Motoring News

The New York International Auto show saw the presentation of the world’s greenest car of the year (WGCOY)to the BMW 118d.

A panel of 47 automotive journalists representing over 24 countries voted for the BMW over the Mercedes Benz Smart fortwo cdi and the Volkswagen Passat 1.9 TDI.

Tom Purves, chairman and chief executive officer of BMW of North America, said: "BMW is very excited that the BMW 118d with EfficientDynamics won the World Green Car title.

"The measures that we’ve implemented within our EfficientDynamics strategy into every BMW mean that we’re able to provide customers with the driving pleasure they expect from a BMW, while still meeting the stringent requirements for fuel-efficiency and low emissions."

The efficient dynamics system uses braking technologies with auto engine stop/start, power steering and automatic gear shifting to cut emissions to 119g/km – and puts the 118d into the UK vehicle excise band B, costing just £35 per year to tax.