BMW 116d Car Review

Facts At A Glance
Car: BMW 116d
Prices: £17,605-£21,160 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 10E
Emissions: 118g/km
Performance: 0-60mph 10.2s / Max speed 125mph
Fuel Consumption: (combined) 64.2mpg
Safety: Twin front, side & head airbags / ABS / DSC
Dimensions: [5dr] Length/Width/Heightmm 4227/1936/1430

Car for Less

Our Rating: No Rating Available

Nowadays, critics and costumers alike cry for efficiency and greenness. With its EfficientDynamics technology, BMW was able to set standards in cutting back running costs. And now here comes one of the most efficient, but slightly less powerful, 116d.

How do you save on fuel costs and still spot on its sharp rear-wheel-drive handling? That is the question that BMW could certainly answer. The same 2.0 liter four cylinder diesel engine was used in the 116d as of its previous units but the discrepancy lie on its being powered by a 116bhp unit. Still, it can go to 60 from zero in 10.2 seconds and has a max speed of 125mph-these figures won't leave you feel deprived. It is no slouch with the max torque of 260Nm at 1750rpm. Buying and choosing this car depends on your priorites.

It is rear wheel-drive which sets it apart from its rivals who tend to send the power to their front wheels. Manufacturing a front wheel-drive is undeniably easier and cheaper, that is why most of the cars are using the front wheels. But it does not posses the slick body control, the perfect balance in bends and the supremely judged damping that you can feel in a BMW.

The problem does not lie in the backstage but rather the superficial area and also the comfort of the passengers. Try opening the one of the doors of the hatchback and you will see that the space is cramped and even smaller than a supermini. But of course, this car is not about practicality its about economy and efficiency.

The 116d is available in standard, ES, SE or M Sport trim levels and bodystyles with three or five doors. As a standard, buyers will get steel wheels, electric windows, trip computer, a CD stereo and 60:40 split rear seats. The interior ay be called Spartan but the safety equipment is more impressive that contains DSC stability control and a very advanced braking system. Aside from that there are the standard fron, side and curtain airbags.

It's pricier than a Volkswagen Golf and a lot more than a Ford Focus but they don't have the rear wheel drive, quality and offered low running costs the BMW presents. The 116d have a return value of an astonishing 64.2mpg on a combined cycle and its carbon dioxide emissions are at 118g/km. That makes it an unbelievably cheap car to run. All this thanks to the EffecientDynamics program of the BMW whith Auto Start-Stop system, brake energy regeneration that recycles energy, Servotronic electric power steering and an optimum gear shift indicator. All these perform their separate and small functions but when combined they made BMW's fuel efficiency possible.

One important aspect of producing or manufacturing anything may it be automobiles, buildings, houses even vegetables and meat, efficiency and environmental impact must always be taken into consideration. The BMW 116d may be at the lower end of the 1 Series or more expensive than most family hatchbacks but they do not have BMW's fuel economy, unquestionable quality and the pride the brand name brings.