First look: BMW gets CLEVER

IT may look a little unorthodox but in today’s world of high fuel prices any vehicle that consumes just 2.4 litres of gas per 100km is worth a second look.

That’s the fuel consumption figure BMW has been able to extract from its three-wheel, natural-gas powered micro-concept called CLEVER - Compact Low Emission VEhicle for URban Transport.

Although purely a concept at this stage, some reports are suggesting it could replace the C1 motorcycle, which was never sold here but was something of a hit in Europe because of its enclosed rain-proof design.

The $US3.9 million CLEVER concept is an enclosed two-seater that BMW claims combines the safety of a microcar with the manoeuverability of a motorcycle.

The bike runs on compressed natural gas and its strengthened frame will protect the driver in a crash and the vehicle will have a top speed of about 90km/h.

The 230cc BMW engine has been modified to use natural gas and produces 12.5kW of power and maximum torque of 15.5Nm at 6300rpm.

Fuel consumption is estimated to be 2.4L/100km equivalent to petrol, with 59.5 g/km of CO2 emissions.

The compressed natural gas is stored in two removable gas bottles providing a range of 150km.

To maintain stability Clever cabin tilts into corners up to 45 degrees, like a motorcycle, while the rear engine remains upright.

Apart from BMW, partners in the joint-venture project are the Technical University of Berlin, German Institute for Land and Sea Transport and Cooper-Avon Tyres Ltd in the UK.