Diesel - still delightful

IT may be small, and it may be the cheapest BMW model you can buy, but the 116d is still special because it marks the German luxury brand's return to COE Category A.

One-and-a-half years ago, Cat A was recategorised to include an engine output limit of 130 hp. This meant BMW exited the so-called small car segment completely. But in August, it was back with the 116d.

The 116d has 116 hp from a 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine that has just three cylinders. Also unusual is that unlike other small hatchbacks on the market, the engine drives the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.