BMW always love to provide the motorist with a few pleasant surprises. I can’t say I was anticipating the German car maker to pull this one out of the bag though. Like Audi, BMW provide a small diesel engine in their small 1-series. This is definitely working:; consumers are rapt with the fabulous low-cost alternative that is a clean burning option too. Fuel efficiency is exceptional, and the BMW 118d really makes sense.

Housed inside the smaller 1-series body, the torque and pleasing power output make for a sprightly drive. The resulting top speed is well above 210 km/h, and the BMW 118d has an average fuel economy of around 5 litres/100 km. This gives you an idea of how well BMW have blended the small car’s fuel economy and performance. The 118d has rear-wheel drive, so the steering and handling are loads of fun. Having the drive go through the rear wheels allows the full force of the engine’s 300 Nm to hit the tarmac early so that hard exits out of corners are quick and clinical. The joy of owning a car like this one is found in the way that you the small Beemer can be hard and fast one minute, and then the next minute can be used for commuting in slow traffic to and from work. The penny-pinching ability of the BMW 118d will be enjoyed by those who take the kids to school. And you can be sure that a new BMW 118d will do this reliably day in and day out. Powered by a two-litre turbo-diesel inline four, you can bet your bottom dollar that the design and build quality is excellent. BMW have offered the 118d with a sweet-shifting six-speed manual transmission. It’s also really nice to see is a six-speed auto option too. BMW have also popped inside the BMW 118d brake energy regeneration technology.

A “Clean and Green” image is desired by all car manufacturers world wide. Consumeralso are becoming aware of the cleaner automotive options out there. Let’s face it, the world won’t last forever. Voted the 2008 World Green Car of the Year, the 118d isn’t just frugal on fuel. It emits only 119 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre.

I love the styling of the BMW 1-series. In my book it rates as the spunkier of the BMW sedan and Coupe designs. I think it’s because the small overhangs, front and rear, are emphasised more in the smaller 1-series body. The chunky and muscly aggression of the 1-series’ stance gives the car lots of presence on the road. The leaf styled headlights and the large kidney grille fill out the front end nicely.

Interiors are high-quality, and they offer plenty of the “feel good” factor. Lots of storage compartments and electric gadgets make the BMW 118d a comfortable car to for long journeys.

BMW have gone for gold and so offer the sweet diesel engine in a sedan, hatch, coupe and convertible form – and all for around the 50k mark. Quite affordable really! For more accurate pricing get in touch with the wonderful Private Fleet team, who can find you one of the best buys in Australia.

The current model series includes the:

• 118d Sports Hatch 6-speed manual
• 118d Sports Hatch 6-speed steptronic
• 118d Convertible 6-speed manual
• 118d Convertible 6-speed steptronic
• 118d Sedan 6-speed manual
• 118d Sedan 6-speed steptronic

For any more information on the BMW 118d, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!) we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of BMW dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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