Used cars: BMW 316d vs. Audi A4 TDIe

They’re both top choices for business users, but which compact executive car is better used?

IF you want fuel-efficient prestige motoring, a BMW takes some beating. The Eff cientDynamics range of eco tweaks has put the brand at the forefront of the company car market, and the 3 Series sets the benchmark in the compact executive class.

BMW 316d

Low emissions are crucial to business users, but how does the big-selling saloon stack up as a used buy? Private buyers won’t feel the company car benefits of the 316d, yet 62.8mpg economy holds universal appeal and the 118g/km CO2 figure means a year’s road tax costs only £30.

Audi A4 TDIe

Best of all, the 3 Series doesn’t feel like an eco special, because performance is brisk and the appeal of its rear-wheel-drive chassis is undimmed.

BMW 316d

The biggest issue when buying a used 316d is supply; we could only find a handful. Still, the 318d is nearly as clean and frugal, and far more common on forecourts. Prices start at £14,000 – that buys an 09-reg 318d M Sport with 60,000 miles on the clock.

Audi A4 TDIe

Inside, BMW looks good and feels solid, and it’s more fun to drive

AUDI’S star is on the rise, and models like the latest A4 got the ball rolling. It’s bigger and better than ever, and the TDIe adds 61.4mpg economy to the mix. It’s not as :lean as the 3 Series, but still falls into the same £30- a-year road tax bracket.

BMW 316d Interior

When we tested the two cars side-by-side in 2009, the Audi trailed by8.3mpg at the pumps, so it’s not the most economical option. But it’s more popular – on used forecourts at least.

A quick search threw up numerous examples, with prices starting at £15,000. That’s enough for a 56,000- mile 2010 example. And as most second hand versions are still to be found within the main dealer network, there’s the added security of huying a car sold through Audi‘s approved used programme.

The A4 isn’t as fun to drive as the 3 Series, but its spacious interior has a higher-quality feel – and there’s no denying the premium appeal of its badge.

Audi has the edge on interior quality, and is smooth to drive

Audi A4 TDIe Interior

Verdict BMW 316d vs. Audi A4 TDIe

YOU can’t go wrong with these cars – they’re perfect for the demands of modern motoring. Both are classy, fuel efficient and reliable, and promise to be rewarding to own… but which one gets our vote?

BMW 316d

When they met as new cars in 2009, the 3 Series ran out as the winner on account of its more engaging dynamics, superior economy and cleaner emissions. But on second-hand forecourts, the tables are turned. Here, availability is as important as price, and that means the excellent A4 takes victory.

Audi A4 TDIe

Details BMW 316d

Years: 2009 to date
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 116bhp
Insurance group: 21
Econ/CQ2:62.8mpg/118g/km
Why? The 3 Series reigns supreme in new car showrooms, but does the entry-level diesel version maintain this reputation on the second-hand market?
Prices from: £13,495

Details Audi A4 TDIe

Years: 2009 to date
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 134bhp
Insurance group: 21
Econ/CQ2:61.4mpg/120g/km
Why? The TDI range is Audi’s answer to BMW’s award-winning EfficientDynamics line-up, blending punchy diesel performance with fuel-sipping thirst.
Prices from: £15,000