BMW 118d SE: Test Drive

Date: 03 June 2007   |   Author:

Category: Lower medium Prices: £15,580-£32,330 Key Rival: Audi A3

Though we may have gone for the extra power of BMW's 120d for our new long-termer, the less power-conscious, or more cash-conscious, will be drawn to the 118d.

Powered by a detuned version of the same 2.0-litre diesel, the 118d puts out 143PS, 34 down on the 120d, but balances that with fuel consumption 2.5mpg better at 60. CO2 emissions are lower, but both models fall into the same 18% BIK band.

BMW's revolutionary Efficient Dynamics technology cuts emissions and raises economy through a number of small measures such as the start-stop feature that automatically cuts the engine when the car's at a standstill, restarting seamlessly when required. Other features include power regeneration, reduced resistance tyres and new power steering.

We'll be finding out what it's like to live with a three-door 1-series over the next six months, but apart from the absence of some performance, what we find about the 120d is also true of its sibling.

The cash saving by opting for a 118d is a little under £1500, on top of the better fuel consumption figure, so if you can live without the extra performance then it's certainly worth considering.

Verdict: New BMW tech works well in entry diesel

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