BMW's new 116d tops 53mpg, rivals hybrids

The 1-series has been a popular staple among premium small-car buyers in Europe for some time, but it has only hit the U.S. recently. The fun-to-drive and attractive compact has just gained a new sibling in the form of the 116d, powered by an efficient four-cylinder diesel. Unfortunately it's only available in Europe. Despite the absence from American shores, it's still a technological feat to appreciate. With its 53.4 US mpg rating in the European combined cycle, the 116d is as efficient as the current Toyota Prius and next-gen Honda Insight hybrids. And at 116hp (86kW) and 192lb-ft (260Nm) it's just as powerful as the hybrids too - not to mention a good deal better looking. The 116d is highly practical too, available in both three and five-door guises. It's not a sports car in 116d trim, returning a 10.2 second dash to 62mph (100km/h), but it is low in CO2 emissions at 118g/km and therefore cheap to maintain and operate with Europe's emissions charging schemes. The future of the diesel BMW in America is still not 100% clear, but the smaller diesels are not as likely as those found in the 7-series and other larger cars due to the cost involved in their production and the low expected sales volumes - both of which eat into already small profit margins. It just isn't a viable business proposition yet, but as 2008 proved in inimitable style, things change. The 116d goes on sale in Europe in March at an on-the-road price of £17,605 ($26,706) in the UK.

by mburleigh8 #1, Posted: 1/8/2009

Good job BMW.
by NoNameDenton #2, Posted: 1/8/2009

I want in it America please, RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by AMERICANINFRANCE #3, Posted: 1/9/2009

Great Job BMW.Its too bad that in America we have to have the twin turbo six diesel because we must be able to go zero to sixty in one or two seconds !!!!!

I'm here in France where the speed limit on highways is 75mph.I can't tell you how mant times a small deisel or gas engine peugot,renault or bmw goes by me at 85 or 90 with its tiny engine.If they can live with small engines so can we.WAKE UP AMERICA AND LIVE WITH CARS THAT GET 50MPG.Even if the cars cost a little more you'll double your mileage and save the USA about 250 billion a year in oil purchases.
by danDAN #4, Posted: 1/9/2009

this smacks oil industry conspiracy theory all over it...small cars that don't use much gas kept out of america..okay there is the Prius but think about all the oil involved in shipping it..dun.dun duhhhhhh
by Jim #5, Posted: 1/9/2009

BMW, bring the diesel to the US and that hatch version of the 1 with it.
by NoNameDenton #6, Posted: 1/9/2009

I am with Jim, while in certain light the 1 series coupe and cabrio are nice, the hatch versions of the 1 are sapce efficient.