BMW is pleased to announce the launch of the new 116d – the marque’s most fuel efficient and least polluting vehicle.

With a combined consumption figure of 64.2mpg and a CO2 emissions figure of 118g/km, the BMW 116d even trumps the current World Green Car of the Year, the BMW 118d.

Available in both three- and five-door guises, the BMW 116d is powered by a four-cylinder diesel engine producing 116hp. The 1,995cc powerplant with its 260Nm of torque from 1,750rpm ensures it is capable of a zero to 62mph time of 10.2 seconds (10.3 seconds for the five-door) before going on to a top speed of 125mph.

The BMW 116d costs just £35 a year to tax courtesy of a Band B Vehicle Excise Duty rank, while its 13 per cent Benefit-in-Kind rating also ensures it makes economical sense for the business user.

The new three-door BMW 116d costs from £17,605 OTR, while the five-door 116d is priced from £18,135 OTR. Both models go on sale in March 2009.

New Sport trim launched for BMW 1 Series

Three- and five-door versions of the BMW 116i, 116d and 118d are now available with a new Sport trim level. Customers choosing this car over an ES model gain 17-inch alloy wheels, front foglights, heated exterior mirrors and windscreen washer jets, a Sport multi-function leather steering wheel and Sport seats. The announcement of the Sport specification marks the launch of a fifth trim level to the 1 Series line-up that historically featured Standard, ES, SE and M Sport specifications.

Prices start at £17,220 OTR for a three-door BMW 116i Sport.