LAST year the latest BMW 1-Series was launched and now the German firm is expanding the range with a choice of new engines and trim levels.
Three new powertrains are available and the most frugal is the 116d EfficientDynamics model which is powered by a 116hp, four-cylinder 1.6-litre turbo diesel.
It is capable of a top speed of 124 mph and takes just 10.5 seconds to reach 62mph. It delivers the power smoothly and the claimed combined mpg figure is an astonishing 74.3.
Thanks to its low CO2 emissions of just 99g/km the EfficientDynamics model qualifies for the lowest BIK rating of 13 per cent making it attractive to company car drivers and private motorists alike as it also qualifies for zero road tax.
It is priced from £20,885.
Also new is the 125i 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo petrol engine which features a TwinScroll turbo. It develops 218hp and sprints to 62mph in just 6.5 seconds.
It is only available in five-door M Sport form and is priced from £26,030. It can still manage up to 44mpg and has emissions of 152g/km.
The most powerful diesel version of the second generation 1-Series is the 125d.
Like the other three diesel units available it uses a 2.0-litre engine but this one has been tuned to produce 215bhp - 34bhp more than the 120d.
Again it is only available in M Sport guise and prices start from £27,820.
The version I tried was fitted with the optional eight-speed auto gearbox which improves efficiency to 58.9mpg.
Fitted with paddle shifters it costs an extra £1,600, while the regular auto box is £1,490.
The engine is a real cracker and sprints to 62mph in just 6.5 seconds and goes on with ease. Top speed is a claimed 149mph.
It feels strong and flexible in all conditions and the auto gearbox is a perfect match for it.
If you choose you can select sport mode which will make it kick down earlier but in normal driving there is so much torque you won't need to.
The 1-Series stands out from all its rivals because it is the only one with rear-wheel drive and this makes it much more of a driver's car.
It offers excellent balance, flows through bends and has stacks of grip while the steering is well weighted.
The M Sport suspension is firm and although this does make the car very agile, you will feel most bumps and road imperfections.
The M Sport trim adds a range of sporty touches, including 18-inch alloys, sports seats and the sport suspension.
Inside it is much the same as all other models in the range with a superb dash layout and clear instruments.
The materials are smart and soft to the touch and the M Sport package gives you the sport seats, a DAB radio and iDrive system as well as a chunky leather-clad steering wheel and a number of M Sport badges.
With the performance to match its hot hatch looks, the 125d M Sport is tasty. Given how economical it also is - it will not be short of buyers.