Bmw 320i Touring

The Age

Saturday January 10, 2009

Toby Hagon

BMW again shows what it takes to make a luxury compact car, writes TOBY HAGON.

SUCCESS in the luxury market doesn't come easily, but BMW has enjoyed plenty of it in recent years. Sure, there have been some challenges, but BMW still sells more luxury vehicles than any other brand in Australia.

Much of its success can be attributed to the 3-Series, the compact sedan that makes up almost half the brand's sales and continues as one of the world's best-selling luxury cars.

So it's easy to understand why BMW might get nervous when it tweaks with a successful formula. Styling updates are minor but noticeable, with new exterior mirrors and a new bonnet with two distinct lines flowing through to wider gills that distinguish a BMW's grille.

WHAT DO YOU GET?

The 3-Series range extends from a $54,500 entry-level 320i Executive sedan all the way to $176,142 for the M3 drop-top.

For this test, though, we've gone for the most popular model, the 320i Executive, and paired it with the more flexible wagon body. Priced from $57,700, the revised model is $3500 more expensive than the outgoing vehicle; that's because BMW has dropped the entry-level model and sharpened the price on the more popular Executive. It translates to more equipment, including full leather trim, partially electric front seats, alloy wheels, front foglights and a chunky, tactile sports steering wheel incorporating buttons for the audio system and cruise control.

That's the start of an impressive level of equipment that encompasses automatic wipers, Bluetooth phone connection, rear parking sensors and a decent sound system with iPod integration through a USB input.

Notably missing from the 3-Series is a spare tyre. Instead there are expensive run-flat tyres, which typically must be replaced if punctured.

Key to the appeal of the 3-Series is a long list of trim materials and other options to customise your car. It can start to add up, though.

HOW SAFE?

The 3-Series achieves a maximum five-star NCAP crash rating. The safety package includes dual front and front-side airbags as well as curtain airbags that protect heads in a side impact. There are adjustable headrests for all five seats as well as proper lap-sash seatbelts.

Electronic controls include anti-lock brakes (ABS) with brake assist and stability/traction control. It all helps to control a skid if required.

WHAT'S INSIDE?

The 3-Series is BMW's most compact sedan, so rear legroom even in the wagon isn't great for adults. Head room, though, is generous thanks to the wagon's longer roof.

There's a classy feel to the cabin, which is beautifully put together and well thought out, with the exception of a lack of storage space up front for small items such as a mobile phone (then again, with Bluetooth connection the phone doesn't need to be within reach). Tilt and reach adjustment for the steering wheel as well as partial electric adjustment for the front seats make it easy to find a good driving position. The comfortable seats, too, provide reasonable support.

Hinged glass on the tailgate gives access to the load area, which makes it easy to load or unload smaller items. Two nets keep smaller items from rolling around the boot.

Under the floor, and where the spare tyre would normally sit, is a segmented storage compartment for smaller items.

BMW owners frustrated with the confusing iDrive system will be pleased to learn the new system (included when you option satellite navigation) is vastly improved.

UNDER THE BONNET

The 320i gets a modest 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that makes 115kW of power and 200Nm of torque. It's a dull sounding engine, but feels honest and viceless, accelerating the 1.4-tonne 3-Series to 100km/h in about 10 seconds.

Performance is acceptable rather than astonishing, and it's aided by the standard six-speed automatic transmission, which works well to select and hold the right gear.

In most conditions it thinks intuitively, holding a lower gear when climbing hills or pre-empting a down-change during more enthusiastic driving.

ON THE ROAD

Driving dynamics are still central to the BMW sales pitch, something that hasn't been diminished with the updated 3-Series. BMW has increased the distance between the front wheels to improve stability and response.

In reality it's difficult to pick a difference in the new model in everyday driving.

The rear-drive 320i is still masterfully balanced and communicative. Steering is accurate, well weighted and admirably shielded from bumps and imperfections, ensuring the car grips well through corners and maintains its poise.

VERDICT

There's no shortage of good cars in the entry-level luxury market, but the 3-Series continues as one of the most impressive. Extra equipment now gives even more of a luxury feel without detracting from the successful 3-Series formula.

What the 320i lacks in outright engine performance it makes up for with superb driving manners and respectable value for money. The attention to detail and impressive core engineering of BMW's most popular model help cement it as one of the leaders in the more affordable end of a hotly contested luxury field.

PRICE: From $54,500 (sedan), $57,700 (wagon)

ENGINE: 2.0-litre four-cylinder, 115kW/200Nm, 8.1L/100km, 193g CO2/km

SAFETY: Five-star NCAP rating, six airbags, ABS and stability control.

WHAT IT HAS: Leather trim, alloy wheels, partially electric front seats, cruise control, trip computer, climate-control air-conditioning, USB/iPod input, Bluetooth phone connection, rear parking sensors.

FOR: Expansive model range gives lots of choices; driving dynamics are a standout; well appointed with features befitting a luxury car; run-flat tyres allow you to keep driving if there's a puncture.

AGAINST: Dull-sounding engine; some options are expensive; no spare tyre limits travel distance after a puncture and can result in expensive tyre replacement.

4.5/5

THE COMPETITORS

MERCEDES-BENZ C200 KOMPRESSOR CLASSIC

HOW MUCH: From $57,090.

ENGINE: 1.8-litre four-cylinder, supercharged; 136kW/260Nm.

SAFETY: Five-star NCAP crash rating. Eight airbags, ABS, traction and stability control.

WHAT IT HAS: Dual-zone climate control, leather trim, cruise control, partially powered front seats, six-CD audio, trip computer, alloy wheels, foglights.

FOR: Better value than previously; fuel-efficient; low-emission engine; sure-footed dynamics; solid and safe; supple ride; big boot, full-sized spare wheel.

AGAINST: Sluggish around town; needs a six-speed gearbox; tight back seat space; real leather costs extra, audio control duplication is overkill; tyre noise; expensive options.

OUR SCORE: 4/5

LEXUS IS250 PRESTIGE

HOW MUCH: From $56,990 (auto).

ENGINE: 2.5-litre V6; 153kW/252Nm.

SAFETY: Five-star NCAP crash rating. Front, side and curtain airbags, ABS, traction and stability control.

WHAT IT HAS: Dual-zone climate control; leather trim; trip computer; cruise control; powered and heated front seats; six-CD audio; alloy wheels.

FOR: Value, good equipment level; quality and refinement; customer service; athletic dynamics; big boot; comfortable.

AGAINST: Tight back seat; automatic geared too tall; space-saver spare; firm ride; restricted rear vision.

OUR SCORE: 4/5

AUDI A4 1.8 TFSI

HOW MUCH: From $53,500.

ENGINE: 1.8-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder; 118 kW/250 Nm.

SAFETY: Eight airbags, traction and stability control, ABS with EBD and brake assist.

WHAT IT HAS: Climate control, cruise control, trip computer, electro-mechanical park brake, alloy wheels, foglights, remote locking, leather, single-CD audio.

FOR: Quiet and refined; confident driving manners; great safety credentials; spacious compared with rivals; economical; big boot.

AGAINST: The CVT transmission can hesitate from a standstill; visibility could be better; steering too light and lumpy at low speed; space-saver spare tyre.

OUR SCORE: 4/5

© 2009 The Age

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