Smallest Beemer boasts a raft of high-tech features.

Overseas markets can expect a 116i making 100kW and a 118i making 125kW (10kW and 20kW more than outgoing models; fuel consumption is claimed to be 10 percent lower). On the diesel front there's new badging in the form of a 116d pushing 85kW and a 118d good for 105kW, and a 120d rated at 135kW (5kW stronger than before). On the cards for later introduction is a 116d Efficient Dynamics edition which aims at just 3.8l/100km and 99g/km of CO2.

A first in its class will be the option of an 8-speed automatic gearbox, while standard will be emission-reducing technologies like automatic Start/Stop and something called Eco-Pro mode which adjusts various functions like aircon and …