2010 BMW 118d Coupe

Fuel Economy

Despite not achieving the promised 62.8 mpg, the car’s fuel economy rate of about 57.8 mpg is not a bad figure to say the least. The core strength of the 188d lies in its economical engine, which benefited greatly from BMW’s EfficientDynamics technologies. Having the technology in the fold allows the 118d Coupe to have a clean fuel emissions and superior fuel economy without necessarily compromising the car’s overall performance. In addition to that, BMW also outfitted the 118d Coupe with some programs from the EfficientDynamics program, including the Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start-Stop, and an optimum gearshift indicator, among others.

With the car’s noteworthy fuel economy and EfficientDynamics-laden features, owners can have more pleasure in pushing the car to its limits.

Safety/Drive Quality In terms of drive quality, people will be surprised as to how smooth the ride is. There’s a little heaviness on the steering but it’s not something that people should burn their eyebrows about. Corner turns are smooth and as we’ve said, the relatively economical engine allows you to enjoy the thrill of driving a BMW for longer distances. It also doesn’t come as a surprise – given the reputation of BMW for providing one of the best tech specs among all automakers – that the 118d’s shock absorbers can withstand the bumps and bruises of the road without compromising the high safety standards that has long been associated with BMW.

Interior As far as the interior of the car is concerned, we have to admit that the VW Scirocco has a more spacious interior compared to the 118d, which is a little too confined for our liking. Nevertheless, the 118d’s cabin still has enough room for comfortable short travels and the materials used for the interior - including the supportive cloth sports seats are nothing short of high-grade and classy, which makes you feel that you really are driving a car with the blue propeller badge.

As far as the dashboard is concerned, Buy-a-Car observed that BMW made it a point to keep it as less cluttered as possible with a lot of the major controls for the entertainment and ventilation system confined to a specific panel ahead of the gear lever. As far as every other button that’s of importance to you is concerned, everything is located on or around the multi-function wheel making it easily accessible at all times.

Range

As with any other class unit BMW has released recently, the new 118d will come in a range of other trims specifically catered to what the customer is looking for. The entry-level trim is the ES, followed by upgraded SE and Sport levels, which is then followed by the top-end M Sport. These sports models - specifically the Sports and M Sport range - cater specifically to a certain demographic that would want their 118d Coupe’s modded to the brim. As if not satisfied by the performance package of the entry-level ES, the Sports editions come with a collection of accessories and features including 17" alloy wheels, front foglights, heated mirrors, a leather steering wheel and sports seats on top of the basic ones.

Verdict Overall, the BMW 118d offers prospective buyer with the unique opportunity of availing a BMW at a modest price tag and despite its affordability, the car’s performance reaffirms the 118d as an efficient and economical model. When you’re on the market for a car that boasts of high-performance capabilities, unparalleled fuel efficiency, and a somewhat reasonable price tag to boot, the BMW 118d Coupe is as close as you can get to making the right choice. And of course, it should help that - as we’ve mentioned - the car won the World Green Car of the Year 2008 Award, which should mean a great deal who base their purchase on what the so-called experts think about the car.

TALE OF THE TAPE:

• Tag price: $37,100

• Max speed 130 mph

• 0-60 mph 9 sec

• Weight 1395 kg

• Average Fuel Efficiency 57.8 mpg

• CO2emissions 119 g/km

• Engine layout 4 , 1995 cc

• Max power 141 bhp at 4000 rpm

• Max torque 221 lb ft at 1750 rpm