Once again, this car is proof that few manufacturers understand the importance of a good driving position like BMW. The sports seats are superb, with excellent lateral support and a huge array of adjustment.
This includes the extension of the base cushion and the way the seat can be dropped deep into the belly of the car, much to the delight of taller drivers. The steering wheel also offers a comprehensive range of adjustment in both reach and rake, and the pedals and gear lever are ideally placed for enthusiastic driving.
Inside, the coupé’s fit and finish are much the same as any 1-series and while the perceived quality throughout the car is exemplary, this does make for an entirely predictable ambience.
Of course, the 123d counters by offering far more space than either, even if rear legroom and headroom are compromised for taller passengers.
Sitting in a 1-series hatchback feels dreadfully cramped by the standards of the class, but here the 123d exceeds most coupé expectations, helped in no small part by making the back a strict two-seat arrangement.
Extending the rear bodywork has allowed for an additional 40 litres of space in the boot, taking the total to 370 litres. Apart from a rather narrow aperture, it’s a welcome feature.
This might be a small coupé, but the price tag certainly isn’t. With the M Sport pack fitted to our car, it retails at £26,290. And that figure jumps to £30,835 with options such as the appealing red leather fitted. Compare it to a 330d Coupé M Sport at £34,755 and it looks pricey, for all its considerable abilities.
Once you’ve swallowed the financial implications of a 123d purchase, the prospects are better. It attracts just 18 per cent Benefit In Kind charge for company cars, and we managed 50.1mpg on our touring route.
