Insurance Group: 24
MPG: 62.8
CO2: 120
0-62 Mph: 9.4 secs
BHP: 143 BHP
Range: 843 miles
The suspension is also a bit too firm in the M Sport trim; however, BMW gives you the option of changing it for the standard suspension at no extra cost.
The M Sport comes with loads of equipment and this makes it relatively good value.
PROS: Low CO2 emissions and excellent fuel consumption make the 318d M Sport very cheap to run.
CONS: The 320d doesn’t cost that much more. The suspension is too firm.
The 318d handles very well, offering controlled and stable driveability thanks to the balanced rear wheel drive chassis. The 318d engine is not the most powerful but it is well refined, smooth and quiet making driving this car a joy. The cabin is well insulated from outside sounds although there is a little wind noise at high speeds. The suspension is a touch too firm, however, and this can make the ride uncomfortable.
The 318d M Sport has a 143 bhp engine delivering 236 lb-ft of torque at 1750-2500 rpm and reaches 0-62 mph in 9.4 seconds with a top speed of 130mph.
The M Sport estate comes with cloth/Alcantara seats, power steering, cruise control, climate control, rear parking sensors, stability control, alloy wheels, MP3 connectivity and stereo as standard, with optional extras such as Bluetooth for £250, satellite navigation for £1550.
The ‘Efficient Dynamics’ technology that keeps the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions low includes an automatic stop-start system, brake energy regeneration, on-demand control of engine ancillary components and tyres with less rolling resistance, along with improved aerodynamics.
BMW have a great track record for reliability so the 318d should prove to be very dependable.
Standard safety equipment includes six airbags, dynamic stability control inclusive of anti-lock braking system (ABS), cornering brake control, dynamic brake control and dynamic traction control. An optional extra is the Active Security Package (with lane change and lane departure-warning systems) and an alarm is also included as standard. The car was also given the top five star rating in the NCAP crash tests.
There is plenty of luggage space in the 318d Touring with 460 litres on offer with the rear seats up.
This model offers superb fuel efficiency of 62.8 mpg and carbon emissions of 120g/km, making it one of the most fuel efficient -- and, hence, cheap to run -- estate cars on the road.
The 320d offers more power and the same level of fuel economy and efficiency as the 318d for only a little more initial expense but the 318d is still a great car in terms of value for money due to its great fuel economy.
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