BMW 1 Series 5 Door 125d M Sport company car review
Car review: RICHARD LOFTHOUSE
What is it?
Latest addition to BMW’s second-generation 1-Series, its compact, rear-wheel drive premium hatchback. While business buyers will also be smitten by the tax-buster versions of this model, the 125d is a hugely appealing and very fast alternative. It is aimed at customers in search of a more dynamic, sportier drive but without sacrificing excellent fuel economy and CO2 emissions. From £27,820 OTR.
What’s hot?
- It feels very fast, with huge amounts of torque and a 0-62mph time of 6.5 sec…
- …yet still offers combined mpg of 57.6 and emits just 129g/km CO2
- M-Sport trim, in addition to SE spec, is standard, which means hot looks from 18-inch M Star-spoke light alloy wheels and high gloss external trim, plus special upholstery inside
- M Sport suspension transforms the 125d into a real sports car
- Every dimension slightly bigger than previous model, which adds considerably to luggage space, with 1200 litres available when rear seats are dropped, plus a flat load bed
- Magnificent 8 speed auto box is a no-brainer – auto stop-start still works, and paddle shifters come as standard for a really sporty experience…
- …But there’s still a six speed manual box for traditionalists
- Vast improvement in the looks department over the old, pre-2012 model
What’s not?
- As ever with BMW, the options list is tempting and expensive. Cruise, integrated sat nav and metallic paint add £3,000 on their own…
- …At which point you could have already bought a 3-Series
- …while the no-brainer 8 speed auto box adds another £1,490
- Lower mileage buyers might prefer the identically fast 125i, petrol equivalent model, which costs £1,790 less to buy
Business Car Manager Road Test Verdict
There’s no doubt about it. This is one of those rare cars that will equally satisfy your accountant and your petrol head. On the test drive, it did not feel like a poor cousin to the V8-engined M3 we’d just driven. In fact, with its lower weight and 450Nm of diesel torque, the 125d felt nearly as quick.
That’s an extraordinary verdict for a vehicle boasting a claimed fuel economy of 57mpg (versus a real world 14mpg for the M3, for a sober comparison).
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It’s the way it goes that brings out the smiles
Furthermore, while the M-Sport trim comes as standard and will reinforce residuals, it’s really up to each owner to decide whether to spec the flamboyant, valencia orange paintwork of our test car, or to tick the silver box and a more conservative guise.
