BMW 320i News

It's a brave move. The Bavarian brand is the first to move to triple power in the premium medium class.The turbo 1.5-litre engine will power the 318i, entry point for the facelifted 3 Series line-up due to reach our showrooms in about October. It will take the place of the sub-$60,000 316i, which has a turbo 1.6-litre four.Although smaller, the new triple matches the 100kW maximum power of the 316i.The 3 Series triple does come with a power pedigreeBut BMW's new triple is outclassed by the turbo fours of obvious competitors from Audi and Mercedes-Benz; maximum power of the base A4's 1.8-litre is 125kW, the C-Class's 2.0-litre produces 135kW. These numbers are likely to interest Australian customers more than the triple's sub-6.0L/100km fuel sipping figure.Still, the 3 Series triple does come with a power pedigree. In tuned-up form, this is the same engine that powers the rear wheels of BMW's swift and stunning i8 plug-in hybrid.Engines are the big story of this 3 Series update. Nearly everything in the range moves to BMW's newest engine family. As well as the petrol triple, there are new 2.0-litre turbo petrol and turbo diesel fours and a new 3.0-litre turbo petrol six. Only the turbo diesel six-cylinder, not offered here, is to be carried over from the current 3 Series.The new engines are built around common 500cc modules. They've been designed for manufacturing efficiency. As well as sharing of parts inside the petrol and diesel engine line-ups, there's also 30 to 40 per cent sharing between petrol and diesel.They've revised the basic standard and sports suspensionsThere are some new names to go with these new engines. The 320i badge is retained, but the current 328i four is to be replaced by the 5kW-more-powerful 330i. Likewise, the 335i six is to be replaced by the 340i. This facelift will also bring changes to front and rear bumpers, designed to make the 3 Series look more snarly, and a new headlight design. Full LED adaptive headlights will be an option for the first time, too.BMW engineers say they attempted to make the updated 3 Series a sportier drive. They've revised the basic standard and sports suspensions and have upgraded to two-valve variable shock absorbers in the switchable adaptive damping system.Their aim was to improve steering precision and reduce body roll while cornering, without killing comfort.BMW Australia isn't saying how much these new 3 Series models will cost until closer to their arrival date. But the prices need to be super sharp.Like Audi, BMW is being brained by Mercedes-Benz in the premium medium category.Check out Malcolm Flynn's video review of the BMW 3 Series:

A plug-in hybrid is also coming next year. But the big switch, and a car to challenge the Mercedes-Benz C-Class that is romping ahead with prestige buyers in Australia, is still in the future.A new 7 Series flagship is coming towards the end of this year. Australian designer Calvin Luk has done design updates for the 1 Series and X3, but the 3 Series is only a mild evolution despite the hype at company headquarters in Munich."We are enriching the 3 Series with new cutting-edge engine technology. We can offer a fuel efficiency improvement of up to 13 per cent," says BMW Group global marketing chief Ian Robertson.He says the focus is on agility and dynamics as BMW defends the global market leadership it has held since the 3 Series's debut in 1975."We fully intend to maintain this position. The sedan segment is still strong despite what everyone is trying to intimate, and the Touring (wagon) works well in Europe."I think sedans have a long way to go. Our core is still rear-wheel drive and sedans."The 3 Series update will reach Australia late this year, after European sales begin in August, but there is no prediction yet on pricing or the final engine line-up after the mid-cycle change.The new engines are led by the four-cylinder petrol powerplant in the 330i that makes 135kW and best fuel figures from 5.3L/100km. The 240kW inline six in the 340i returns at best 6.6L/100km.All the 3 Series engines below the M3 — three, four and six-cylinder petrol and four-cylinder diesel — now come from the Efficient Dynamics engine family, boosted by turbos. The plug-in hybrid, the 330e, promises economy of just 2.1L/100km despite making 185kW.We've done subtle but effective changesOn the technology front, in addition to 4G there is an updated Professional satnav with the prospect of quicker route calculation and free map upgrades "automatically over the air in the owner's home region" for three years.Visually, the 3 Series has a sharper nose with more LED work and tail-lamps with a slightly different shape. In the cabin, there is more soft plastic and extra chrome trimming."We've done subtle but effective changes. It's about quality and precision," says BMW design chief Karim Habib.BMW talks big about the history of the 3 Series, with sales totalling more than 14 million cars.There was a historic line-up of all six generations outside its Munich headquarters for the update event.Robertson says the big party is coming next year, though he won't be drawn on the possibility of landmark concept cars or even a 3 Series with more improvements."We are going to do some celebratory 100-year cars next year," he says, alluding to BMW's centenary.Check out Malcolm Flynn's video review of the BMW 3 Series:

