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BMW 120d: more business appeal for new baby BMW

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18 August 2011

BMW 120d SE business car road test report

BMW 120d SE road test report

BMW 120d SE

What is it?

THE second generation of BMW’s 1 Series hatchback, arriving seven years and 2.2m global sales after the debut of what BMW billed as the first-ever ‘premium’ hatchback.

This new version addresses, with partial success, some of the too-obvious shortcomings of the old: most notably poor passenger and boot space, despite overall dimensions larger than most rivals like Audi’s A3 and VW’s Golf.

But although larger still – longer by 8.3 centimetres, wider by 1.4cm – the new BMW 1 Series is no class leader; an inevitable function of the space demanded by a longitudinal engine (north-south positioning under the bonnet) and rear-wheel drive – rivals such as the Audi A3 are front-wheel drive. The proclaimed pay-back for rear-wheel drive, much trumpeted by BMW at the original’s launch and still unique in the sector, was sporting handling to a level denied to its front-wheel drive rivals.

But, despite being a huge success with business drivers as an attainable BMW business car, the first-generation 1 Series disappointed and the second, judging by a test drive in the 2.0 litre diesel 120d SE, is only modestly better.

Turn-in is sharp; but there is a lumpen response from the rear as weight transfers and the driving experience lacks much of the ‘fun factor’ associated with rear-wheel drive.

There are plenty of upsides, though: the new 1 Series styling is much sharper; the engines on offer – initially two petrol and three diesel – are the class act of the sector and for the business car user, in particular, there awaits the 116d EfficientDynamics version – BMW’s first-ever 99g/km CO2 car and thus exempt from VED and London congestion charge – as well as future-proofing company car tax increases.

The new BMW 1 Series tested here is the 120d SE model, priced at £23,480.

What’s hot?

  • Business user ‘prestige’ starts fairly cheaply: £19,375 for 116i ES petrol
  • All diesels rated at 62.8mpg combined
  • New ‘ECO PRO’ throttle/gearchange programme ‘teaches’ frugal driving
  • Seamless 8-speed transmission option – but pricey at £1,490
  • Wider track and suspension changes have improved ride comfort
  • Build quality and interior materials a significant step up…
  • …now ‘mainstream’ BMW standard
  • Strong residuals should keep contract hire rates low…
  • …BMW Partnership offer is currently £329 a month
  • Lusty performance of diesel engine: 7 secs to 60mph, 142mph…
  • …yet a lowly 119g/km CO2 for a 13% company car tax band in 2011/12
  • Interior redesign improved ambience for long-distance business user
  • Choice of alternative versions: ‘Sport’ and ‘Urban’….

What’s not?

  • …but lurid Urban version – bright orange, white spats…
  • …will appal BMW traditionalists
  • Satnav, Bluetooth, part of Business Advanced package – £1,550, please
  • Dynamics still not great; more enjoyment from a good front drive rival

What you need to Know?

P11D Value: 23,425
Monthly Rental*: 349 (CH)/£420 (PCH)
Tax Band when posted: 13%, 17%, 18%
Monthly BiK: Click link for BIK
Engine: 2 litre four-cylinder turbo diesel
CO2 Emissions: 119g/km
Power/torque: 184bhp/380Nm
Economy: 62.8 mpg

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Ralph Morton

Ralph Morton

Ralph Morton is an award-winning journalist and the founder of Business Car Manager (now renamed Business Motoring). Ralph writes extensively about the car and van leasing industry as well as wider fleet and company car issues. A former editor of What Car?, Ralph is a vastly experienced writer and editor and has been writing about the automotive sector for over 35 years.

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