January News in Brief

The smallest member of the BMW X family, the X1, is the latest model to be enhanced with the addition of the popular M Sport specification. BMW's smallest Sports Activity Vehicle was an instant hit when it first went on sale in October 2009, going on to sell more than 6,300 units in 2010.

The M Sport specification sees 17-inch star-spoke M alloy wheels, chrome plated door sill finishers with M designation, High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim for the window surrounds, M Sport multi-function steering wheel, Sport seats and Anthracite headlining added. Meanwhile pricing has also been confirmed for the BMW X3 M Sport which starts at £33,830 OTR for an xDrive 20d M Sport.

Prices start at £26,615 OTR for a BMW X1 18d sDrive M Sport and £27,710 OTR for 18d xDrive M Sport.

BMW to introduce new turbocharged small engine

Available from autumn 2011, the new BMW 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, with its all-aluminum crankcase, will for the first time be teamed with BMW's advanced single turbocharger technology. This new turbocharged twin-scroll engine has a capacity of 1997cc, producing 245hp and 350Nm torque from just 1,250rpm, yet it returns a combined consumption figures of 35.7mpg with CO2 emissions of 186g/km.

Lighter and more compact than the equivalent six-cylinder engine, the new four-cylinder unit has 16 per cent better fuel consumption. The employment of the latest generation of VALVETRONIC systems together with solenoid injectors help to increase the efficiency of this engine while enhancing driving pleasure with faster responses.

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine will be available in models such as the BMW Z4 and 5 Series models in due course.

The new BMW 6 Series Convertible pricing confirmed

The new BMW 6 Series Convertible goes on sale 26 March with prices for the 640i SE starting from £65,680 OTR and prices for the 650i SE starting from £73,430 OTR. The new BMW 6 Series Convertible now comes with an enhanced specification as standard including an eight-speed Sport Automatic Transmission, Dakota leather upholstery with SunReflective Technology, electric seat adjustment with memory function, BMW Professional Multimedia Navigation System and LED front foglights.

The new BMW 318i Coupé

On sale from March 2010, BMW is pleased to announce the addition of the new 318i to the popular 3 Series Coupé range. This new entry level 3 Series Coupé is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine producing 143hp, resulting in a zero to 62mph time of 9.1 seconds. This performance is produced whilst emitting just 146g/km CO2 and returning 44.8mpg on the combined cycle.

The new BMW 318i Coupé qualifies for VED band F, just £125 a year. It will also further appeal to company car drivers with just 19 per cent BIK while its sub-160g/km CO2 means that it attracts a 20 per cent write down allowance. Available in both SE and M Sport trim, the BMW 318i Coupé SE is available from £26,995 OTR.

What Car? Car of the Year 2011 Award wins

For the sixth year in a row BMW has fought off tough competition from . . . itself to be crowned What Car? 'Best Compact Executive Car' 2011, with the 320d ES. It was a clean sweep in the Compact Executive category with the 316d ES, 320d SE and the 330d SE Saloons all winning their price category, but in the end it was the 320d that reigned victorious, winning the overall title.

Praised for appealing to the head for its quality, space and value for money, whilst still managing to tug at the heart, with its sporting ride, sharp steering and precise handling, it was concluded that the BMW 3 Series Saloon makes sense which ever way you look at it.

Not to be outdone, the BMW Z4 picked up the What Car? award for 'Best Open-top Car' for the second year in a row. The BMW Z4 sDrive23i was praised for being everything that you will ever need in a two seat convertible, yet still managing to be a driver's car first and foremost.

BMW Digital Media Resource Launch

BMW has launched a digital media resource on its UK website to provide online users with official images, videos and information about BMW. Online users will be able to download media, link to and embed videos as well as link directly to independent reviews of each of the models. The BMW Digital Media Resource requires no login and can be accessed directly at www.bmw.co.uk/bmwmedia.