Even Greener 1-Series Model Won't Land In North America

[JoshCalkins]

BMW 1-Series

Last year, the BMW 1-Series 118d took home the World Green Car Of The Year Award. BMW's newest 1-Series vehicle, the 116d, is even more eco-friendly than that. The 116d has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 116 horsepower and allows a top speed of 125 mph. Also, the car gets 53.4 mpg. The 116d is available as either a 3-door or 5-door model.

What's the downside? There are no current plans to bring the 116d to North America and, barring a miracle, it will probably stay that way. The new 116d is the latest BMW model under the company's EfficientDynamics designation and made its premier at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month, but it was recently confirmed that this would be a Europe-only model, with potential distribution in Asian markets in the future.

BMW 1-Series

While the fact that a European diesel model is not making its way to North American shores is not new, the diesel model's gasoline-burning brother is still missing from the continent as well. The 116i was first introduced into European and Australian markets in early 2005, and the variant went through a few upgrades to bring it in line with the 116d this year. The 116i has similar engine displacement and power ratings to the 116d, and still manages 38 mpg. Currently, the only 1-Series models being offered in North America are the 128 and 135 coupe and convertible models.

[Shocka]

Ya we really havent gotten many if not any of the diesels here. Its not a big car fuel here. Excluding of course volkswagens/mercedes.

[JoshCalkins]

Originally Posted by Shocka Ya we really havent gotten many if not any of the diesels here. Its not a big car fuel here. Excluding of course volkswagens/mercedes.

That's one thing I never really understood. VW's TDI line seems to be doing pretty well sales-wise, or else they wouldn't keep offering them. So why can't other manufacturers turn a profit with diesels on this continent?

[Shocka]

Probably the fuel prices. Who wants a noisy gutless diesel, when they can drive a good sounding, responsive car for not much more. We also dont get alot of the 1.2-1.6's you have over there.