SOMEWHAT in contrast to the bio-fuel Megane, BMW have recently announced additional interesting variants to their (Ford Focus-size) 1 Series.

The coupe, on sale in November, will be available as the 123d with the world's most powerful production four-cylinder diesel engine.

This all-aluminium unit boasts twin turbo chargers, an output of 204 hp, 148 mph top speed, a 0-62mph time of only 7.0 seconds and yet has a combined mpg of 54.3 along with a very respectable 138g/km emission figure. On the other hand, go for the flagship 135i Coupe with its 3.0 litre twin-turbocharged petrol engine of 305 bhp. This can whizz you up to an electronically limited 155mph, reaching 62mph in just 5.3 seconds along the way. High precision direct injection and variable valve timing technology, along with the extensive use of lightweight materials, enables the car to deliver a combined figure of 30.7mpg and 220g/km CO2 emissions. No prices yet however.