Now BMW says that it will launch no fewer than 22 models for 2008 with a CO2 level of 140g/km or less. Its new 123d is an example of this.
The car, with its four-cylinder, twin-turbo all-aluminum 2.0-liter engine, is apparently the first mass-produced car with a 150-plus-kW engine with CO2 output below 140g/km.
It does the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.9 seconds, while BMW claims an estimated fuel economy of 5.2 litres per 100km.
The 123d also features BMW's new stop-start technology. Called Efficient Dynamics, it also includes a brake energy regeneration function.
There is no indication yet if the 123d will come to South Africa.