German Car Zone

Really? I was quite impressed with the 4 pot in the 320i, it really sounded like a I6, and power to me was pretty adequate, especially when you factor in that MB has a supercharger in their C200k. Its consumption is also better (in real-life tests of my own). It's not just Mercedes small engines, its V6 and V8 engines are also lagging behind the competition already. Maybe its focus on luxury doesn't warrant much reason for it to develop efficient engines.

I do hope to see better engines in the future, and the new generation C250 CDI etc might be the start of something new. The S400 hybrid is promising, too.

^James the V6 and V8 are already on the market for several years now so naturally they'll be out dated to the brand new engines from BMW or Audi.

The 2.0 unit from BMW feels so lethargic compared to the 1.8K and 1.8T from MB and Audi. Sure it spins sweetly and seems eager enough. But there's just nothing in it. Lacking 50nm compared to the competition at this level is a BIG deal. The MB feels so much more responsive and spins just at smoothly. The Audi even moreso, but a little less smooth. Sure the unit in the BMW is efficient, but hey, I don't mind the Audi and MB being drinking a little more for the very perceptible performance advantages they offer over the BMW.

I agree, MB does seem on the back foot when it comes to engines, but this should be remedied in the next few years. Look at the new small diesel. It has all the makings of a class benchmark.

My comments regarding the 2.0 unit after one year of ownership and many many miles later.

I've been driving against a Audi A3 1.8T and it was a dead race. There is power enough in the 2.0 unit, you just need to keep the reevs up. Beyond 100km/h the engine pulls nicely even in 6th gear. I like N/A engines and I'm satisfied with the 2.0 unit.
The engine is a little jewel and reev all the way up to 7000 rpm and its also fuel efficient.
The 2.0 unit suit the 1-series very well. Driving on a twisty country road is a pleasure. And the engine sound is wonderful , gets better more miles you put on the clock.

^No one is saying the 2 liter unit is bad it is very nice indeed i've driven BMWs equipped with it but it just lacks the torque punch of MB's engine.

It's only becuase its a N/A engine. BMW are working on a 4-cylinder Turbo.
I only hope it doesnt reev less than 7000 rpm.

^Yeah,NA and small displacement engines needs to be worked harder than forced induction and bigger engines.

The new 4 cylinder turbo engines from MB and BMW is gonna be a real hit

BMW's diesels clearly outperforms and give higher MPG's. They are better with their diesel technology at the moment. But everything else is purely up to your personal preferences. There is nothing wrong with W204's interior and exterior. Plus when the 250 CDI comes, it definitely would be my choice with the W204.