BMW unveils its most affordable coupé

BMW has opened up the possibility of stylish rear-wheel drive motoring to more people with the introduction of two new 1-Series models - one of which stakes a claim as the cleanest diesel coupé available in the UK.

The 118d and 120i coupés are the new diesel and petrol starter models for the range, with the former offering 119g/km of CO₂ and 62.8mpg combined from its four-cylinder 143bhp engine. That makes it good for just £35 per year in VED tax, yet it's capable of 0-62mph in a very reasonable nine seconds flat. 3

The 120i Coupé performs better, but of course it's to the detriment of economy and emissions, with the four-cylinder petrol unit returning 42.8mpg combined and 153g/km of CO₂, but in exchange offering a 7.8-second 0-62mph dash.

Prices start at £20,500 for the 118d, though you'll have to cough up £23,375 to get it in popular M Sport trim. The 120i starts at £21,115, and both go on sale in September.

Mark Nichol