So, you've got it in the bag, you are the producer of the "World Green Car of the Year", what next? Sit back, relax and watch the plaudits roll in? Build a new shelf to put the awards on? Or, alternatively you could continue striving for better performance and better economy figures, which is exactly what BMW have done.
There must have been a few raised eyebrows when the "World Green Car of the Year" turned out to be a BMW. Renowned for producing luxury cars, the German manufacturer wouldn't necessarily be top of the list for most people when it comes to the production of green cars. Not ones to rest on their laurels though, they've been at it again, with the introduction of the BMW 1 Series 116d. Greener than the World Green Car of the Year.
Powered by a four-cylinder, 1,995cc, diesel engine that produces 116 hp the 1 Series 116d three door can accelerate from a standstill to 62 mph in10.2 seconds (10.3 seconds for the five door) before going on to achieve a top speed of 125 mph, so it's by no means a slouch. Its crowning glory though has to be its fuel economy figures and Co2 emissions, 64.2 miles per gallon on the combined cycle whilst emitting only 118 g / km. Figures that ensure that the owner of a 116d will only pay thirty five pounds per year for their annual road tax. Not bad for a two litre diesel in anyone's books.
With two truly frugal cars in their line up BMW's green credentials look better than most. The downside however for the Bavarian manufacturer has to be the falling cost in filling any fuel tank. During 2008, the spiralling cost of fuel forced many people to take a long hard look at just how much their car was costing to run. As a result many people decided the time was right to trim those bills right back. Today the situation has swung in the opposite direction. Fuel prices have fallen dramatically as a result of the worldwide credit crunch, petrol is cheaper in the UK than it has been for many years (around three) and as a result many of those who were hauling their belts in now find themselves loosening them off a notch or two.
The success or otherwise of the 116d may not lie in its technology or indeed its fantastic fuel economy figures. Its overall success may be determined by the oil markets and the worldwide economy. If petrol prices continue in their downward trend the 116d may need to be more than just the most parsimonious sibling in the range.
Finally, although the 116d would achieve 53.4 miles to the US gallon, it will not be appearing in our American cousins showrooms as the benefits of small diesel engines does not seem to have registered yet. However, as we have seen in the recent past, things change and sometimes they change quickly. When the price of diesel begins to climb once again as it inevitably will, BMW may find themselves with yet another winner in their green fingers.
Dave Foord is the content writer for a number of websites. If you are looking for new car make sure you take a look at the new BMW 1 Series or other economical new cars.
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