BMW 1 Series Coupe 120d Sport Auto 2dr Car Review - February 2012

The 177bhp engine delivers 258 lb-ft of torque at 1750-3000 rpm. These strong performance credentials allow the car to reach 0-62 mph in 7.8 seconds and give it a more than adequate top speed of 140 mph - very competitive for its class.

The engine is smooth and and road and suspension noise are also hushed. This makes the cabin fairly comfortable and quiet, although wind noise is audible at motorway speeds.

The automatic gearbox is smooth and fluid, and the superb chassis offers balance and plenty of grip. However, the big heavy diesel engine under the bonnet rather spoils things - the oil-burner dulls the handling and makes the 120d Sport Auto feel more cumbersome than the petrol-powered models in the range.

Although the 1 Series Sport models have very firm suspension, which many will find uncomfortable, it can be replaced with the regular suspension if requested.

The current generation 1 Series is a lot better looking than its predecessor and the interior, although a little drab, is a paragon of good taste and functionality.

In terms of equipment and features, the 120d Sport Auto comes with alloy wheels, air conditioning, and MP3 connectivity as standard. However, optional extras are still extensive and expensive and speccing up your car could prove to be a costly procedure. Leather seats are available for £1,010, climate control for £400, rear parking sensors for £350, Bluetooth for £400 and satellite navigation for £1,660.

The model also benefits from BMW's 'Efficient Dynamics' technology, which utilises braking, electric power steering and an automatic stop-start function to limit fuel consumption and energy wastage. The iDrive control system is also excellent although it takes time to get used to.

The 120d Sport Auto comes with driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags as standard fittings. Traction control and dynamic stability control are also standard features and should help to keep all four wheels planted on the road.

An alarm, immobiliser, remote central locking and deadlocks offer all-round security and should make thieves think twice.

In terms of practicality, the 1 Series is short on leg room in the rear although it does have more boot space than before, thanks to a longer and wider body. These changes were made after previous models received criticism for their restricted space, but unfortunately the improvements don't quite go far enough. The boot offers a mediocre capacity of 370 litres when the seats are in place and taller passengers are going to be cramped.

The 1 Series 120d Sport is quite pricey at £25,060 - however this is still fairly reasonable for a BMW. The ‘Efficient Dynamics’ technology helps the car to achieve an impressive fuel economy figure of 53.3 mpg whilst CO2 emissions are kept reasonable at 140g/km.

The car offers relatively good value for money, especially when you consider the reliability and reputation of the BMW brand.

However, the limited practicality caused by the cramped rear leg room and tiny boot means that buyers will need to give serious thought as to whether the BMW is worth the high initial cost.