BMW to launch 320i EfficientDynamics 17 | 08 | 2012

BMW'S NEW ULTRA-LOW CO2 petrol model, the 320i EfficientDynamics, will enter Scottish showrooms in November.

The 170bhp 320i uses the same stop-start technology, energy recuperation, lower suspension, smaller wheels with low-rolling resistance tyres and improved aerodynamics as the 320d EfficientDynamics.

But unlike the diesel where a six-speed manual gearbox is standard, but an eight-speed automatic is optional, the 320i ED has a manual gearbox only.

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Producing 170bhp, the 1.6-litre turbo-charged Beemer returns 53.3mpg and has CO2 emissions of 124g/km. This puts it in the same 15% BIK tax bracket as the current 109g/km 320d EfficientDynamics saloon: the latter carries the 3% BIK supplement on diesel cars.

Significantly, at £25,730 the 320i EfficientDynamics costs £2250 less than the 320d EfficientDynamics. From a business perspective, this means the BIK tax paid on the petrol car, as well as employers' National Insurance contributions, will be lower.

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Jim McGill