insideKENT Magazine Issue 38 - May 2015 | Page 134

MOTORS BMW 118D cont. BMW 118D M Sport 5 Door Hatch Price as tested: £33,137.98 OTR Top Speed: 137 MPH 0-62 MPH: 7.4 SECONDS Economy: Combined 47.1 MPG Performance: 170 BHP Combined CO2: 118 G/KM There's no denying that the features on offer in the 1 Series are generous, and this is extended to the driving side of things too. With stop-start tech, brake-energy recovery, and EcoPro driving mode (this optimises the throttle and climate control to boost the car's efficiency) all making the driving experience even more impressive, and the 1 Series a very reasonable car economywise (despite its sporty badge), with a combined consumption figure of 47.1 mpg. Performance-wise, the 118D M Series boasts a 2.0-litre diesel engine, giving it a very impressive 170 bhp, and enabling it to head from 0-62 mph in around 7.4 seconds, with a top speed of 137 mph. The handing is fantastic – largely because this is a rear-wheel drive car, and driving it is responsive and very exciting. The steering gives good feedback, and its balanced chassis means the 1 Series feels great at speed, helped further 134 by a sharp responsive six-speed manual gearbox, satisfyingly chunky steering wheel, and bum-tofloor seating position. The 118 M is a fantastic blend of performance, economy and style. Ticking many boxes for many people, it's bound to be a very popular car – and rightly so. Broad Oak BMW Orbital Park 1 The Blvd Ashford TN24 0GA 01233 500555 www.kentbmw.co.uk @AshfordBMW /BroadOakBMW