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

[BHR4CE1]

Source: MotorAuthority.com

http://www.motorauthority.com/content/thumbs/b/m/bmw_1_series_three_door_main_630-0108-636x360.jpg
Rated at 53.4 US mpg, the 116i is as efficient as the Toyota Prius and upcoming Honda Insight.






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.

[boxboss]

This is way BMW should be moving, rather than those silly H2 powered cars. A $26k BMW that gets 53mpg - that would move a lot of US buyers to their column.


Source: MotorAuthority.com

http://www.motorauthority.com/content/thumbs/b/m/bmw_1_series_three_door_main_630-0108-636x360.jpg
Rated at 53.4 US mpg, the 116i is as efficient as the Toyota Prius and upcoming Honda Insight.






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.

[NoM6D]

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.

Maybe I'm just slow - except when I'm driving - but this doesn't make sense. If the technology has already been developed, economies of scale should dictate more volume generating more profit for the engine production.

Low expected sales volume? If BMW could get these to US shores in time for next summer's oil/gas spike, they'd sell like hotcakes. Do they meet US crash specs? Are Euro regulations more or less invasive - could that be the reason they're not imported? Makes no sense to me... :shake: But then, I'm 1.5 cylinders short. Maybe I should put one of these in the trunk to make up the difference.

[karen1122]

Maybe I'm just slow - except when I'm driving - but this doesn't make sense. If the technology has already been developed, economies of scale should dictate more volume generating more profit for the engine production.

Low expected sales volume? If BMW could get these to US shores in time for next summer's oil/gas spike, they'd sell like hotcakes. Do they meet US crash specs? Are Euro regulations more or less invasive - could that be the reason they're not imported? Makes no sense to me... :shake: But then, I'm 1.5 cylinders short. Maybe I should put one of these in the trunk to make up the difference.

From what I understand, one of the major issues with the diesels is the vast range of fuel quality and emmission standard found within our state laws. Without consolidation of these 2 standards, the car must be tuned to the worst case scenario where the performance is just not passable.

My knowledge is largely based on heresay. Anyone have the facts?

[boxboss]

From what I understand, one of the major issues with the diesels is the vast range of fuel quality and emmission standard found within our state laws. Without consolidation of these 2 standards, the car must be tuned to the worst case scenario where the performance is just not passable.

My knowledge is largely based on heresay. Anyone have the facts?

MB has dealt with the diesel quality issues and for the 335d, so has BMW. Urea injection is a proven technology and provides emissions acceptable to all 50 states. I'm not sure that's the problem.

As far as performance, how much could you expect from a small 4 cyl diesel that gets 53mpg anyway?

[BHR4CE1]

As far as performance, how much could you expect from a small 4 cyl diesel that gets 53mpg anyway?

TORQUE!!!!!!

[boxboss]

TORQUE!!!!!!
The 116d has 196 ft-lb which pales compared to the 135's 300 fl-lb.

[chuck92103]

Had it been available here, I would chose it over my GTI. But I think I would have chosen a VW diesel over the 1 if it were available at the time. VW diesels were not around at the time. 50-60MPG is very good for an everyday cruiser.

[boxboss]

I would imagine this 5 door 1er touring would sell well in the US (why isn't it offered - even with a gas engine) with a diesel that gets even 40+ mpg.

[Richard in NC]

I would imagine this 5 door 1er touring would sell well in the US (why isn't it offered - even with a gas engine) with a diesel that gets even 40+ mpg.

:agree: Especialy now with folks looking for economy and value. I think it would do as well as the A3. It would also kind of complete with the Mazda 3.

[karen1122]

From what I understand, one of the major issues with the diesels is the vast range of fuel quality and emmission standard found within our state laws. Without consolidation of these 2 standards, the car must be tuned to the worst case scenario where the performance is just not passable.

My knowledge is largely based on heresay. Anyone have the facts?

Wow, how wrong can I be!!! Watching the football game and on comes the diesel commercial. Crow really does not taste so good.

[boxboss]

:agree: Especialy now with folks looking for economy and value. I think it would do as well as the A3. It would also kind of complete with the Mazda 3.
It might even compete with the Mini, which could be part of the reason, too.