FIRST DRIVE: BMW 3-SERIES:WHEN YOU HAVE a car your closest competitors regard as the benchmark in its class, you tread carefully when designing an all-new version, writes DONAL BYRNE
The latest BMW 3-Series, therefore, is not going to be mistaken for anything other than a 3-Series. Steadying, as it must, the nerves of its fans – and there are many – and convincing others to resist the increasingly aggressive competition of cars such as the Audi A4 is what this new car is all about.
The challenge for this German manufacturer is to build a car that won’t spook the horses, still looks new, but in the context of being a smaller version of the 5-Series, has impressive technical specifications and low emissions and, above all, evokes premium quality.
First impressions suggest the challenge has been well met. The new 3-Series that arrives here in February is unlikely to disappoint and, tax changes aside, a version with an engine producing just 109 grammes of CO2 per kilometre is likely to allow BMW to keep ahead of the pack when it comes to emissions for a luxury compact.
The latest 3-Series certainly looks impressive, with elegant lines and strong flanks. The front may give an initial appearance of a droopier version of the 5-Series, but it gives the car a sportier profile. The sides and rear are less dramatic, but the overall effect works well. Of particular note are the narrow pillars that allow much better visibility.
The connection with its bigger sibling is more than visual. The new 3-Series is the largest one yet, being longer to allow for greater legroom and rear passenger space – a particular gripe with previous versions. It is not, however, wider, so when the larger driver sits in there is a slight sense of disappointment that cabin is not more spacious for our growing girth.
Other issues with previous generations have also been addressed. The quality of the interior trim and switchgear has been significantly improved. The boot, too, has been increased from 460 litres to 480 – not an enormous increase but enough to make an appreciable difference.
Initial drives in the 320d and the 328 petrol (the 1.6 and 1.8 diesels will come in March, along with the 109g/km version of the 320d) were impressive. The 320d powertrain comes straight from the outgoing version but suffers little from that transplant. In this case, it was mated with BMW’s new eight-speed automatic transmission, which makes for effortless and varied driving. In town, it purrs along and on the open road it never hesitates under acceleration.
Both it and the more potent 328 showed almost equal precision in cornering and the expected surefootedness was evident. In fairness, it is hard to see how the older model could be much improved on in this respect, but the comfort has definitely been pleasingly altered.
The petrol version was smooth and quiet, but it’s an unrealistic proposition whose charms are fleeting for Irish buyers fixated on diesel, emissions and costly motor tax.
All versions have 17-inch alloys with run flat tyres, except the 320 EfficientDynamics version, which gets 16-inch wheels with non-run flats.
All cars also get as standard the now commonplace stop-start system that reduces emissions. BMW’s iDrive media control system, which baffled so many on its introduction some years ago, is now a standard and intuitive to follow – perhaps we have all simply adjusted to smart gadgets.
The versions eventually available in Ireland will be Sport, Modern and Luxury badged. All cars will have BMW’s Drive Performance Control as standard. This system allows the driver to choose four different driving modes, from economy to performance, and allows you to work with your conscience and your bank balance.
The 316d, representing 75 per cent of sales here, will cost €34,180 and the 318d will cost €37,160.
One tempting offer is the EfficientDynamics version of the 320d. It comes in at €38,710 – the same price as the regular 320d – but has the lowest emissions level and will produce by far the best economy. While the smaller engine will make up the bulk of Irish sales, the price walk to the 520d may still prove a challenge to the 320d. The larger 5-Series can be had for €42,820 in manual or €45,035 in automatic.
This latest 3-Series might be judged an evolution on the theme, but it’s also a step forward in terms of economy, emissions and quality. All these traits put it in a strong position to battle its key rivals.
There’s a mouthwatering battle about to begin between this and the Audi A4 and we’ll report on its facelifted model in the coming weeks.