2012 BMW 320i Reviews

With 12 million sales around the world since its introduction in 1975, the BMW 3 Series is the Bavarian marque’s best selling car. It has recently been launched in its sixth generation and looks set to continue its popularity, especially with its generous suite of standard features.As well as a standard features list that’s longer than many times in the past, BMW also offers a range of trim and equipment options – Sport Line, Modern Line, Luxury Line, for example – to add more class to the car, while the M is on the list for the serious driver. These option packages combine the variety of accessories and extras the company had previously found to have the most boxes ticked when buyers made their individual choices. Thus making choices less complex than in the past.A full colour monitor that’s integrated into the top of the dashboard for all iDrive operations has information, entertainment, communication and navigation functions on offer. Below, on the centre stack are buttons for the dual zone climate control with the iDrive controls at hand on the centre console. Bluetooth is standard and the BMW Professional six-speaker and this audio unit also incorporates an MP3 compatible CD drive.The new BMW 3 Series comes with a choice of three petrol (two fours and a six-cylinder) and two four-cylinder diesel engines ranging in capacity from 1.8 to 3.0 litres.Despite its excellent fuel efficiency, the BMW 320i we tested has plenty of performance. Its 2.0-litre four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine pumps out 135 kW of power and 270 Nm of torque, 20 kW and 70 Nm more than the motor it replaces. At the same time it clips 2.2 seconds off the sprint time to 100 kilometres per hour - covering it in an almost sporting 7.6 seconds.BMW has long been one of the leaders in minimising carbon dioxide output from its cars. All models in the new 3 Series have a start/stop function that automatically cuts the engine at traffic lights or in stationary traffic. BMW says this is a first for the class.Further fuel saving measures include brake energy regeneration that ensures power for the vehicle electrical system is generated predominantly during braking and overrun. Electrically assisted power steering that calls on power only when needed in cornering also helps reduce fuel usage.An Eco Pro mode that alters throttle response and transmission shift points can be dialled up by a driver really keen on cutting their impact on the environment. As well as keeping the draw by heating and air-conditioning to a minimum it also controls the use of the (optional) heated seats and the door mirrors working at optimum levels. BMW has measured a cutting of fuel consumption by as much as 20 per cent when Eco Pro is used.Axle weight distribution is the optimum 50:50, giving the 320i the balance and handling ability to give the owner a high-level driving experience. Talking of driving experience, the new 320i features BMW’s own Driving Experience Control which, via a switch on the centre console, can shift between four driving modes – Comfort, Sport, Sport+, which pretty much are self explanatory, and Eco Pro as just described.An Adaptive M Suspension, available as an option, lowers the car by 10mm and brings in electronically controlled damping that adjusts for road surfaces and driving conditions. In a first for the segment, an eight-speed automatic transmission incorporating Sports Automatic function with steering wheel-mounted paddles, is standard. The close cog ratios mean that in fully auto mode it’s almost as if the car has a constantly variable transmission.If it’s playtime the driver seeks, use of the shift paddles go some way to upping the driving input but the tranny gives the impression it is still in control.Safety is never far from BMW’s mind and a new Active Protection package is fitted as standard across the 3 Series. The system is automatically activated above18 km/h when it gently tensions the driver and front passenger seatbelts. If a crash is likely the seatbelts are further tightened and windows and sunroof (where fitted) are automatically closed. In the event of a crash the system will also automatically brake the car beyond the initial impact for 1.5 seconds to reduce the likelihood of a second collision.BMW ConnectedDrive also offers optional technology to help drivers and avoid any potential collisions. This includes a full-colour head-up display in which key driving information is projected onto the windscreen in the driver’s field of vision. Further safety options include a Lane Change Warning System and Lane Departure Warning System, including Collision Warning that warns the driver of a possible collision during a lane change manoeuvre or if the car strays out of its lane.The all-new BMW 3 Series is slightly larger than before. Greater cabin dimensions particularly favour rear passengers where extra space has resulted in 15 mm more leg room and 8 mm more headroom and larger door openings for easier entry and exit. We tried the seat for size and while it’s certainly better than before this is still not exactly a spacious car for five adults. Three kids and two grown ups works nicely.The driver is made to feel very much in control of any BMW model, with the cockpit layout being angled towards them to ensure controls are ergonomically positioned and fuel gauge, speedometer, rev counter and oil temperature gauge are easily visible. The choice of standard upholstery is between beige and black Sensatec man-made leather trim. Dakota hides are an option.An excellent prestige car at a modest price for its class, the BMW 320i provides a lot of driving pleasure, yet achieves this with a minimum of damage to the air we all breathe.

