BMW's fuel-saving EfficientDynamics programme. Add in low tax bills and the car makes a compelling sports coupe business car choice.
TAGS: BMW 123d 2.0 M Sport Coupe, BMW 1-series Coupe, BMW 1 Series Coupe, BMW 123d M Sport, 1 Coupe, BMW 1, Ralph Morton, EfficientDynamics
