BMW 116d

Text: Conor Mills / Photos: Pete Gibson/Otis Clay

May 2009

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German giant BMW has refreshed its 1-Series line up – and bosses are billing this latest 116d as the cleanest and most efficient hatchback the blue propeller has built.

The styling has been left unchanged, and inside the blend of an individual layout and solid finish is retained. The low seating position leaves you in no doubt that even this entry-level 1 is as much of a driver’s car as any other BMW. Space is in short supply in the rear, although no matter where you are sitting, refinement on the move impresses.

However, the 116d really makes its mark on the road. As with other 1-Series models, it benefits from the company’s clever EfficientDynamics eco-friendly tweaks. And the new 2.9-litre engine also benefits from  stop-start technology, low-rolling-resistance front tyres and an electronically controlled water pump, and all help the base diesel return more than 64mpg and emit only 118g/km of CO2.

Yet despite these impressive eco figures, the latest hatchback is no slouch. The 2.0-litre engine provides 260Nm of torque, and feels faster than you would expect – the benchmark sprint from 0-62mph is completed in 10.2 seconds.

Backing up this strong performance is enormously capable handling. As a result of its low centre of gravity, rear-wheel-drive set-up and electric power-steering, the 116d feels perfectly balanced in corners and suffers minimal body roll. Throw in a £17,605 price, and there is a lot to admire about this latest model.

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