Europe's latest new-car wave mimics athletes evolving over consecutive Olympic Games to be lighter and faster than predecessors. The BMW 320i reflects the direction - bigger cars with smaller engines and more features yet with even perkier performance. It's a philosophy that's easy to understand but the mandate is so

Life gets a little nicer when you have a prestige car in the driveway. Some people just crave a prestige badge, but it's true that the better European brands deliver a better car.That means more comfort and quietness, more equipment, and - if you have the cash to splash, or a company that's paying the freight - genuine luxury in a mid-sized package.The obvious choices for prestige buyers are the three big-name brands: Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Lexus is also a contender, which is why it's included in this four-car shootout, but you can also find prestige strengths everywhere from the Citroen C5 to the Skoda Superb and even - at a pinch - something like the Volkswagen Golf.Even the better Japanese brands, Mazda and Subaru, have models that make a prestige pitch and Holden and Toyota want you to believe their Caprice and Aurion are also rivals for the German heavyweights.VALUEThe price of a German prestige car is like a length of string - it depends on what you want but, more importantly, how much you have to spend. There are a vast range of Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class models in showrooms and an almost infinite choices of colours and optional equipment.BMW has the widest choice with 57 different 3 Series cars, 40 of them carrying a boot in the back end. Prices range from the 318d at $56,400 to more than $150,000 for an M3 hotrod. Mercedes has 28 different C-Class models, without thinking about the super-fast C63 AMG Black Series, with prices from $58,600 for the C200.Audi trails the other Germans with 'only' 14 versions of the A4, including nine sedans, and a starting price of $53,000 for the 2.0 TDI running to $95,300 for the 3.2 FSI quattro. There are seven Lexus IS sedans and three convertibles with prices ranging from $55,800 for the 250 Prestige up to $81,300 for the 350 Sports Luxury.Digging deeper, Lexus serves up the best standard package and even metallic paint which is $1270 in the A4, $1415 in the 3 Series and $1600 in the C-Class - is standard. It also has the longest warranty at four years including roadside assistance, but is limited to 100,000km while the others are unlimited.Mercedes has the longest service intervals of 25,000 kilometres, which counts with potential service costs. At the other end resale values are fairly similar. BMW is the leader, retaining 53 per cent of its value after three years according to Glass's Guide, followed by Benz and Lexus at 52 per cent and Audi at 50 per cent.TECHNOLOGYThe prestige smorgasbord continues on the mechanical front, with various petrol and diesel engine choices, apart from Lexus which is unleaded-only. Our test group includes three four-cylinder petrol turbos and the long Lexus six, which makes the best power and torque but trails on fuel economy at 9.4 litres/100km.The Audi A4 benefits from the newest engine, with 155 kiloWatts and a whopping 350 Newton-metres, while the Benz trails on paper but feels strong with solid torque. Germans cars have stop-start systems to boost economy - although it's only a realistic one per cent saving - to the eight-speed auto in the BMW helps it to diesel-like figure of 6L/100km. The Audi and Benz also come in under the 7L/100km fuel-efficient Luxury Car Tax threshold.There is technology everywhere, as the Germans have wheel-style controllers for their on-board computer, infotainment system and air-conditioning; all have Bluetooth, although the Lexus refuses audio streaming and the Benz has hiccups in playback; and Lexus has the brightest touch screen although the BMW has the best design and the biggest display.SAFETYFive-star safety is a given in the prestige class, but all four should have even quality when Australian New Car Assessment Program guidelines get tougher thanks to high-tech driving aids, although many are optional. Only the Lexus comes with a standard rear-view camera, and that's something you can now get in a humble Hyundai i30.DESIGNThe Lexus is the oldest design and it shows, especially against the good looking new 3 Series. Inside, the BMW is focussed more on the driver but the cockpit can feel a little snug, although not as bare as the overly-black Lexus.About a year ago, Mercedes gave its C-Class models a makeover inside and out. The exterior still looks a bit "grey cardigan" but the interior