BMW 118d Convertible Car Review

Facts At A Glance
Car: BMW 118d Convertible
Prices: £24,390-£27,065 - on the road
Insurance Group: 13
Emissions: 129g/km
Performance: 0-60mph 9.5s / Max Speed 129mph
Fuel Consumption: (combined) 57.6mpg
Safety: Twin front, side & head airbags, ABS, DSC
Dimensions: Length/Width/Heightmm 4360/1748/1411

An Eco-Friendly and Economic Convertible

Our Rating: No Rating Available

I always thought that convertibles are for the elites, the upper class, and for the moneyed few. It is a fuel-drinking monster who needs constant refueling. My assumptions haven't been exactly proven wrong. But what is shocking is BMW's 1-Series Convertible range that runs on diesel and its major strength is fuel economy.

One of the main goals of 118d Convertible is to make it as affordable as possible. Making it reachable to people in the lower rung of the ladder, though not exactly the masses, but still it's an improvement. It makes you think twice, right? This new range is powered by a 2.0 liter diesel engine and produces a generous 134bhp. With this, the 118d can go from zero to 60 miles per hour in 9.5 seconds and the top speed is 129mph. Not a sportscar material but still, it is a convertible.

Usually a convertible shakes and rattles because of its overhead metalwork but the 118d Convertible made do without that, it is composed and responsive thought some of the sharpness and fluency of the 1-series hatchback has been lost. The top is a fabric roof that opens in 22 seconds at the speed of 25mph. Costumers can choose between the classic black, beige or the new anthracite silver fleck. It is a fabric literally flecked with silver or metallic fivers and looks quite unique. With the roof down, it has a respectable baggage allowance of 260 liters and additional 45 liters if the top is up. And there is also a ?convertible? setting if the top is down for the air conditioner. The Convertible and Coupe both have identical silhouette with long bonnets, short overhangs and set-back glassy 'greenhouse' proportions. It is possible that when the Coupe was designed, the designer also had a Convertible in mind.

Its running costs are low but there are still factors to consider like the packages to be installed which certainly aren't cheap. But at least they are not stingy in terms of installing gadgets and equipment. They all get stability control, advanced braking system and four airbags. There are also roll-over hoops to protect the passengers if the car becomes dirty. There are different trim levels to choose from: ES, Sport SE and M Sport. ES is the cheapest but it is better if you get the Sport to get the best deal.

In terms of eco-friendliness, no question that this car passes the test. It can return 57.6 mpg combined and its carbon dioxide emissions are only at 129g/km. This is possible thanks to BMW's EfficientDynamics program. With a collection of different mechanisms that do their given tasks, however insignificant it may seem, they were to create this big impact that would eventually help the environment. That is if all car manufacturers think this way.

It may not be that quick but it's far from being slow. The design is enviable, it's small and well-engineered and it is reachable. On the road it would cost £23,660 to £26,485 within the insurance Group 13. All in all, it is a good bargain.