FIRST DRIVE
BMW 118d - Test Drive
Go green - that's the call from governments across the world and German maker BMW has listened and has launched the BMW 1-Series 118d with EfficientDynamics.
LOOKS
The car looks like an 'ordinary' BMW, and unlike some of the rival green models this 'Beemer' has no green badge, fancy stickers or steel rims. BMW has stayed true to its brand identity
The test car came in SE trim, which means a staring price from £18,880.
EFFICIENT DYNAMICS
The green system according to BMW brings more performance for fewer emissions thanks to the cars regenerative braking, electric power steering and an automatic start-stop function.
ON TEST
On the road we had the 2.0-litre rear-wheel drive diesel car. One of the green aspects of this car is that the gear ratios are quite long but this does not affect it – it is very responsive right through the gearbox from first to sixth.
For an oilburner, the performance figures are pretty good, zero to 62mph sprint in 9.0 seconds and a top speed of 130mph.
A problem for many is the Run Flat tyres on the 1-Series as they can give a really hard ride. Driving over bumps and lumps in the road is no fun - you can feel every uncomfortable undulation in the road. The latest generation of Run Flats are better but the ride could do with being improved.
The 1-Series does put a smile on your face when you get it away from the urban jungle. BMW has never forgotten its core market - it makes cars for driving enthusiasts and the 1-Series is no different.
'Push on' and you'll find that the handling is at the top of the class, the car also feels planted to the road. The steering is one of the best things about the car, feedback from the wheel is first class, it is direct and you can feel exactly what the front wheels are doing - a boon for driving entusiasts.
The six-speed gearbox allows for quick changes, is refined and slots into place very smoothly.
INTERIOR
Jump into the 1-Series and you'll see that the German maker has used a mixture of classy plastics and materials. Standard kit included Climate control, rear parking sensors, trip computer, electric power-steering, ISOFIX, Auto Stop-Start, auxiliary input, DSC traction control, run-flat tyres, brake energy regeneration system.
PRACTICALITY
This is another downside - the 1-Series lacks serious practicality. At best interior space is limited while boot space is about the same size of a decent supermini - not a great boast. You can fit a set of golf clubs in at a push without having to lower the rear seat, add a trolley to the load and the seats will need to be lowered.
AT A GLANCE
| Name/Price: | BMW 1-Series 118d SE/From £18,880 |
| Engine/power: | 2.0-litre/BHP/141bhp |
| Co2 emissions: | 119g/km |
| Official Combined fuel economy: | 62.8mpg |
IMN VERDICT
The BMW is a fantastic drivers car – and it has an array of green dynamics, like the ultra low emissions of 119g/km and the makers claimed combined economy of 62.8mpg. However the Run Flat tyres let the car down on ride comfort while interior space is at a premium.
Simon McBride