has more jewellery and a modern styling. Audi's interior design is standing the test of time but its exterior is a little boxy and boring. Infotainment controller is the best, the cabin finishes are great and the interior lighting is first-class.DRIVINGThe BMW should be an easy winner on the road, but it's not. The Lexus has a sportier feel, helped by the big six in the nose, and the Benz feels more solid and planted over bumps and other annoying acne. The BMW engine also lacks the shove of the Benz, although its transmission is silky smooth with a gear for everything, with the Audi also getting along nicely enough.For handling, the BMW is just ahead on a smooth surface but I'm shocked to feel steering kickback over slight corrugations, something that's usually associated with the front-drive Audi. The Benz feels rock-solid and balanced in all conditions, the Lexus is fun, and the Audi is better for cruising.During highway work, the A4 hits its sweet spot with a quiet and comfortable cabin that edges out the BMW - despite optional sports seats - and the Benz. The Lexus has way too much tyre roar. Assessing the cabins, BMW has done a great job in creating an Audi ambience with good design and classy materials.It's probably a tick ahead of the A4, with the Benz - despite a mid-life update last year and a larger display screen - still boring and the Lexus trailing with an outdated interior. It's hard to pick winners in other areas, because of the varying levels of equipment and options, but I like the big wheels on the Lexus, the great seats in the BMW, the headlamps in the Audi, and a bunch of other stuff. If I had to pick a back seat for a longish trip I'd probably go for the BMW.VERDICTThe Lexus goes out first. It looks nice enough, it has good grunt and plenty of cornering grip, but it shows its age in too many ways. The cabin is dark and uninspiring against its rivals, and the back seat is too tight. It's also way too noisy with road roar on anything but a perfect surface.The Audi is next to fall, not because it's not good but because it's not good enough against the other two Germans. The A4 is a nice design and the car is beautifully built, the new engine is smooth and very efficient, but it falls short of the rock-solid feel and driving enjoyment you deserve - and expect - in the prestige class.So it's down to the BMW and the Benz, and I admit that I chose the new 3 Series to drive away at the end of the test. That's usually the sign of a sure-fire winner, and the Three is very good. But it is flawed. The cabin now manages to out-Audi the A4, with classy design and a big display screen, but some of the plastics feel cheap and the things I really like - especially the cushy seats - are extra-cost options.Worst of all, since BMW has always billed itself as the Ultimate Driving Machine, there is front-end chatter over bumps and the silky-smooth eight-speed auto cannot totally compensate for an engine that's too noisy at idle and missing the mid-range shove you need for overtaking in Australia.So the winner, in the end, is the Benz. It's rock solid, it has the best badge in the business, and Mercedes has done a great job on updating the car to make it a nice drive, a value package, and the top choice in this class.Audi A4 2.0 TFSI quattroPrice: $64,500Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmResale: 50 per centService interval: 15,000km/12 monthsSafety rating: 5 starSpare: spacesaverEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo, 155kW/350NmTransmission: 7-speed S tronic, quattroBody: 4.7m (L); 1.8m (w); 1.4m (h)Weight: 1570kgThirst: 7/100km; 159g/km CO2Options fitted: metallic paint ($1270), sports front seats ($577), hill hold assist ($154)Total: $66,501BMW 3 Series - 320i SportPrice: $57,600Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmResale: 53 per centService interval: optionalSafety rating: 5 starSpare: Nil, run-flat tyresEngine: 2-litre, 4-cyl, 135kW/270NmTransmission: 8-speed auto, RWDBody: 4.6m (L); 1.8m (w); 1.4m (h)Weight: 1425kgThirst: 6/100km; 141g/km CO2Options: metallic paint ($1415), glass sunroof ($2245), Navigation System Business ($1538), Sport Line package ($3152) includes 17 light-alloy wheels Double-spoke 392, Ambience light, switchable between Orange and White, BMW Sport Seats, Chrome Pearl Grey surrounds for centre console, Dakota leather upholstery, Exclusive high-gloss Black exterior trims, Red contrast stitching for sport leather steering wheel, Red detailing on key, Speedometer and rev counter with Red chronoscales, Welcome light, switchable between White or Cold White, Sport designation, exterior, BMW Sport