BMW Announces British 116d, the Brand's Most Fuel Efficient Car

Just like we told you, 2009 is going to be a pretty special year for BMW, as the German carmaker plans several new model launches during the next 12 months. And it may seem like BMW hurries to show us all its new goodies as it today announced the brand's most fuel efficient and least polluting vehicle, namely the new 116d, now launched in the UK. And having a look at the technical specification list shows us that the new car is indeed a vehicle particularly focused on fuel-economy and engine emissions as it has a combined consumption figure of 64.2 mpg with CO2 emissions of 118 g/km.

This means “the BMW 116d trumps the current World Green Car of the Year, the BMW 118d,” the German carmaker proudly said in a statement released to the press.

In short terms, the 116d comes in two body configurations, with three and five doors, and incorporates a four-cylinder 2.0-liter engine that produces 116 horsepower and 260 Nm of torque at 1,750 rpm. Even though it may seem like this is a small-displacement engine, other highlights also include a 0 to 62 mph acceleration done in 10.2 and 10.3 seconds for the three and five doors versions, respectively. Maximum speed is rated at 125 mph (about 200 km/h).

“The BMW 116d costs just £35 a year to tax courtesy of a Band B Vehicle Excise Duty rank, while its 13 per cent Benefit-in-Kind rating also ensures it makes economical sense for the business user,” BMW explained in the statement.

Set to arrive on the British market in March 2009, the three and the five doors versions cost from £17,605 OTR and £18,135 OTR, respectively.