BMW 120d xDrive review

What is it?

SIMPLY, a thoroughly refreshed version of the popular BMW 1 Series hatch. Here in 120d xDrive form, the Audi A3 rival has received efficiency tweaks under the bonnet, while on the surface BMW has given the 1 Series a much-needed makeover.

Gone is the frumpy design at the front replaced by a much cleaner face, which from various angles now gives it a resemblance of the smaller 3 Series. The German manufacturer has also made its entry point into BMW ownership more affordable by introducing a cheaper to run three-cylinder diesel capable of over 83g/km.

Here we have the more powerful and pricy BMW 120d, fitted with BMW’s all-wheel drive xDrive system.

The BMW 120d xDrive is powered by a 187bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine and is capable of a still impressive 65.7mpg with emissions of 119g/km.

But if you can manage with only 148bhp, the refreshed 118d model might appeal more to company car buyers as it now dips below the magic 100g/km of CO2 barrier, with emission of 99g/km.