door sill finishers in AluminiumTotal: $65,956Lexus IS 350 PrestigePrice: $64,800Warranty: 4 years/100,000kmResale: 52 per centService interval: 15,000km/12 monthsSafety rating: 5 starSpare: spacesaverEngine: 3.5-litre 6-cyl, 233kW/378NmTransmission: 6-speed auto, FWDBody: 4.6m (L); 1.8m (w); 1.4m (h)Weight: 1645kgThirst: 9.4/100km; 223g/km CO2Options: Enhancement Pack (includes moonroof, satnav and semi-aniline leather) at $3500.Total: $68,300Mercedes-Benz C250 Avantgarde StandardPrice: $67,400Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmResale:  52 per centService interval: 25,000km/12 monthsSafety rating: 5 starSpare: spacesaverEngine: 1.8-litre 4-cyl, 150kW/310NmTransmission: 7-speed auto, RWDBody: 4.5m (l); 1.7m (w); 1.4m (h)Weight: 1505kgThirst: 6.8/100km; 158g/km CO2Options: metallic paint $1600, Option Vision Package $3785 - Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system- Glass electric sunroof- Bi-Xenon headlights with Intelligent Light SystemTotal: $72,785 

Not everyone wants to drive a big, boofy SUV. Small wagons are making a bit of a comeback, especially sporty Euros with offerings from all of the big three - Audi, Benz and BMW.BMW's new 3 Series Touring wagon is one of the tastier morsels to choose from, due to arrive early next year in Oz. We got a taste of things to come this week in Munich.DESIGNThe 3 Series is still very much the jewel in the crown, by far and away the German car maker's biggest selling model. The wagon, although it doesn't account for a huge number of sales (less than 10 percent of 3 Series), still makes a worthwhile contribution. The look this time around is long and low with sweeping lines that convey a sense of athleticism. It's identical to the sedan from the centre pillar forward, with a wider stance and lower front 'kidney' grille designed to accentuate its sporty appearance. At the rear BMW's characteristic L-shaped tail lights with integrated LEDs serve to emphasise the car's wider, stronger haunches - 37mm wider at the front and 48mm at the rear.LARGERThe fifth generation Touring is almost as long as a Commodore and 97mm longer than before, with a 50mm longer wheelbase that translates to 17mm of extra legroom in the back and more space for luggage behind the seat.In fact, with an extra 35 litres of luggage space, BMW claims the car now offers a greater capacity than any of its rivals - with room for three golf bags. Through the use of high strength steel the engineers have been able to reduce the weight of the car by 40kg.THE BOOTThere's 495 litres of space with the rear seat upright and 1500 litres with it folded, with a power operated tailgate that has a window that opens separately for quick access. Wave your foot under the rear of the car and the tailgate opens magically. The rear seat splits and folds in a 40:20:40 ratio that means you can fit several pairs of skis down the centre of the car and still have room for four adults.A partition net and luggage compartment cover are provided that stow neatly under the floor when not in use. The floor hatch is reversible for carrying dirty items. In the front, larger stowage bins in the doors now accommodate 1-litre drink bottles.THE RANGEWe're getting three models: the 328i, 320i and 318d. The 323i is no more and the 335i performance model has been dropped due to lack of demand. The first two are powered by 2.0-litre petrol engines and the third by a 2.0-litre diesel. Of the trio we got to sample only the top of the range 328i.UNDER THE BONNETThe twin turbo 2.0-litre four cylinder direct injection petrol engine produces 180kW of power and 350Nm of torque. It will be hooked up to an eight-speed automatic as standard in Aussie cars. A sports auto with gear change paddles and more dynamic shift characteristics is also available. The dash from 0-100km/h takes 6.0 seconds flat, with a top speed that is electronically limited to 250km/h. The 320i meanwhile produces 135kW/270Nm and the 118d 105kW/320Nm.FUEL CONSUMPTIONThe 328i is rated at 6.8 litres/100km and produces 159g/km of CO2. During the launch this week we returned a figure of 9.4 litres/100km over a distance of 230 easy kilometres. All models will be fitted with stop/start and other fuel saving tech, as well as a drive control with Eco Pro mode to maximise economy.BMW claims the latter can reduce fuel consumption by up to 20 percent. Stop/start as its name suggests shuts down the engine at traffic lights and in other situations to save fuel, automatically restarting the engine when the driver presses the throttle.ON THE ROADI have to confess it's been a while since I last drove a Beemer and I had forgotten