BMW Group takes two honours as EfficientDynamics technologies shine at What Car? Green Car Awards 2009

BMW Group's EfficientDynamics programme gives customers outstanding fuel
economy and low emissions without giving up driving enjoyment. This was
recognised again this year at the What Car? Green Car Awards 2009. The
MINI Cooper S won the Green Sports Car category for the second year in
a row and the BMW 318d took the honours in the Executive Car category.
The MINI Cooper S has a punchy, turbocharged engine which powers it to
62 mph in just 7.1 seconds, but returns a combined fuel consumption
figure of 45.6 mpg and CO2 emissions are just 149 g/km. Steve Fowler,
Editor-in-Chief at What Car?, said: "The MINI Cooper S is a
home-grown hot hatch that's big on performance and style, yet treads
far lighter than rivals because of its smaller carbon footprint."
The BMW 318d Saloon is BMW's most fuel efficient and least polluting 3
Series ever. A 318d Saloon records a combined consumption figure of
60.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 123g/km, while at the same time is capable
of a zero to 62mph time of 9.3 seconds. It was the blend of these
impressive performance figures that assured the parsimonious 3 Series
model with top green honours. BMW first offered EfficientDynamics as
standard in 2007. A raft of models received Auto Start / Stop, Brake
Energy Regeneration, Active Aerodynamics, low rolling resistance tyres,
Electric Power Steering, on-demand ancillary systems and optimum
gearshift indicator features. These technologies built on the existing
lightweight engineering principles and direct injection engine
technology introduced over the previous years. Across virtually the
entire MINI range, many of the same technologies are present under the
MINIMALISM title and ensure the premium small car offers an unbeatable
mix of fun and frugality.