BMW 120d xDrive is from BMW 1 Series and this car is really amazing to drive. The xDrive model exhibits its added capabilities very lightly. Other than that it is much like a standard BMW 120d – along with that car’s usual issues.
One outcome of running a transmission tunnel through what has been a fairly compact hatch has been somewhat compromised accommodation. That hasn’t really altered too much.
It is 85mm longer than the old 1 Series; the new car has the wheelbase that has been increased by 30mm, with 21mm of that extra inter-axle length gone to further rear legroom. Both tracks have been widened too, by over 40mm at the front axle, and over 60mm at the back.
The exterior styling of this 120 xDrive car is a bit neater and smarter than it was in the pre-facelift version, especially at the front. For the very first time, full LED headlamps along with low and main beam have been efficiently added to the options list, along with Adaptive LED headlamps a further option.
These effortlessly follow the path of the road ahead, and also modify their beam according to the kind of road and conditions at any of the given moment. At the back, revised tail lamps along with a familiar BMW ‘L’ shape design also embrace LED tech. The 1 Series is yet a bit more cramped in the rear than something like Golf.
Nevertheless, the cabin is actually good deal better looking than most opponents, along with a revision to the dashboard slight controls. Both the air vents and the controls mainly for the radio and the automatic air conditioning now mark chrome surrounds, while options of the radio and automatic air conditioning keypads are simply set against high-gloss black paneling.
There is also a standard freestanding and 6.5-inch Control Display. Just select the optional Professional Navigation system and a bigger 8.8-inch display is smartly fitted. Like all the models of 1 Series, this one is optionally accessible with a 40:20:40 split rear seat backrest: easy folding one or more of the sections permits boot capacity to be increased in the stages from 360 to 1,200-litres.
The key piece of engineering beneath the 120d xDrive is not different to the system found in an Audi A3. The decent 120d xDrive utilizes a multi-plate wet clutch rather than a mere Torsen differential and this will send almost 60% of the engine’s torque to the back wheels and 40% to the fronts of the car.
When it observes wheel slippage, up to the 100% of the drive can be directly sent to either axle within one tenth of a second. BMW has improved the rear suspension to adjust the modest weight increase of the four-wheel drive mechanicals but the company declares that this has been done to propose a common feel between the cars relatively than to differentiate the efficient driving dynamics of the strong xDrive model.
Under the bonnet of the car, there is the very same upgraded 190bhp turbo diesel four-cylinder engine that is now a tad quicker off the line than the standard BMW 120d engine. The sprint to 62mph takes only 6.8 seconds on the way to a 138mph maximum, the traction advantages negating the 40kg weight gain. T
You just have to remember that all-wheel drive provides you better acceleration on the low-friction surfaces but it can’t supply more lateral grip or braking power. Examine investing in some winter tyres to get the best from this particular car.
The 120d xDrive mainly comes only in five-door form in the whole 1 Series Sports hatch range and brings a price tag of nearly £28,500 which is £3,000 more than the economical five-door 120d with 2WD. In other words, it is barely inexpensive. Still, that looks quite reasonable value for money given that an enemy Audi A3 Sport back 2.0 TDI Quattro S Line with just 150bhp will set you back only around £600 less.
Mercedes-Benz might very well weigh in with an A-Class competitor but for the time being at least, BMW appears to have a good run at this particular market. Our current run of terrible winters has witnessed winter tyre sales soar and along with SUV sales still buoyant, there is plenty of space for a sporty option that still offers great economy of fuel.
The all-wheel drive xDrive version of the BMW’s astonishing 120d brings added grip without influencing emissions and economy greatly. The BMW 120d is, undoubtedly, a more capable car than its rear-wheel drive counterpart but you have to check whether the price of this little bull suits you.
So, it can be said that the BMW 120d is majestic vehicle in rear-wheel drive form and the xDrive all-wheel drive chassis increases quite a lot of extra efficiency without affecting the car’s feel.
The steering wheel isn’t about to become crooked by unmanageable torque-steer and the car isn’t going to become a doggedly understeery. In fact, in most road circumstances you’ll not notice the all-wheel drive system. It’s only when the going gets little bit slippery that it comes into its own.
Equipped with a decent set of winter tyres, the 120d xDrive would make an exceptionally discreet tool for winter driving fun. Yes, that’s right. Aside from the traction advantage, you’re still getting a car that can average better than 60mpg yet has the capability to push under seven seconds to 62mph. So, I hope you’ll choose this car if you want both styling and performance. Wouldn’t you?
