125d - End of the traditional Hot Hatch?
Discussion
BMW have just introduced the 125d to replace the 123d which, I think, everyone agrees is a fantastic car.
Unfortunately, the 125d is only available in 5dr form at the moment, but will surely be available in the Coupe/3dr when they launch it.
Figures:
Combined MPG - 57.6
Power - 218 hp
0-60 - 6.5
CO2 - 129g/km
Cost - It is an expensive car though, probably about £30k with extras. Ouch.
So, all the power of a hot hatch, with the economy of a family hatch. The only downpoints being the lack of a decent soundtrack and perhaps a very narrow power band. Yes, yes, people will reply with "but it's a diseasal" and "they sounds crap" "they handle crap, heavier engine" "diesel costs more", but look at the grand scheme of things. With BMW announcing M Division diesels, this is clearly the first step in the new strategy.
To be honest, I think it's a compromise a lot of people are willing to make...
So, how long will the "modern day" petrol, hot hatch last? Are it's days numbered? Will they be replaced with diesels/hybrids, or just smaller capacity forced induction (like we're seeing more of these days?)
I, for one, completely buy into the concept of the 125d (in coupe or 3dr form!).
Discuss, show your working.
Unfortunately, the 125d is only available in 5dr form at the moment, but will surely be available in the Coupe/3dr when they launch it.
Figures:
Combined MPG - 57.6
Power - 218 hp
0-60 - 6.5
CO2 - 129g/km
Cost - It is an expensive car though, probably about £30k with extras. Ouch.
So, all the power of a hot hatch, with the economy of a family hatch. The only downpoints being the lack of a decent soundtrack and perhaps a very narrow power band. Yes, yes, people will reply with "but it's a diseasal" and "they sounds crap" "they handle crap, heavier engine" "diesel costs more", but look at the grand scheme of things. With BMW announcing M Division diesels, this is clearly the first step in the new strategy.
To be honest, I think it's a compromise a lot of people are willing to make...
So, how long will the "modern day" petrol, hot hatch last? Are it's days numbered? Will they be replaced with diesels/hybrids, or just smaller capacity forced induction (like we're seeing more of these days?)
I, for one, completely buy into the concept of the 125d (in coupe or 3dr form!).
Discuss, show your working.
Everything you have stated is true be it positive or negative.
However, I truly believe that BMW have made a mistake, although much of it is down to people foresaking everything else in the fight for economy (a whole different discussion!), by installing 4 pot engines in a much wider variety of cars than before.
Many magazines have already stated that the new 4 cylinder turbo petrols are coarse and lack any of the aural thrill of the straight 6s. For the sake of a few mpg why would they do this.
Same goes for the bigger, prestige cars - E250d, BMW 520d, Jag XF 2.2d etc. Why pay a huge amount of money for something with a nasty little engine - big, luxury saloons should have big engines.
Rant over!
However, I truly believe that BMW have made a mistake, although much of it is down to people foresaking everything else in the fight for economy (a whole different discussion!), by installing 4 pot engines in a much wider variety of cars than before.
Many magazines have already stated that the new 4 cylinder turbo petrols are coarse and lack any of the aural thrill of the straight 6s. For the sake of a few mpg why would they do this.
Same goes for the bigger, prestige cars - E250d, BMW 520d, Jag XF 2.2d etc. Why pay a huge amount of money for something with a nasty little engine - big, luxury saloons should have big engines.
Rant over!
junglie said:
Everything you have stated is true be it positive or negative.
However, I truly believe that BMW have made a mistake, although much of it is down to people foresaking everything else in the fight for economy (a whole different discussion!), by installing 4 pot engines in a much wider variety of cars than before.
Many magazines have already stated that the new 4 cylinder turbo petrols are coarse and lack any of the aural thrill of the straight 6s. For the sake of a few mpg why would they do this.
Same goes for the bigger, prestige cars - E250d, BMW 520d, Jag XF 2.2d etc. Why pay a huge amount of money for something with a nasty little engine - big, luxury saloons should have big engines.
Rant over!
As you say, you cannot deny that they have reacted to consumer demand.However, I truly believe that BMW have made a mistake, although much of it is down to people foresaking everything else in the fight for economy (a whole different discussion!), by installing 4 pot engines in a much wider variety of cars than before.
Many magazines have already stated that the new 4 cylinder turbo petrols are coarse and lack any of the aural thrill of the straight 6s. For the sake of a few mpg why would they do this.
Same goes for the bigger, prestige cars - E250d, BMW 520d, Jag XF 2.2d etc. Why pay a huge amount of money for something with a nasty little engine - big, luxury saloons should have big engines.
Rant over!
Of course, this is the logical outcome of a fuel, road and company car tax system that encourages the take-up of diesel engined cars above petrol engines.
I read somewhere a while back that when honda release the type r version of the new civic that will only be available as a 5 door too.
Love a 3 door hot hatch.
Wouldn't have thought the people buying "hot hatch" versions of cars could give two hoots about the practicalities of 5 doors. Has the a++e dropped out of the hot hatch market then?
Love a 3 door hot hatch.
Wouldn't have thought the people buying "hot hatch" versions of cars could give two hoots about the practicalities of 5 doors. Has the a++e dropped out of the hot hatch market then?
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