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BMW 123d photos

We got a chance to play with a BMW 123d with a diesel engine, a car not sold in the U.S., to see what we're missing. With its excellent performance and fuel economy, who could ask for more?

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
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1 of 9 James Martin/CNET
BMW only began selling the 1-series in the U.S. last year, but only in coupe and convertible forms. This hatchback diesel is not available here.
BMW123d_003.jpg
2 of 9 James Martin/CNET
Bosch, which makes diesel engine components, is promoting diesel cars in the U.S. as a way to increase its markets. This 123d shows that diesel cars are not the soot-spewing, slow-moving hulks of yesteryear.
BMW123d_004.jpg
3 of 9 James Martin/CNET
The 123d's engine is a turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder diesel engine. It makes 295 pound-feet of torque at 2,000rpm, and 201 horsepower at 4,400rpm.
BMW123d_007.jpg
4 of 9 James Martin/CNET
The hatchback body is a particularly nice style for the 1-series, maximizing cargo space yet still having a nimble, short wheelbase.
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5 of 9 James Martin/CNET
This 123d is also fitted with an M package, giving it a sportier suspension than the standard model. In cornering, it showed excellent BMW handling, with little under- or oversteer and a slight rear slide making the car easy to pivot.
BMW123d_012.jpg
6 of 9 James Martin/CNET
Diesel only, please. With a 13.4 gallon tank and average fuel economy of 45 mpg, the 123d has excellent range.
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7 of 9 James Martin/CNET
The hatchback offers easy access to the cargo area. The rear seating area is tight, but has better headroom than the coupe.
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8 of 9 James Martin/CNET
The cargo area has plenty of room for luggage or groceries.
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9 of 9 James Martin/CNET
There isn't much in the cabin to let you know the 123d is a diesel. The big clue is the tachometer, with its 5,000rpm redline.

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