What’s hot?
- Strong performance from a two-litre, 181bhp engine; top speed is 143mph and the 0-62 acceleration time is 7.2 seconds.
- CO2 emissions a reasonable 125g/km for a company car tax band of 21% in the 2014/15 tax year.
- Other business-friendly diesel versions available, also two litres, with 141 or 215bhp.
There’s a decent list of kit, and although it may not look like it in this pic, rear legroom is improved on the 1 Series - Slick six-speed manual gearbox.
- Combined economy figure of 58.9mpg impressive with this level of performance.
- Boot size of 390 litres bigger than old car and beats rival models.
- Snug driver-focused cabin, nicely sculpted trim features.
- Engine is EU6 compliant (the latest emission standards for cars).
- Very clear white-on-black instruments.
- More rear legroom and adequate headroom.
- Good standard kit list, includes multimedia screen and iDrive controller, Bluetooth, rear parking sensors, keyless start, auto-dim mirror all standard.
- Emergency Call system and Drive Performance Control also included.
- Excellent cabin quality and classy trim.
- Generally low noise levels.
- Handy fuel flow display under the rev counter helps you to drive economically.
What’s not?
- Boot size still relatively modest at 390 litres.
- Engine becomes quite vocal when pushed hard.
- It’s a coupe, so access to the rear seats is quite restricted.
- It’s a coupe, so you are paying extra for fewer doors and a svelte shape.
