World Green Car Confirmed for Australia
In the twenty-first century the ultimate driving machine must have green credentials and it is no surprise that BMW won the 2008 World Green Car of the Year for its 118d.
The BMW 118d is another product of the Bavarian firm’s EfficientDynamics onslaught. It joins 26 other new and updated models which blend performance, frugality and BMW’s renowned driving dynamics. With fuel consumption of just 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres and carbon dioxide emissions of 119 grams per kilometre, the 118d should be in strong demand when local deliveries begin in the final quarter of 2009. BMW has established an outstanding reputation for its diesel engines and the unit which powers the 118d is a beauty. This turbocharged, common-rail, 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit features a weight-saving aluminium crankcase.
Producing 105 kW of power and an impressive 300 Nm of torque, this high-tech diesel engine whisks the BMW 118d from zero to 100 km/h in just 9.0 seconds. So being green does not entail any compromise in performance. It provides a fitting reminder of the recent advances in diesel powerplant technology. The 118d is yet another example of BMW’s EfficientDynamics strategy, which aims to deliver greater driving pleasure as well as superior fuel-efficiency with lower emissions.
Auto Start Stop, which switches off the engine at the lights to save fuel, as well as a gearshift point indicator are just some of the Efficient Dynamics technologies fitted to the BMW 118d. Intelligent energy management (Brake Energy Regeneration) serves to efficiently generate electric power for the car’s on-board network. To provide this effect, the alternator is activated only when the engine is in overrun and when applying the brakes, thus relieving the engine of the usual loads and power uptake.
Further BMW EfficientDynamics measures include ‘on-demand’ management of the air conditioning compressor as well as electric power steering.
The BMW 118d was voted World Green Car at last year’s New York Auto Show. The jury acknowledged the significant impact and effect of the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy giving the BMW 118d its low consumption and emission ratings.
The jury, made up of 47 motor journalists from 24 countries, awards the title “World Green Car” to vehicles and technologies able to make a particular contribution to the reduction of emissions. The BMW 118d convinced the experts above all through its unparalleled balance of driving pleasure, on the one hand, and economy, on the other.
“The BMW 1 Series is the ultimate driving machine in the compact segment and at the same time is a perfect example of the broad-scale introduction of Efficient Dynamics,” said BMW’s general manager of marketing, Tom Noble.
“Having just released 26 new BMWs with the latest European Efficient Dynamics technologies for greater driving pleasure and efficiency we’re delighted to extend the range with the BMW 118d, last year’s World Green Car” he said.
