Superchipped 120d Sport

[noble3r]

Ever wondered what the best 'diesel' alternative is to the modern day hatchback. Cars like the astra VXR, Golf GTI, Focus ST, Megane R26. Cars that can be driven around hard to entertain the racing driver in us or used by the wife to go shopping. Dual personality cars I like to call them. All are available on the used market for approx 15K

The 120d has the added bonus of not making you look like a chav!!

After driving my friends 120d theres a strong arguement for me that it makes the 130 seem a tad overpriced. For an extra 500 squid the superchip transforms the car. Adding some 35 BHP and alot more torque. Not sure of exact figures. I haven't driven a standard 163 bhp 120d but my friends made a refreshing rear wheel drive hot hatch alternative. With the benefit of BMW engineering, rear wheel drive, good spec, cheaper insurance, 5 doors etc I real would encourage people to drive one. A good spec 05 car can be found for 13995.

As an everyday car which looks sensible but modern and has the overtaking power of a 330d the 120d seems a great buy.

[mmm-five]

But the same people that would chip a 120d would chip a 130/330d as well - so the gap would still be there, and you get at least 'some' rear legroom in the Golf, Astra, Megane.

Still prefer RWD with less power to FWD with more - just wish they could do something about the transmission tunnel (although mine's a 4 seater anyway).

Edited by mmm-five on Monday 1st October 11:16

[PJR]

mmm-five said:

But most people would chip a 330d as well - so the gap would still be there, and you get at least 'some' rear legroom in the Golf, Astra, Megane.

I doubt 'most' owners chip their cars.. Leg room in a 1 series isn't too bad. The real problem is the abysmal rear seat access via the rear doors, which seem strangely positioned and at odds with the rear seats themselves.

Anyway, the 120D is a good drive in standard form. And im sure the added oomph makes them more fun. I would do it to mine if 1, it hadnt been smashed up on friday, and 2, Its an auto, and I don't want to torture the box.
I also wouldn't touch superchips with a barge pole, but being a diesel, its perhaps ok (no timing for them to screw up).

P,