BMW 116d vs Audi A3 TDIe

Consumers – we’re a demanding lot. From low-fat food that tastes good to green cars which are desirable and fun to drive, we always want the best of both worlds. BMW has one solution: its award-winning 118d.
The model doesn’t sacrifice the desirability or performance the marque is famous for. But thanks to its EfficientDynamics technology, the 1-Series combines low emissions and excellent fuel economy with entertaining rear-wheel-drive handling and a premium badge.

For company car drivers, this means pleasingly low tax bills, while cheap road fund duty and irregular trips to the pumps make it a winner for private buyers, too. And now 1-Series ownership is even more affordable, as BMW has added a 116d to the range. Using the same 2.0-litre diesel as its more muscular brother, it costs £1,000 less. It also shaves 1g/km off the 118d’s emissions and provides a 2mpg economy boost. This comes at the expense of power, which has dropped by 27bhp to 116bhp, and torque – down 40Nm to 260Nm.

The new entry-level BMW has competition from Audi’s A3. The 1.9 TDIe is the firm’s take on the eco-friendly premium hatch market – but which of these diesel-sipping models offers the better blend of refinement, economy and desirability?

Verdict

So, is it possible to combine performance and desirability with low emissions and good fuel economy? Well, BMW’s 116d proves it is.

Helped by the superb EfficientDynamics technology, the three-door puts out less than 120g/km and returns 36mpg-plus, yet delivers sharp handling in a prestige package. The 2.0-litre engine is frugal and smooth, while the taut chassis makes it fun to drive.

Audi’s A3 TDIe promises similarly low CO2 emissions, but it demands compromises. Not only is its 1.9-litre diesel engine short on refinement, the car can’t match the BMW for performance or handling, either.

So while the Audi is cheaper and slightly more practical, we wouldn’t put up with the dated TDI diesel just to get a low tax bill.

And that makes the new 116d the clear winner in this green car head-to-head.

1st: BMW 116d Sport
As with the other small-capacity diesels in BMW’s range, the 116d proves that cars with low emissions and decent economy don’t need to be undesirable or dull to drive. It’s a choice of the heart and the head.

2nd: Audi A3 TDIe
Although the green model in the A3 line-up has impressively low emissions, and is cheaper than its rival here, the 1.9-litre TDI engine is simply too dated. Plus, the front-driven A3 can’t match the dynamic appeal of the 1-Series.