Car review (launch report): BMW 3 Series
I think we all know someone who has owned or currently owns a BMW 3 Series. It’s a firm favourite in this country and worldwide, in fact, 14 million have been sold since it launched back in 1975. It is sold in 130 markets and as Edward Makwana, BMW South Africa’s group automotive communications manager says, “…it epitomises the heart of the brand more than any other model.” The BMW 3 Series is the biggest-selling BMW of all .
This facelifted sixth generation 3 Series is the “next chapter of the success story,” Edward says. And it is more sporty and elegant than before. For those who don’t know, the 3 Series is built right here in South Africa and BMW’s plant Rosslyn in Pretoria. These cars are not only built for the domestic market but also for the international one. The US is the sedans biggest market followed by China and Germany.
The outgoing model was still pretty modern looking, well so I thought, until I placed it next to the facelifted model and even though the changes are ever so slight, this new model just looks more refreshed and modern. Because of the success of the 3 Series, not much was needed to be done and so BMW merely accentuated only some of the features. The air intakes are larger and it has a new headlight design. The rear sports L-shaped tail lights have also been redesigend and the 320i and 320d come standard with the flow tailpipes, giving it a more sporty look.
The one downfall for me is the interior. I know it is typically BMW, but maybe that’s just it. It really needs to be updated. It seems to feel a bit tired now. The new 3 Series has added some high gloss and chrome surfaces, but overall, it is need of a good revamp.
The new 3 Series will be offered with six engines namely 4 petrol engines and 2 diesel engines. The entry level, which could be a volume seller, although people may rather opt to pay the R40k more for the 320i, is the 1,5-litre three-cylinder turbo charged 318i which produces 110 kW and 220 N.m of torque. Fuel consumption is claimed at 5,0 l/100 km. We drove this engine mated to the eight-speed automatic transmission on the launch and although it has enough oomph, there is a noticeable lag in power. It doesn’t feel as refined as some of its competitors. Based on initial reports the new Audi A4 is going to lift the standard in terms of interior refinement even higher.
But step in to the 340i (which takes over from the 335i), and you notice why BMW has so many fans. It puts out 240 kW and 450 N.m of torque. It is fun to drive and just overall feels like a far more refined vehicle. If you don’t want to smack your kidneys on the tar, be sure to leave it out of sport mode. The 340i customers can choose from a total of 15 exterior colours for their new BMW 3 Series. New additions to the range include striking Mediterranean Blue metallic, Platinum Silver metallic and Jatoba metallic, in addition to the Individual colour Champagne Quartz metallic. The Estoril Blue metallic shade is still reserved exclusively for cars equipped with the M Sport package as well as the new optional M Sport Brake in blue with the BMW “M” badge.
A 40 year limited edition package will also be available which includes features such as special paint, different rims, the 40 years of 3 Series logo and special seats.
Looking further ahead, the BMW 3 Series will celebrate a very special milestone in 2016 with the launch of the BMW 330e. The BMW 330e will be powered by a plug-in hybrid drive system with a combined output of 185 kW, giving the BMW 330e a 0 – 100 km/h acceleration time of 6.3 seconds1 and a top speed of 225 km/h1.
Combined fuel consumption will work out at just 2.1 l/100 km,
The changes may be minor to spot on the new 3 Series, but I have no doubt that it will continue its successful journey in South Africa.
STANDARD MODEL PRICING:
318i manual R409 000
318i auto R427 900
320i manual R443 000
320i auto R461 900
320i sports auto R467 200
320d manual R472 000
320d auto R490 900
320d sorts auto R496 200
330i manual R516 000
330i auto R534 900
330i sports auto R540 200
330d auto R596 000
330d sports auto R598 700
340i sports auto R656 000