BMW has revealed its mid-cycle update for the 3 Series sedan and Touring wagon range. The update coincides with the 40-year anniversary of the 3 Series as BMW’s most successful model to date and brings refreshed styling, new engines and revised suspension.The styling changes are subtle but include new headlights with full LEDs available now as an option and new taillights with distinctive LED design.The front and rear bumpers have also been lightly massaged in an attempt to make the car look lower and wider.The big news however, is beneath the metal, where the refreshed 3 Series boasts a range of new or updated engines.The entry-level petrol 318i is now powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, already used in the 2 Series Active Tourer and Mini ranges. In the 3 Series it produces 100kW/220Nm and can use 5.0L/100km combined on the European cycle.The base 316d diesel is powered by an 85kW/270Nm 2.0-litre turbodiesel unit which uses 3.9L/100km combined.The popular 320i petrol also receives BMW’s new 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine first seen in the 2 Series Active Tourer and Mini Cooper S.The ‘B48’ engine produces the same 135kW as the 'N20' engine it replaces but with 290Nm it packs an extra 20Nm of shove.Zero to 100km/h takes 7.2 seconds (down 0.4 seconds) while fuel consumption is rated at 5.5L/100km (a 0.4L/100km improvement).The big news is beneath the metal, where the refreshed 3 Series boasts a range of new or updated engines.The 320d diesel retains its 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine but receives a slight power boost from 135kW to 140kW and 400Nm.Combined fuel consumption on the European cycle is listed as 4.4L/100km. A pair of more powerful diesels producing 160kW/450Nm and 230kW/630Nm respectively are also available in Europe but are unlikely to be offered locally.The mid-cycle facelift also sees the 328i replaced by the 330i, which uses the same 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder as the model it replaces but with an extra 5kW for 185kW/350Nm.The 330i will sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.8 seconds and use 5.5L/100km combined.Similarly the six-cylinder 335i is being replaced by the 340i which is the first model to use BMW’s new B58 3.0-litre turbocharged straight six.The new motor produces 240kW/450Nm, up from 225kW/400Nm in the 335i.That’s enough for a 0-100km/h sprint time of 5.1 seconds – down from 5.5 -, while fuel consumption is 6.5L/100km combined.A 330e hybrid model will complete the range next year, powered by a 135kW four-cylinder engine and electric motor to give a total of 185kW/420Nm.The efficiency-focused model uses just 2.1L/100km combined on the Euro cycle, but can still hit 100km/h in a swift 6.3 seconds.An EV mode will also allow for up to 35km of emissions-free electric drive.In overseas markets a six-speed manual is the standard transmission with an eight-speed automatic optionally, though we’ll likely get the self-shifter as the default option.The new 3 Series also brings upgraded interior materials, namely the polished black plastic surrounding the climate control and stereo buttons.The suspension has also been tweaked with a stiffer setup across most models aimed at improving cornering agility.As for the M3 performance model, the styling tweaks will also be applied to the M hot-rod while an engine retune is also expected.The facelifted BMW 3 Series range is expected to arrive in Australia later this year with prices closely aligned with the adjusted pricing announced earlier this year.Check out Malcolm Flynn's video review of the BMW 3 Series:

