BMW 125i 2013 Review

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering -- would you buy one?

What is it?

The is the 1-Series you'd have if you couldn't run to the six cylinder 135i. It's a classy, quick five door hatch.

How much?

The price is $49,500 for the 125i with M-Sport package that includes eight speed auto transmission and premium satnav. It's right on the money with competitors.

What are competitors?

Plenty of new (front drive) cars coming through including the Benz A250, Audi A3, Volvo V40.

What's under the bonnet?

It's a petrol four cylinder with variable valve timing both side as well as variable valve lift, twin scroll turbo and direct fuel injection. Power is 160kW with 310Nm of torque. Drive is to the rear wheels.

How does it go?

Zot. Quick no matter how you look at it, this is a quick little device with zip off the mark and strong pull right through to engine redline. Great dynamics too, sporty and comfortable, excellent steering with variable sport steer system, strong brakes.

Is it economical?

OK at around the 7.0 mark, better if you're careful on at least 95 RON petrol.

Is it green?

Fairly, Has auto stop/start, EcoPro drive mode and other techy stuff.

Is it safe?

Five stars

Is it comfortable?

Well featured with Bluetooth phone and audio, leather sports seats, dual zone climate,voice control, on board computer, rain sensor, keyless entry and ignition. Seats for four adults and some luggage.

What's it like to drive?

Sharp. Enthusiast drivers will like this one. The wheel feels good in your hands and there are plenty of choices to customise the drive feel. The eight speed auto is superb and comes with paddle shift and multiple modes.

We had to continually remind ourselves we were in a 1-Series and not a 3-Series. It has a sporty feel to the dynamics, excellent steering thanks to the variable sport steering system, strong brakes and even sounds pretty good.

Is it value for money?

You'd have to have it on the short list. Feels like a 3-Series from behind the wheel, Goes like a sports sedan in a straight line and around corners.

Would we buy one?

Maybe. Not really fans of the new 1-Series styling particularly the frontal treatment. But it's great to drive and has plenty of kit spoiled a tad by the cost of options and packages. It is after all a small five door hatch, albeit, a supremely safe and well built one.

BMW 125i M-Sport

Price: from $49,500
Warranty: 3 years/unlimited km
Service Interval: 12 months/15,000km
Safety: 6 airbags, ABS with EDB, TC, ESC
Crash rating: Five stars
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder, 160kW/310Nm
Transmission: 6-speed manual, 8-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Body: 4324mm (L), 1765mm (W), 1421mm (H), 2690mm (WB)
Thirst: 6.6/100km, 154g/km Co2