Let's start with some facts, because we'll admit that the
BMW 3-Series, especially in 320d guise, might not be the most exciting car you
can read about on the web right now.
But it is one of the most
important. Your mates who have proper jobs, ones that involve company cars,
will want to know about the sixth generation BMW 3-Series, and it's your duty
to tell them what they need to know.
If this needs to be
communicated briefly, via Twitter or somesuch, just tell them it's the best car
in its class. Still. Because it is. If you want to go into much depth, begin
with increased dimensions (93mm longer, 9mm taller etc) and go on to discuss
how the new lower nose design has improved both aerodynamics (0.26Cd for the
most air-cheating models) and pedestrian safety.
Of course it's not a
revolutionary leap forward. This is a mainstream car that sells in massive
numbers - when it goes on sale in the UK next February it needs to appeal to as
wide an audience as possible. We can't see it alienating many. With the
exception of the pointier front end the exterior is entirely fine. Nothing
radical, just a good freshen up. Same indoors, too. BMW has been bolder with
materials, folding them into more interesting shapes, yet the ergonomics are
excellent and the quality and design is fully up to scratch.
Seven engines will be
available, four diesels and three petrols, although on the launch just two were
present, a pair of 2.0-litre turbos, one petrol, the other diesel. The 328i is
the new engine, a four cylinder turbo that replaces the old naturally aspirated
straight six of the 330i. No, it's not as charismatic, and yes, that does
matter as there's now one less reason to buy petrol instead of a more sensible
diesel. It's got plenty of grunt though, as in 242bhp and 0-62mph in 5.9secs
and growls in a vaguely interesting way as it homes in on the 7000rpm redline.
Look, it's an impressive engine for its combination of power and efficiency
(44.1mpg), but it's not especially memorable or lovable.
Same goes for the 320d, except
you should be doing 62.8mpg. You won't be, you'll be getting about 50mpg, but
you'll be enjoying sub-120g/km of CO2 and 181bhp along the way. That's enough
for 0-62mph in 7.6secs and although the diesel isn't a miracle of refinement
and aural suppression, it's plenty good enough to bear comparison with the best
out there.
Special mention also goes to
the eight speed automatic gearbox worn by every car on the launch. I can't
report on what the standard-fit six speed manual is like, but the auto (likely
to cost around £1,400) is terrific. It has many ratios to choose from, but
manages to slink through them all rapidly and unobtrusively.
A good drivetrain isn't the be
all and end all of this car though. Granted, it would be a shock if BMW had
ballsed up the ride and handling, but it really hasn't. Quite the opposite. The
rear wheel drive saloon drives smoothly, precisely and rewardingly. The
steering might not be the last word in feedback, but the weighting is so good
and the nose so responsive that it's never an issue. And the thing's just so
well balanced and agile. For a mainstream car, it's brilliant.
And we're not just talking
about the petrol here. Sure, the 328i has a bit more about it if you're really
going for gold, but the 320d isn't far behind and the one we drove rode marginally
better on its smaller 18-inch wheels. Both, though, are mighty capable motorway
devices: quiet, stable, smooth and all the rest.
The 3-Series, all seven engines
and five trim levels, arrives here next February, to be followed in the autumn
not only by new body styles (estate leads the way, followed by coupe and
cabrio), but also a hybrid model and, for the first time ever, a 4wd version.
Now that really will put the cat among the Audi pigeons.
Prices start at £24,880, with
the car you actually want, the 320d Sport, costing £29,080. Insist on petrol?
The 328i starts at £29,060 in SE trim. Both are good. No scratch that - both
are excellent, excellent cars. Now go tell your mates.
Ollie Marriage - topgear