A vote by 75 motoring journalists from 22 countries has awarded the compact prestige car the World Car of the Year award for 2015.It finished on top of a 24-car field and eventually beat the two other finalists, the Ford Mustang and Volkswagen Passat.The other big prizes for 2015, Green Car of the Year and Performance Car of the Year, went to the plug-in hybrid BMW i8 and the Mercedes-AMG GT coupe.The winners were announced at the New York Motor Show today at an event hosted by Bridgestone Corporation and Autoneum at the culmination of a six-month voting process.The C-Class delivers levels of refinement, luxury, safety, ride and handling that challenge best-in-class.The awards are in their 11th year and previous winners include the Audi A6, BMW 3 Series, Lexus LS460 and Volkswagen Golf, Polo and Up.To be eligible for the overall World Car award, candidate cars must have become available for sale on at least two continents between January 1, 2014 and May 31, 2015.The WCOTY wins by Mercedes-Benz follow its victories in the Green Car contest in 2007 with the E320 Bluetec and 2012 with the S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and its Luxury Car success with the S Class in 2014.“We are extremely delighted of winning the honour of World Car of the Year,” says the chairman of Daimler, Dr Dieter Zetsche.The WCOTY victory follows a similar success for the C-Class in the CarsGuide Car of the Year award.The WCOTY judging panel says: “Taking its design and technological cues from the S-Class, the C-Class employs an all-new aluminium/steel hybrid platform and updated rear-drive powertrains that delivers levels of refinement, luxury, safety, ride and handling that challenge best-in-class.” WORLD CAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2015Overall winner: Mercedes-Benz C-ClassGreen Car: BMW i8Performance Car: Mercedes-AMG GTLuxury Car: Mercedes-Benz S CoupeDesign: Citroen CactusPREVIOUS WORLD COTY WINNERS:2014: Audi A32013: Volkswagen Golf2012: Volkswagen Up2011: Nissan Leaf2010: Volkswagen Polo2009: Volkswagen Golf2008: Mazda22007: Lexus LS4602006: BMW 3 Series2005: Audi A6

In a year when the overall car market shrank, all but a handful of prestige brands increased sales. Buyers don't just want a good car; they want others to see they have one, helping everyone from Maserati to Mercedes-Benz post gains.The trend is accelerating and a steady stream of new models in 2015 only adds to the impetus. CarsGuide looks at what's in store for the premium players this year.It isn't hard to foresee the popularity of the 4C two-seat coupe when it hits showrooms next month. This baby supercar uses a carbon-fibre tub, mid-engine layout and minimalist interior to present a modern incarnation of a stripped-down racer. Pricing will be $80,000-$100,000. The soft-top Spider is due in October. The Alfa Giulietta also gets an update.A steady new model rollout starts in February with the arrival of the TT coupe for just under $80,000. It will be joined by the soft-top roadster midyear and the TT S performance model in August or September. The plug-in petrol-electric A3 e-tron five-door hatch is due in May with an expected price of $60,000, with the Q7 large SUV due late in the year. Updates or variants include the A6/A7, RS6/RS7, A1, RS3 and Q3/RSQ3.New metal is in short supply at the British brand but two models will join the line-up, starting with the Vantage S Roadster at a shade under $420,000. If that isn't exclusive enough, consider the $500,000 Vanquish Carbon using the same V12 but with eight forward ratios in place of the Vantage's seven.BENTLEYChauffeurs will going cap-in-hand to buyers of the Mulsanne Speed for the chance to steer the best Bentley ever. A twin-turbo V8 cranks out 1100Nm - only the Bugatti Veyron can torque itself up as a more powerful production model - to push the 2.7-tonne limo into triple figures in 4.9 seconds. Pricing has yet to be set but if you have to ask, you can't afford it.There's a lot of product in the pipeline this year but only one all-new car. The X1 will switch to front-wheel drive when the second-generation model arrives in the third quarter. The X1 will look more mini-SUV than compact wagon, aligning it with the X3 and X5. Top-end versions will be all-wheel drive. Updates and new variants include the 2 Series convertible, X5M/X6M, 6 Series/X6, 3 Series, X4 M40i and X5 e-Drive.The 458 range has a Speciale A due next month. The 499 examples of the alloy hardtop model are already sold, meaning the $635,000 two-seater is likely to be a smart investment. Keep an eye on the classifieds.The struggle to be a serious prestige player continues for Infiniti with a major model overhaul due in 2016. A refreshed Q70 flagship is due midyear with a nip-and-tuck for the bumpers, updated interior trim and more safety software.The transition from niche player to prestige powerhouse is predicated on the XE sedan being a genuine rival for the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and BMW C-Class. Specs indicate the engines are up to the job, so it comes down to how well it can be priced in Australia. There will be updates for the F-Type coupe and convertible and XF sedan.Styling that echoes the Evoque and a premium interior mark the Discovery Sport, debuting in May. Essentially a replacement for the Freelander, the Sport is a serious off-roader with 600mm wading depth and four-wheel drive. Also expect a Range Rover Sport SVR, Range Rover hybrid and updated Evoque.A compact performance sedan, the RC F will cost $133,500, making it a 'budget' alternative to the Germans. The naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 isn't quite on par with the Euro competition but neither is the price. The GS F mid-sized sedan will use the same engine and is due later in the year, price undisclosed. The NX200 will get a new turbo engine.No new news is still good news for Lotus aspirants. An automatic Exige - the brand's first self-shifter - is due in the second quarter. Expect to pay around $9000 for the clutch-less version, putting the price above $135,000. An updated Evora should land late with less weight and improved interior.An 'affordable' McLaren is due late in the year with an entry level Sport model priced at more than $300,000. That puts it in the higher echelons of Porsche 911 territory - but still well below typical McLaren prices.Australia's top-selling prestige brand rolls out a range of new toys this year to expand its appeal. The action starts with the AMG GT and C63 AMG in the second quarter, both using a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8. Skip ahead to Q3 and there's the new GLE (formerly known as the ML) and GLE coupe SUVs, followed by the CLA Shooting Brake and the much-needed GLC compact SUV. Other updates or variants include the S63 coupe, CLS, B-Class and S500 coupe.The action starts with an entry-level five-door Mini Cooper One at $25,600 in February. It is powered by a three-cylinder engine with 75kW/180Nm. At the opposite end of the spectrum is the John Cooper Works three-door hatch, which will be the Mini with the most mumbo ever when it arrives midyear at an estimated $48,000.There's plenty to whet the appetite for performance enthusiasts, even if it is all clad in existing bodywork. The base V6 and performance GTS Cayenne SUV models are due next month, followed by the Turbo S midyear. An update of the 911 should make it before Christmas and Santa may deliver the new GT4 Cayman at the same time.The XC90 large SUV is due midyear with prices starting from about $90,000. A more affordable alternative will be the V60 Cross Country due late in the year from $65,000. The elevated version of the V60 wagon will be sold in FWD and AWD guise.

