Anyone tried an F30 318i (1.5)?

[Sten.]

My dad is looking at replacing his S40 D3 and I'm trying to advise him against another diesel given he drives about 6k a year, mostly around town. He's in his 70s and has no real interest in performance but also doesn't want something too sluggish/underpowered for overtaking/joining motorways. He's looking at a nearly new 318i with the 1.5 turbo engine. I'm familiar with the current 3 series (my wife drives a 320d) but I've got no experience with this engine. Anyone tried one? Painfully slow or nippy enough to be acceptable? We'll get a test drive arranged but I'd be interested to hear any experiences.