just how sporty they always manage to make them. The transition from six to four cylinder engines in the name of better fuel economy has been seamless, with the 2.0-litre engine in the 328i punching well above its weight.The chunky steering wheel feels snug in the hands and performance is strong, with plenty in reserve for overtaking. It even sounds the part under full throttle which is so important. The eight speed auto is excellent and responds quickly to throttle input, with the option to change gears manually, via the shifter or the steering wheel mounted paddles.Whether you're in auto or manual mode, the effect is satisfying, especially under hard acceleration when the gears snap home. In fact, we'd go as far as saying it's more responsive  than the tranny in the Porsche wagon that we drove the other day. Whether barreling down the autobahn or threading our way through the many villages that dot the countryside, the car remained unfazed.INSIDETypical BMW. The cockpit has a clear driver focus and the computer screen is bigger than ever. There's even a cradle for your iPod in the centre stowage bin, along with AUX and USB ports. It's available in Modern, Luxury and Sport trim lines, as well as with the M Sport package with lowered suspension. And, of course, there's plenty of options.SAFETYIt hasn't been tested yet, but the sedan gets a full five stars and the wagon is expected to achieve the same rating. Front and side airbags are fitted, plus head airbags for front and rear along with a full suite of safety systems.VERDICTMuch more stylish. The previous model looks positively small in comparison, although this one is physically only slightly larger. Like we said not everyone wants to drive a rolly-polly SUV, particularly if you're just driving around town. In this context a wagon makes more sense as it offers the same kind of utility but in a more refined and more engaging package. Your call. Pricing and specifications for the new wagon will be revealed closer to launch in February-March.BMW 3 Series Touring wagon 328iPrice: from $66,900Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder direct injection petrol, 180kW/350NmTransmission: 8-speed automaticThirst: 6.8 litres/100km, 159g/km CO2 emissions 

Remember when Hoover meant vacuum cleaner and Kodak meant camera? They became synonymous with the product and it must have been hell if you were Acme Vacuums or Click-me Cameras.It's a bit like that with cars. Some epitomise their segment. Perhaps they were first, or best, or just most popular. Either way, they define the envelope that everyone else tries to push.Before the Range Rover came along, no one thought a living room could go bush. Now, luxury off-roaders are everywhere. Some are faster; some handle better. But the Rangie is ground zero for posh SUVs.The Porsche 911 wasn't the first sports car and there are certainly more rational designs. But it's endured a half century and has become the reference point for anything new. The same goes for Mercedes's full-size luxury sedan, the S-Class.When it comes to the single most popular type of luxury car, the junior executive sedan, it's BMW that wrote the rules. Since the 3 Series started in 1975, its combination of badge, practicality and handling has been the first rung on the premium ladder for millions of buyers. More than 12.5 million, in fact, and in many markets it has become a cliche of upward mobility.With an eye on that showroom revenue, almost every premium brand has produced a wannabe to arm-wrestle the 3 into submission. Then, when the critics are harsh and the sales don't come, there's a bruising retreat: ``No, we weren't really trying to out-3 the 3. We're happy with our (tiny) piece of the pie.'' Put your hands up, Jaguar, Alfa, Volvo and more.The only ones with half a chance are the other Germans. Audi, with the A4, has been getting closer and Mercedes, in this market at least, has been winning with the C-Class. Since the last model arrived almost five years ago with sharper prices and a younger mindset, it has outsold the 3 sedan.More surprising still, for five months last year the C outsold every mid-size car at any price, except the Toyota Camry. It finished the year third, behind the Ford Mondeo but ahead of the Mazda 6, Honda Accord Euro and Hyundai i45: cars that start $25k below. In seventh was the 3 Series and the A4 was 10th.It's not just that the traditional mid-size volume sellers are doing it tough. It was a similar result in 2010. Premium isn't exclusive any more. It's mainstream. Seven years after the E90, a new sixth-generation 3 Series, coded F30, has unbolted the kitchen sink