BMW's World Green Car Of The Year Follow-Up
The title of 2008 World Green Car of the Year went to the BMW 118d, a diesel model that acheived incredible fuel economy and minimal carbon emissions. Rather than be content with the 118d, BMW decided to make some changes and create a car that is even more green than its predecessor, the 116d.
The awarding of the World Green Car of the Year to a BMW model seems a little off at first. After all, don’t they only produce big luxury vehicles? No way those can be efficient, right? Well a few years ago, the German automaker introduced their EfficientDynamics program. The program is not about any single method for making cars more efficient, but rather about combining numerous approaches to make the best car possible.
The 116d, which is available either as a 3-door or 5-door hatchback, is powered by a 2.0-liter diesel engine that produces 116 horsepower and is capable of 125 mph, not bad for a green car. Fuel economy is an impressive 53.4 mpg and carbon emissions is a mere 118 grams per kilometer. For comparison, the hybrid Prius emits 104 grams per kilometer of carbon. A powerful German diesel that is only about 10% less clean than a Prius? You better believe it.
So this is all great news, right? Well, it is if you happen to live in Europe, where you’ll be able to buy a 116d. If you live in North America, you’re out of luck. Why? Diesel vehicles don’t tend to do too well in North American markets. First of all, there is the stigma on diesels that resulted from the billows of black smoke produced from large trucks. Regardless of the fact that diesel is one of the most efficient and cleaner fuel options, people still see it as dirty.
Also, the United States government imposes larger taxes on diesel fuel than on gasoline. The idea is that big trucks use diesel and cause the most damage to roads, so a higher tax on diesel fuel will help to pay for the necessary road maintnence. Unfortunately for diesel fans, this makes the auto market unsuitable for the hyper-clean European diesels. What a shame.
