A 160KW BMW 125i COULD BE ON ITS WAY TO MZANSI

Last week we reported that BMW South Africa was planning a basketful of new product launches this year, as many as 12 or 13 in total. We mentioned one of them as being added derivatives of the new 1 Series hatch. Well, we think we’ve figured out at least two of these.

Recently BMW announced new 1 Series models. We think at least one of these will make it to our shores, and that’s the 125i which ditches the old 3.0-litre engine with 160kW for something a little more exciting. The new 2.0-litre turbo is the in-thing and goes to work for the same power output but more torque of 310Nm. They say it can go from 0 – 100km/h in about 6.4 seconds and average fuel usage at 6.6 litres per 100km, or around 780km from a full tank.

Some other markets will also gain a 116d with a 1.6-litre turbo diesel delivering 85kW and 260Nm of torque, and can travel 1 300km without refuelling. A C02 tax-free 99 g/km applies. A 125d exists too, with its 2.0-litre turbo diesel and 160kW of power. Where it trounces its petrol sibling is in torque and average fuel consumption, which come in at 450Nm and 4.9 litres per 100km respectively. This means it can theoretically go an extra 280km more than the petrol-powered 125i.

We’d be quite surprised to find out these two models are destined for SA. Pleasantly so of course.