2017 BMW 125i REVIEW | BMW’s Pint-Sized Hot Hatch Just Misses the Mark
A hot-hatchback that sends power only to the rear wheels is a rare beast these days and should be cheered – yet the 2017 BMW 125i slips quietly under the radar.
It has been an almost meek performer within a circa-$50K sporty-hatchback cohort that includes such loud-shouting models as the Drift Mode-equipped Ford Focus RS and powered-up Volkswagen Golf GTI 40 Years.
Quietly, however, the $48,900 (plus on-road costs) 125i has also become the top seller in the BMW 1 Series range, now stealing one-third of all sales despite costing $12K more than the entry-level model grade.
Its maker calls it a hidden gem, and with the combination of a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder in a five-door hatchback driving the back wheels, they could be right.
Vehicle Style: Hot-hatchback
Price: $48,900 (plus on-roads)
Engine/trans: 165kW/310Nm 2.0 4cyl turbo petrol | 8sp automatic
Fuel Economy Claimed: 5.9 l/100km | tested: 9.6 l/100km
OVERVIEW
BMW last year lowered the price of the 125i by $2100 while simultaneously raising equipment – and clearly punters have been responding to the measures.
An M Sport bodykit with 18-inch wheels, LED headlights and LED foglights aim to create a sportier look on the outside, while cloth/Alcantara sports seats lift the interior and M Sport brakes plus ‘sport’ steering slip beneath the surface.