Leaner, greener BMW 1 Series headed for Oz

BMW Australia is finally set to bring the 2008 World Green Car of the Year to Australia in early 2010.

The 118d is a super-lean diesel 1 Series that is likely to touch down in Australia for around $45,000 – almost certainly below the luxury specification version of the new-generation Toyota Prius that goes on sale next week.

The 118d records an average fuel consumption figure of 4.5 litres per 100km, which is 0.3 litres less than the existing 120d.

BMW Australia says it is close to locking in a decision, but is still gathering feedback from dealers on the switch.

BMW Australia spokesman Toni Andreevski said switching to the 118d would allow the company to better express its green message.

“It gives you more to communicate, especially seeing that the car was the World Green Car of The year in 2008,” he said.

“The fuel economy figure of 4.5 litres per 100km is quite a striking number.”

The 118d runs a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine generating 105kW and emitting just 119g/km of CO2.

It has an automatic engine idle-stop function, brake energy regeneration, on-demand ancillary units such as alternator, a gear-shift indicator and low-rolling-resistance tyres.

The World Green Car of the Year award is given by a judging panel of 47 motoring journalists from 24 countries to a vehicle that contributes most to reduced emissions and which symbolises environmental awareness of the winning car-maker.

Meanwhile, BMW has announced details of the most fuel-efficient 3 Series it has ever produced, the 316d.

Using an enhanced 2.0-litre turbo diesel, the 316d can cover 100km using just 3.75 litres of diesel for a range of 800km.

BMW Australia has ruled out importing the 316d, preferring to press on with the existing 3.

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