BMW has announced the launch of a vehicle even greener than its current World Green Car of the Year. The BMW 116d, which is capable of 53.4 miles per gallon and has a CO2 emissions figure of 118g/kg, will be available in the UK beginning in March, 2009. Its 2.0-liter, four-cylinder diesel engine produces 116 horsepower and an admirable 192 pound-feet of torque. The 116d is also capable of a top speed of 125 miles per hour.

The 116d, which replaces the 118d as BMW’s most fuel efficient and least polluting vehicle, is available in a three-door model from £17,605 (about $26,467) and a five-door from £18,135 (about $27,264). Low British tax rates on the 116d make it more affordable, especially for business users. Unfortunately, it will not be available in the US.

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BMW’s most fuel efficient car announced

BMW is pleased to announce the launch of the new 116d – the marque’s most fuel efficient and least polluting vehicle. With a combined consumption figure of 64.2mpg and a CO2 emissions figure of 118g/km, the BMW 116d even trumps the current World Green Car of the Year, the BMW 118d.

Available in both three- and five-door guises, the BMW 116d is powered by a four-cylinder diesel engine producing 116hp. The 1,995cc powerplant with its 260Nm of torque from 1,750rpm ensures it is capable of a zero to 62mph time of 10.2 seconds (10.3 seconds for the five-door) before going on to a top speed of 125mph.

The BMW 116d costs just £35 a year to tax courtesy of a Band B Vehicle Excise Duty rank, while its 13 per cent Benefit-in-Kind rating also ensures it makes economical sense for the business user. The new three-door BMW 116d costs from £17,605 OTR, while the five-door 116d is priced from £18,135 OTR. Both models go on sale in March 2009.