BMW 125i Announced, Looking Good For Australia

BMW's local 1 Series line-up could soon get a kick in the hot pants, with the new 125i variant hitting Europe this week and "looking good" for Australia.

Powered by a turbocharged 2.0 litre four-cylinder engine, the 125i offers a Golf GTI-beating 160kW and 310Nm of torque - a solid step up from the already satisfying 118's 125kW and 250Nm. (We gave it four stars, catch the review here.)

With those figures, BMW says the 125i will hit 100km/h in 6.4 seconds, and fuel consumption is listed at 6.4 l/100km on the combined cycle.

The new 125i is also a match for the 160kW of the current "old" 125i Coupe, but betters its 270Nm of torque, doing it with two fewer cylinders - and almost 2.0 l/100km less fuel.

Speaking with TMR today, BMW Australia Product Communications Manager Scott Croaker said that while the new variant has not been confirmed for Australia, "at this point, we're looking good for getting it here". Exactly when we'll see it remains unclear.

BMW's European customers will also be able drive off in a new 1 Series diesel variant this year, with the 125d entering above the 118d this week.

The 125d is driven by a 2.0 litre four-cylinder diesel, delivering the same 160kW as the 125i, but a whopping 450Nm of torque. Fuel consumption is listed at just 4.8 l/100km. This one, Croaker says, is not expected in Australia at this stage.

Hot hatch buyers, watch for more details on the 125i.

Pictured: 2012 BMW 1 Series M Sport