to reclaim its title and give shoppers fewer reasons to go sub-premium.With the mainstream buyer in mind, the lack of rear seat space in the previous car has been addressed with a decisive move up in scale. The new 3 is more than 9cm longer than before as well as being wider and taller. There's more leg room in the rear, more headspace all round and the boot is bigger. The most affordable BMW that could unequivocally fit a family used to be a 5 Series, and that meant at least another $20k. Not any more.The range is better value, too. Premium brands would rather compete on equipment than headline prices, so the 3 begins at $56,400 with the 318d, which is pretty close to where it was before. That remains something of a budget model, with synthetic leather and 16-inch wheels. But the list of standard fittings is longer and includes split-fold rear seats, a large control screen and rear parking sensors.Step up $1200 to the 320i and there are power seats and gearshift paddles. Real leather begins at $66,900 in the 328i. The result is a more compressed range, with more standard kit in the lower models but less in the top spec 335i, which drops $16k.BMW has bundled together many of the cosmetic options into three style lines that change interior and exterior trim in harmony. There are some surprises here, such as a textured wood finish and coloured dials available in the modern line. Very un-Germanic, almost Scandinavian.As usual there's a new attention grabbing feature, too. In this case, a motion sensor beneath the rear bumper responds to a wave of the foot by opening the boot. Parents with babes in arms, pay attention.The higher dollar is one reason luxury brands have more scope to add features. Another is that many of their cars now fall below the luxury tax threshold thanks to more efficient engines. If economy is 7.0 litres per 100km or better, then the tax kicks in at $75,375 instead of $57,466. That can liberate thousands.The 318d and 320d diesels, with economy of 4.5l/100km, match the efficiency of many small cars including BMW's own 1 Series. And a Toyota Prius owner is saving less than a dollar every 100km. Emission rules are also responsible for BMW's decision to drop its naturally aspirated straight six-cylinder engine, which was a brand signature, in favour of a turbocharged four-cylinder. This 2.0-litre petrol unit achieves 6.0l/100km in the 320i and 6.3 in the 328i.The only six is the turbo in the 335i, a carry-over engine. But even here there's improvement, to 7.2l/100km from 8.7, thanks to the eight-speed automatic that is now standard across the range.Other fuel-saving strategies, such as idle-stop and brake energy regeneration, have been part of the luxury furniture for some time. Mainstream makers are still catching up.So there's more to the 3 in this generation in a full-throttle attempt to push this car to the head of the pack, in line with its reputation. It has a year or two of clear air before there's a completely new C-Class or A4. This car presses the reset button.Sooner or later, though, every Kodak has a smartphone to contend with. The 3 Series still accounts for one-third of all BMWs sold, but its share of the action is falling. And it's not really about the C-Class or the A4. The luxury segment is no more immune to the SUV trend than any other. In 2001, they were a blip on the luxury buyer's radar. Last year, they were 35 per cent of all luxury sales. Mr Hoover, your Dyson is ready.BMW 3 SERIES HISTORYE21 (1975-82): Debuts as a two door with four cylinders, ranging from a 73kW 1.6-litre in the 316 to a 93kW 2.0-litre in the 320i. Six cylinders appear in 1977. Production: 1.36mE30 (1982-90): Slightly bigger but weighing less, the E30 is the first to come with four doors (in 1983) and then as a wagon and convertible. M3 debuts in 1985 as a 149kW, 2.3-litre four cylinder. Production: 2.22mE36 (1990-98): Third generation appears first as a four-door and grows again. A compact adds to variants-eventually 31 of them-while engines gain variable timing on inlet valves. Production: 2.75mE46 1998-2005: Sedan is now 12cm longer than original two door. Range begins with a 88kW, 318i four-cylinder, while six-cylinders now have variable exhaust and inlet timing. Production: 3.14mE90 2005-11: Again bigger but no heavier, thanks to aluminium panels. Rear suspension is now a five-link design and all gearboxes are six speeds. Eight airbags and run-flat tyres standard. Production: c3.04mF30 2011: Grows again to be longer than original 5 Series. Four-cylinders replace all previous sixes (except in 335i), with turbocharging and an eight-speed gearbox on every model.

