60mpg + for new eco 3-Series diesel (From Community Newsgroup)

60mpg + for new eco 3-Series diesel

9:19am Thursday 25th June 2009

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BMW unveiled detaiils of the new BMW 316d ES Saloon earlier this week, and are now billing it as the most fuel efficient 3-Series ever produced.

Using their award-winning EfficientDynamics technologies, plus a new 2.0-litre powertrain, the confusingly named 316 ES can return a whopping 62mpg on the combined run, and approaches 80mpg on the motorway.

Buyers will also benefit from just £35 road tax, and a low 13 per cent benefit-in-kind ranking for compnay car drivers, which means fleet buyers will be rubbing their hands with glee.

BMW say it's class leading technology which rivals can't come anywhere near to matching, and provides the model with a range of up to 800 miles on just one tank full.

Factor in its CO2 emissions of just 118g/km, and the vehicle becomes the most fuel efficient and cleanest BMW 3 Series ever. In fact, only the BMW built mini is more enviromentally friendly, so its fair to say the cleanest car to wear a BMW badge.

However, the car's performance will dissapoint some drivers. A 116bhp output figure delivers zero-60mph in a sedate 10.9 seconds, and torque of 260Nm, albeit from 1,750rpm, isn't massive for a modern diesel.

All models come with a six speed gearbox as standard, self shifters are optional extra, but will no doubt kill the enviromental benefits. The new BMW 316d Saloon goes on sale in the UK in September, priced at £23,330 OTR.

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