BMW HAS UPPED THE ANTE in its drive to expand its EfficientDynamics range of vehicles, today announcing the Australian market launch of the new 118d and 123d.
Each is powered by a version of BMW’s versatile 2.0 litre turbodiesel inline four, with varying turbocharger trims and engine tunes allowing a wide spread of fuel economy ratings and power outputs.
With a fuel consumption of just 4.5 l/100km, the 118d is also the most efficient BMW on sale in Australia. Voted the 2008 World Green Car of the Year, the 118d isn’t just frugal with fuel either: it emits only 119 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre.
The 2.0 litre turbodiesel produces 105kW and 300Nm of torque, enabling the 118d to run to 100km/h in 9 seconds flat.
Available in hatch, coupe or convertible body styles, the 118d is also one of the most fuel-efficient drop-tops on the market today, consuming 4.9 l/100km in convertible form.
Available with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed auto, the 118d also features brake energy regeneration and electric power steering, with manual-equipped models also scoring an auto start/stop function and an efficiency-promoting optimum shift indicator.
Aerodynamic panels and on-demand ancillaries such as the air-conditioning compressor and alternator are standard features too, and work to reduce engine load and aerodynamic drag.
Like the 118d, the 123d is also available in hatch, coupe and convertible form. However, with significantly more power and torque coming from its twin-turbocharged TwinPower 2.0 litre diesel engine, the 123d is undoubtedly the performance model of the 1 Series diesel range.
The 123d develops 150kW and 400Nm of torque, the latter of which is available from a low 2000rpm. That endows the 123d coupe and hatch with a 0-100km/h sprint time of just 7.0 seconds when fitted with the six-speed manual transmission.
Despite its impressive turn of speed, the 123d still manages to be a very frugal machine. Only 5.2 litres of diesel is burned by the 123d manual hatch and coupe on the European combined cycle, 0.2l/100km extra being consumed by the 123d convertible.
As with the 118d, the 123d manual receives auto start/stop and an optimum shift indicator. Both auto and manual-equipped models get the drag-reducing aerodynamic panels, as well as brake energy regeneration and on-demand alternators and air conditioning compressors.
The 118d and 123d will join the 120d hatch in BMW’s small car stable from November onwards, when customer deliveries are set to begin.
Pricing
* Manufacturer List Price is shown and excludes dealer charges, stamp duty, statutory charges and on-road charges which are additional and vary between dealers and States/Territories. Customers are advised to contact their nearest BMW dealer for all pricing inquiries.
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Hmmmm, that 123d coupe is approx the same price as the 320d, which has adequate performance and frugality. I think I’d rather have the larger of the two.
I like all this technology, but wonder what BMW and alike could do if they where dedicated to LPG?
My God the 1 series is still so FUGLY, 2 different teams designed the back and front and met in the middle.
Maybe they should have spent some of the budget on the design?
Cheers
F-0
I want one! The design is ok. I’m most excited about the efficiency of it. We need more cars like this in the world.
The 1 Coupe is gorgeous. The 3 door hatch(not sold in AUS) still look very good. Its just the 5 door that sux.
Sept 09 I drove the 135i and the 125i coupes - both are brilliant! The Steptronic was brilliant too, as was the manual box. But look at the 123d figures. Same torque as the 135i (400n.m.) Combined Fuel usage 5.2L/100km. 135i is 9.2L/100Km. My calcs are: 53L fuel tank. Diesel in Brisbane 119 cents. Premium 139 cents. Cost to fill - Diesel $63, Premium $74 Range Diesel 1019km Petrol 576. Cost per Km 123d = 6.2 cents. 135i 12.8 cents. Over twice the fuel cost per km. But the 123d does not have the total performance of the 135i. I have just ordered a crimson red 123d - but won’t get it til December - you would be priveleged to own any of the fantastic Coupes!