The car that already accounts for a third of all BMW sales seems certain to build on its success, with the latest 3 Series growing in stature, power and efficiency. The range, launched last week in Victoria's hilly Healesville, comprises five models, all of them turbocharged and all fitted with eight-speed transmissions, engine stop-start technology and a long list of standard features. Two are diesels, three on petrol diets and there's a cracker of a new four-cylinder engine that replaces the much-loved straight-six in two of the variants. BMW says advance orders for the new 3s are the strongest yet. THE RANGEThe diesels are the 318d and 320d, then there's the 320i, 328i and the ferocious 335i. Its 225kW and 400Nm engine carries-over from last year, but fuel economy has been improved, emissions are down and acceleration has been cut to a blistering 5.5seconds to 100km/h. It's also about $10,000 cheaper than the earlier model. DESIGN Sleeker than ever, the 3 Series now has a drag factor of just 0.26 thanks to its sporty aesthetic. The car has a 50mm longer wheelbase, is 93mm longer overall and front and rear tracks have been pushed out by 37 and 47mm respectively. A thin lower air intake sits below the grille and helps to create an aero-improving'air curtain.' Inside, back seat passengers get more leg and headroom and the backrest has a 20/40/20 split to extend cargo space. The cockpit has a new free-standing colour monitor for the comprehensive iDrive functions and some models get a heads-up display on the windscreen.TECHNOLOGYThe engines in all models have twin-scroll turbos. The 318d has a 2.0litre 105kW/320Nm diesel and an official fuel figure of 4.5litres/100km. The 320d, also a 2.0litre, puts out 135kW/380Nm and the same economy and the 320i petrol version has the all-new 2.0litre four that develops 135kW and 270Nm, with a combined cycle of 6.0litres/100km. The 328i has a highly tuned version of the same motor: 180kW and 350Nm and the 335i has a 3.0 six with 225kW and 400Nm. The smooth, fast-shifting ZF eight-speed auto is a first for BMW in the mid-size segment.It's a great unit linked to the new Driving Experience Control (DEC) rocker switch that not only offers Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus options, but also Eco Pro mode, which gives all the models the potential to improve the economy figures.DRIVINGIt's what you make of it. Take your pick of the DEC quartet and you can go like the clappers, cruise in luxury or do the eco thing. The undercarriage has been beefed up and rewards drivers with better dynamics and ride comfort. The 3 Series has a near-perfect 50/50 balance  it's also 30kg lighter and its quick steering, huge torque, tremendous brakes and tenacious grip make it a standout in the driver department. VALUEStart at $56,400 for the 318d. The 320d is $60,900, the 320i $57,600, the 328i $66,900 and the flagship335i $91,900. There are also Modern, Sport and Luxury Line trim and equipment options and a vast selection of extras that can easily take even the mid-spec models well into six figures. The 335i, 328i and 320d are on sale now, with 320i and 318d stocks arriving in the March production. We enjoyed almost every aspect of the new 3 Series. An exception would be the optional `driftwood' interior trim; truly awful.

The new BMW 3 Series sets a high benchmark with a bigger body, more room, greater safety, higher technology, more dynamic performance and smaller, more powerful and "greener" engines.VALUEThe new model lines make price comparisons difficult, but there has been a slight increase in base models and substantial decreases in middle and flagship models. As all but the 335i have economy figures lower than 7L/100km, they save buyers the luxury car tax. There is also a substantial increase in creature features and hi-tech driver aids, so value has improved, forcing Mercedes-Benz to recently make some price adjustments to combat the coming model.Initially we get the sedan variants in base and three trim "lines" (modern, sport and luxury), with two transmissions and three engines, two of which have different outputs. However, because of production schedules, the entry level 118d and 120i models will not arrive until the middle of the year.BMW Group Australia product and market planning manager Toni Andreevski says the new model lines make customer buying decisions easier, but it still makes my brain hurt thinking about the choices. He admits that half of all buyers will simply choose a car off the dealer's showroom floor, anyway.As usual, there is also a host of options such as adaptive M suspension (up to $2200 depending on model), sunroof (up to $2900), TV (up to $2250) and satnav (up to $2000).TECHNOLOGYMany will mourn the passing of a straight-six naturally aspirated engine in a 3 Series, but the new all-turbo line-up will write a new chapter in BMW history.Top of the range is the three-litre twin-turbo six 335i, but the new hero car is expected to be the 328i with its high-spirited 180kW of power offset by low fuel consumption figures of 6.3 litres per 100km. The same