THE LATEST generation of the 3 Series features styling that’s heavily revamped but still recognizable as a 3.
There are a few cars than can tread the narrow road between personal driving machine and luxurious transport. Perhaps none does with as much aplomb as the BMW 3 Series. What looks like a smart, sensible four-door sedan from the outside feels like a sports car from behind the wheel. That excellence within its dual nature is what makes the 3 Series the core model of the BMW lineup.
The latest generation of 3 Series, launched in 2012, features styling that’s heavily revamped but still recognizable as a 3. The front features a lower nose with a wide twin-kidney grille.
For the first time, the quad headlamps are squarish units instead of round, but the beady-eyed stare remains. The profile is one of the sportiest for a compact sedan, with a stretched-out hood and short front overhang. The greenhouse is distinctively large, which bodes well for the interior space and visibility. The rear looks like a baby 5 Series, which isn’t surprising, considering that it’s one of the more handsome sedan rear ends.
Intimate cockpit feel
UNDER the sports-car style hood is a 2-liter turbodiesel with twin turbochargers.
THE GAUGES and steering wheel controls are clear and understandable at a glance.
The 318d may be the entry-level variant, but it is equipped with features such as power driver’s seat with memory function, leather seats, and rear airconditioner vents. The rear seats are roomier than on the previous car’s, and are capable of comfortably seating two passengers with space to spare. Trunk space is enough to swallow at least two large suitcases. There’s no need for a spare tire with the car’s standard run-flats, allowing the trunk floor to be lower, as well as scooping out space for an underfloor compartment.
Under the sports-car style hood is a 2-liter turbodiesel with twin turbochargers. The 4-cylinder engine produces 143 hp and a healthy 320 Nm from as low as 1750 rpm. It fires up with a distinctive gravelly bark. The engine is paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission, with drive going to the rear wheels. The engine is quick and responsive at all speeds, from launch to highway cruising.
Efficient Dynamics-equipped
FOR the first time, the quad headlamps are squarish units instead of round.
New to the 3 Series are elements of the Efficient Dynamics technology. In the 318d’s case, it includes regenerative braking and engine start-stop. Regenerative braking allows recharging of the batteries when lifting off the throttle and when braking, relieving the engine of current-generating duties. Auto start-stop shuts down the engine when the car is stuck in traffic or waiting, cutting down consumption and emissions. Release the brake pedal and the engine instantly restarts. With these additional technologies in place, the diesel was made even more frugal, registering more than 12 km/liter during our drive, which included driving within heavy city traffic.
The high point of the 3 Series remains its handling. With the quick response of the high-ratio steering wheel and the willing chassis, the 318d retains the spirited handling that is its calling card.