2007 BMW 120d Reviews

We put in several thousands of kilometres behind the wheel of one of these beaut little cars last year. At the time, we described the 120d as easily the sportiest of the diesel runabouts on the market.With refinements to the 2.0-litre common rail diesel, the 1 Series can more than ever lay claim to that crown. Even the upgraded Golf 2.0-litre TDI, with more torque, can’t match the Beemer’s figures for acceleration and fuel consumption.BMW has just upgraded the entire 1 Series range, giving the car a bolder appearance and more refinement.The previous model was good for 115kW at 4000rpm and 330Nm from 2000rpm, with 0-100km/h taking 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 215km/h. Refinements to the aluminium engine have seen power increase to 125kW and torque to 340Nm, the latter available slightly lower in the rev range from 1750rpm.The result is a car that can sprint from 0-100km/h in a respectable 7.8 seconds, with a top speed of 226km/h. Fuel economy meanwhile has dropped from 6.6 to 6.1 litres/ 100km (we were getting 7.3 litres/ 100km).The new 1 Series has a more dominant ‘‘kidney’’ grille, with clear-glass headlights that are integrated into the bumpers and a wider intake in the newly designed front air dam. Daytime running lights, ringing the headlights, are incorporated into a new bi-xenon headlight package.Adaptive headlights, which provide optimum illumination on winding roads, are optional.From the back the new 1 Series can be identified by changes to the lights and bumper.Inside, the BMW 1 Series gains new, higher-quality materials and colour choices as well as additional storage spaces.A USB port has been added to the sound system.The 120d’s engine is hooked up to a six-speed sequential auto that allows the driver to change gears manually if desired.The engine feels coarser than we remember, with a slight pause before the power kicks in. But when it does arrive it arrives in a big, hot strong rush.The small doors and heavily bolstered front seats make getting in and out of the car difficult at times.There’s room in the back for three but it is a little cramped back there.The small rear window and high-waisted design restrict rear vision.The BMW 120d is priced from $48,000.

CARSguide have obtained these official images of BMW's long-anticipated 1 Series coupe.Based on the highly successful 1 Series hatch, the surely fast and agile two-door 2+2 arrives locally early next year, most likely making its debut at the Melbourne Motor Show.BMW Australia has confirmed that we will take only the 135i, which shares its superb 3.0-litre straight-six power unit with Twin Turbo and second-generation direct petrol injection, with the acclaimed 335i coupe and sedan.It is claimed that 225kW/400Nm unit will thrust the smaller car from 0-100km/h in a claimed 5.3 seconds, a few tenths faster than either of the 3 Series. Married to rear-wheel-drive and Beamer's trademark 50:50 weight balance, the little one will make for a real show-stopper.Visually a world away from the unfortunate lines of the hatch, the coupe resumes the tradition of the BMW 02 Series.The greenhouse has been moved far to the rear, complementing the long wheelbase with short front overhang and large frameless doors. The 135i is fitted with an “M” Aerodynamics Package as standard.The arrival of the 1 Series coupe also marks the international debut of BMW's new 150kW/400Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel with Variable Twin Turbo (VTT) technology, weight-reduced all-aluminium crankcase and third-generation common-rail fuel injection.Classified as the 123d Coupe, it is billed as offering the optimum balance of dynamism and economy 4.8 litres per 100km.A lesser diesel — the 130kW/350Nm 120d — will also be offered in Europe.At this point, there are no plans to bring either oiler our way — though surely one of these plus a petrol model to sit under the 135i are inevitable.Standard safety features include airbags, crash-optimised front seat backrests and headrests. And much is being made of the suspension with rear-wheel-drive, aluminium double-joint tiebar axle at the front and five-arm rear axle in lightweight steel.Dynamic Stability Control including Dynamic Traction Control, energy-saving Electric Power Steering with Active Steering an option.Prices are to be confirmed.But if relative affordability can be married to dynamic ability, this little Beamer will almost certainly race out of showrooms.It helps that the 1 Series Coupe, unlike the hatch, has no obvious rival.That engine in that shape with that badge and all that the latter evokes, combined to make this one BMW's most-anticipated model in decades.  SnapshotBMW 135i CoupePrice: TBAEconomy: 9.2L/100km combinedEngine: 3.0 litre inline-six Twin TurboTransmission: six-speed manual and auto (probable)Safety includes: ABS, DSC, DTC