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The start point for the best source of fleet information |
Category: Estate Prices: £21,645-£33,620
Per month: £445 Key rival: Audi A4 Avant
Effectively a detuned 320d, the 318d shares the same 2.0-litre engine, but with the wick turned down to 122PS. Having less power takes its toll on performance, and there's no doubt that, back-to-back with the 320d, the 318d feels slow.
However, the 10.9sec dash to 60mph and top speed of 127mph in the 318d remain acceptable, and around the top of the class.
Fuel consumption is also a strong point at 48.7mpg, while the 318d's insurance is two groups lower than the 320d's.
This engine also shares the more powerful unit's smooth and quiet character, but it demands constant gearchanges to keep it on the boil, which is frustrating. However, the car's handling remains top drawer and it's interesting to note the standard 16-inch alloys on our test car go some way to addressing past criticisms levied at an unforgiving ride.
Cost-wise, the Audi A4 Avant remains our pick in this class, but it's perhaps more interesting to compare the 318d with the punchier 320d. There's only £1100 difference in P11D prices and 1.2ppm separating them in cost-per-mile. Tax-wise, over three years the more powerful car costs an extra £590.
If you and your business can afford it, plump for the 320d. The 318d is a fine car, but the 320d's extra go and relaxed performance makes for a great, and not just a fine, business tool.