two-litre petrol engine in the 320i has 40kW less power but is only 0.3L/100km lighter on fuel. At $9300 less, it is expected to be the big seller. The two-litre diesel engines also come in two output variants. The 320d has 135kW of power and 389Nm of torque compared with the 318i with 105kW/320Nm, but they have the same economy figures of a paltry 4.5L/100km.All models come with stop-start, but even Mazda is about to introduce that technology across many in its range.Another new feature is Driving Experience Control or driving modes where you can switch between an economy mode that is claimed to save up to 20 per cent on fuel, Comfort, Sport and Sport+ where even the traction control can be adjusted to suit. The 318d doesn't get the Sport+ mode. They come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifts (except 318d) or an optional six-speed manual.DESIGNYou have to squint to notice the exterior difference, but the overall impression, thanks to sculpted flanks and slitty-eyed headlights, is that the car has gone on a diet. It's all smoke and mirrors, though. Or at least aerodynamic lines and a cinched-in waist. Thankfully, the rather austere interior has been fussed up a bit with multi layers of trim. Gone are the vast acres of oppressive rubberized plastics.There are several trim styles to chose from, but worst-trim-ever award goes to the knotty "driftwood" in the Modern line with its rough texture. It is extreme kitsch and should be immediately omitted from the options. Drivers have been acknowledged with controls angled toward them and there are now even cup holders in the centre console and large map pockets.SAFETYStandard in all 3 Series is an Active Protection package that you can feel as soon as you hit 18km/h and the seatbelts tighten up. At 20km/h the doors lock and you know BMW is looking out for your safety. There are many other safety driver aids and secondary safety features, but one of the smartest is an automatic brake that engages if the vehicle is involved in a crash to prevent it rolling into the path of another vehicle for a secondary collision. It's smart thinking like this that has kept German car manufacturers at the forefront of automotive safety.BMW fully expects to receive a five-star merit badge from the ANCAP safety assessors. But we are still concerned about the lack of a spare tyre and the fact that a rearview camera is not standard issue.DRIVINGBMW has gone soft. Ever since the German manufacturer began using run-flat tyres in the 1 Series in 2004, it has been widely criticized for its harsh ride. Over the years, the suspension engineers have gradually come to grips with the restrictions of the hard tyre sidewalls while the tyre manufacturers have also evolved into their four generation of rubber and fund some subtlety.We are pleased to report that today's 3 Series is plush in Comfort mode and not painful even in Sport or Sport+ modes. The national launch was held this week on lumpy Yarra Valley roads, a tough test for any vehicle. Here, the vehicle felt poised and planted. It almost floated in Comfort setting.All engines are refined, smooth and quiet; even the diesel. Drivers will learn to love the Driving Experience Control button next to the transmission. Push that button forward from Eco Pro to Normal to Sport and then Sport+ and with each mode the steering tightens, the throttle sharpens, the transmission quickens and so does your pulse rate. It sends a tingle back through your fingers, toes and the seat of your trousers. You feel so much in control. This is simply the best electronic steering I have felt.Although the dimensions are bigger, it is difficult to feel the extra space in the cabin. But the less chunky dashboard and lighter colours at least provide an airy feeling. In the back, the legroom, headroom and shoulder room provide ample comfort for two adults or three children, while access is easier with wider-opening doors. Out back there is also a 20-litre bigger boot that conveniently opens automatically if you wave your leg under the rear bumper, just so long as you have the keys in your pocket.Australia's harsh sun plays havoc on the instruments with plenty of reflective glare, yet the new stand-up satnav is the best I have seen in direct sunlight. It is also better positioned so drivers don't have to look as far away from the road in front to view the map.We mainly drove the new hero model  328i on the launch and found it has more than enough wick to light most drivers' fuses. It fairly sizzles at the top end, but it's the usable torque that comes on song from as low as 1000rpm that will put a smile on most drivers' faces. Only the true enthusiasts will want to spring the extra $25,000 for the 335i. As for the 320d, it feels the extra weight in the front and, although we are assured the suspension is the same as the petrol models, it feels a little soggier.VERDICTOur heart belongs to the 328i, but it might pay to wait around another six months for the 320i. That could be the performance/price sweetspot. Besides, orders already have a six-month waiting list.