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BMW 316ti Compact - Fleet Management
30.11.2001 |
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Who is the exec hatch King?
Though it looks similar to the old model, BMW's new Compact really is all-new. It's based on the platform of the current 3 Series Saloon, so it drives superbly and uses the saloon's interior for supreme comfort.
The all-new British-built engine, dubbed Valvetronic, turns in some quite remarkable statistics. Look at fuel economy, despite the 1.8 116bhp unit's peppy performance, the combined figure is a superb 40.9mpg, saving a significant 1300 over the thirstier Alfa and Honda over three years or 60,000 miles. The emissions figure is excellent at 167g/km, equating to the lowest 15% BIK band for 2002-3.
Such efficiency offsets average service costs of £1826, and this group's highest parts price total of £980. Depreciation is the best of the five at 49%. This means the BMW loses only £7932 over three years, despite being the second most expensive. It also helps it achieve a CPM of 24p - remarkable given its performance, prestige and desirability. Indeed, many cheaper family hatches can't match the CPM. A fine sample leasing cost of £346 is the cake's cherry.
Final Verdict
The BMW wins, easily. Thanks to that engine, running costs are as low as some superminis, yet with few performance compromises. It also has a fine image and thus low depreciation, helping it receive a remarkable CPM of 24p. The UK's most popular junior-executive range looks to continue its sales chart dominance.
The BMW 316i Compact was compared to the following:
Alfa Romeo 147 2.0 Lusso TS 3dr
Audi A3 1.8
Honda Civic Type-R
VW Golf 1.8T