Auto News-BMW 118d SE

BMW's 118d isn't the prettiest hatchback around, but the uprated engine is smooth, well insulated and delivers decent performance


It's not only power that BMW is promoting at the moment. The firm has a new entry-level car, the three- door 1-Series, and is using it as a launch pad for EfficientDynamics.

BMW's latest buzzword is marketing speak for technology which is aimed at enhancing both power and efficiency.

Or in other words, more speed for less fuel. What this means is that all 1-Series models - with the exception of automatics and the high-performance 130 - are now kitted out with run-flat tyres that have less rolling resistance, and an optimum gearshift indicator.

They also feature a clever brake energy regeneration system with a special alternator that recharges the battery, plus an automatic engine stop-start function. The latter is the most noticeable addition in day-to-day driving. Come to a halt at a set of traffic lights, for instance, and when you select neutral and release the clutch, the engine switches off. It fires again when you press the pedal. Very clever stuff.

As a result of these new features, the 118d now has a combined economy figure of 60.1mpg and CO2 emissions of only 123g/km - that's 10mpg and 27g/km better than the outgoing engine. This is all the more impressive when you learn it offers an increase of 21bhp and 20Nm over the previous unit.

What's more, we reckon the rear-wheel-drive 1-Series - never the most practical or spacious of hatches - is at its best as a sportier three-door. Not least because it's £530 cheaper than the more practical model and boasts frameless side doors.



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