This new 116d is the cheapest BMW diesel, the lowest-polluting and the most economical model
in the BMW range... it's also one of the best. In fact, it's one of the most
sorted hatches you can buy, full stop.

The 116 badge is the lowest of
all BMW monikers, but 116d does not mean 1.6 litres - this is the same
2.0-litre diesel lump that appears in the 118d, 120d and 123d, but here it
produces 116bhp and 140lb ft. That's down from 176bhp and 258lb ft in the 120d,
but the lower boost levels, coupled with the clever start-stop tech that's been
on BMWs for a while now, means that the fuel economy rises to 64.2mpg and CO2 falls to 118g/km. Those are
seriously impressive figures and embarrass its rivals - they're nearly as good
as the VW Golf Bluemotion, but with the bonus of significantly more power
(116bhp plays 105bhp).

It's not just about on-paper
figures though. You don't feel at all short-changed driving the 116d. The
engine doesn't rattle too much at idle and it stays smooth all the way to the
red line - it's also really refined at motorway speeds. It's even less grumbly
than the 120d, as it feels less stressed.

And don't think those lower
power figures are bad news either. You still get six gears in the 116d and the
140lb ft of torque is more than enough to push you along at a reasonable lick.
There's certainly no need to keep changing down to keep the engine in the
torque curve's sweet spot, which is above a usefully low 1,600rpm.

But the single greatest thing
about the 116d is the way it rides. Because this is a bargain-basement BMW, the
run-flat tyres that you normally get on a 1-Series have been thrown out and
replaced with ordinary tyres (and a can of puncture repair foam in the boot
floor). No space saver here. You can still opt for run-flats at £175, but if
you have even the slightest regard for your spine, you won't bother. The 116d
proves that BMWs are inherently well-damped and ride superbly - it flows
through pot-holes really, really well - and also that run-flats are the curse
of the whole process.

All of which means it's tricky to think of downsides to the 116d. At
£18,415, it's sound value for a BMW and there's a Sport trim option which gives
you alloys, front fogs and a leather steering wheel for only £810 more than the
base spec. If all this is the upside of climate change and economic hardship,
bring on doomsday.

Piers Ward