BMW takes two honours at What Car? Green Awards

BMW Group's Efficient Dynamics programme's fuel economy and low emissions output has been recognised again 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 turbocharged engine which powers it to 62 mph in 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?, commented: "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 the marque'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 it is capable of a 0-62mph time of 9.3 seconds. It was the blend of these impressive performance figures that assured the 3 Series model with top green honours.

BMW first offered Efficient Dynamics 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 fun and frugality.