BMW 1 Series Coupé
Introduction
A prestige coupé in the green section? You'd better believe it; BMW's 123d combining big car performance with supermini-rivalling economy and emissions.
What is it?
The BMW 1 Series might be seen by many as the ugly duckling in the range, but if you're a motorist wanting an enjoyable driver's car that's got planet-friendly emissions and economy then look no further. And in three-door, booted coupé guise we actually rather like the looks. It achieves its green-ness by being the range in the BMW line-up that's first to demonstrate BMW's clever EfficientDynamics fuel and emissions reducing technology. It works by scavenging energy when braking, utilising consumption-minimising electric pumps and engine auxiliaries and featuring a stop-start system that shuts down the engine in traffic. All that means this is a genuine performance car that offers supermini-rivalling efficiency. To put how effective BMW's changes have been, this (rather heavy) 123d Coupé, with a 0-62mph of 7 seconds, emits less CO2 than the Renault Twingo GT we tested last week.
How does it drive?
If this is green motoring then we're all for it. The 123d is bettered by some of the smaller engines in the line-up for economy and emissions, but the difference is tiny. And the performance on offer from the 123d's new twin-turbo engine is so appealing it's unquestionably the powerplant of choice in the 1 Series range. The benchmark 62mph is reached in just 7.0 seconds, but that only demonstrates a tiny portion of the 123d's performance repertoire. Its in-gear flexibility is where it truly shines, a mere whiff of pressure on the right-hand pedal resulting in strong, surging response. It makes the 123d a very easy car to drive, quickly. Such is the ample torque several of the cogs on the sweet-shifting six-speed manual transmission are redundant. The ride is improved over its hatch relatives too; it's still firm, but not quite as uncomfortable. Certainly the 123d is as capable on a long motorway haul as it is on a back road thrash. The rear-wheel drive chassis is beautifully balanced, but we'd like bit more feel from the steering; as it is the messages coming through the thick steering wheel aren't that clear.
Planet hugger or planet mugger?
It's difficult to comprehend that a car giving such enjoyable performance characteristics can really be considered green. Official figures see the 123d Coupé emit just 138g/km, helped a great deal by the stop-start system and BMW's clever power scavenging EfficientDynamics technology. Official combined economy is 54.3mpg, and while you're not going to see that when you use all its performance, over 50mpg really is possible if you're not tearing around. That's hugely impressive, and proves that performance motoring, low emissions and decent fuel economy are not mutually exclusive attributes. With BMW rolling out EfficientDynamics across its model line-up as each model is refreshed, its range will be attractive to green-minded motorists who don't want to make any compromises on performance.
Verdict
The 123d really is a remarkable little car. Brilliant fun to drive, with its beautifully balanced rear-wheel drive chassis and powerful, punchy engine. And it's also green. It really does feel like you're getting something for nothing, which, due to EfficientDynamics you effectively are. However, if BMW could remove some of the 123d's bulk it would result in even lower emissions and greater fuel economy and be even more enjoyable to drive. It's not cheap though, this car in standard guise retailing at over £26,000. We think it's worth it.
Kyle Fortune
Wednesday January 9
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