THE Audi A3 small car -- which owes much of its DNA to the Volkswagen Golf -- has won the 2014 World Car of the Year, as voted by 69 jurors from 22 countries. The luxury hatch toppled the widely-tipped favourite, the Mazda3 from Japan, in the awards announced at the New York motor show today.The Audi A3 was among five German cars that took out a cleansweep of the 2014 World Car of the Year categories, and it was Audi’s second win in 10 years, having won the inaugural award. Indeed, German cars have won seven of the past 10 World Car of the Year awards, Japanese brands have won the remaining three.Accepting the award on behalf of the company, Audi's North America president Scott Keogh said: “The Audi A3 has only been on sale three weeks and already it’s off to a flying start.”Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi, said: “This major award win is an achievement that the whole company can celebrate.”The Audi A3 was among 24 finalists that included the BMW i3 electric car, which won the Green Car of the Year and the Car Design of the Year. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class was the Luxury Car of the Year while the Porsche 911 GT3 was awarded top performance car honours.But the Mazda3 had emerged as an early favourite for the outright World Car of the Year award following rave reviews globally since it went on sale late last year. The previous generation Mazda3 has been Australia’s top selling car for two of the past three years, and was the vehicle that ended the Holden Commodore’s record 15-years as the market leader, in 2011.The Mazda3 is returned to the top of the sales charts so far this year -- after being overtaken by the Toyota Corolla in 2013 -- and is likely to take out top-seller status this year buoyed by the new model which went on sale in January.World car of the year winners2014 – Audi A32013 -- Volkswagen Golf Mk72012 -- Volkswagen Up2011 -- Nissan Leaf2010 -- Volkswagen Polo2009 -- Volkswagen Golf Mk62008 -- Mazda22007 -- Lexus LS4602006 -- BMW 3 Series2005 -- Audi A62014 World Car of The Year category winnersGreen car of the Year -- BMW i3 electric carCar Design of the Year -- BMW i3 electric carPerformance Car of the Year -- Porsche 911 GT3Luxury Car of the Year – Mercedes-Benz S-ClassThis reporter is on Twitter: @JoshuaDowling 

Carsguide’s spy photographers captured a prototype of the new model testing ahead of its expected 2015 showroom debut. In response to the new generation Mercedes C-Class – which has moved more upmarket with cues and technology from the flagship S-Class -- the 3 LCI (Life Cycle Impulse in BMW speak) will bring refreshed styling and updated technology to the Bimmer.The changes aim to keep the popular model competitive against its newer rivals. However, in typical BMW-fashion the facelift is of the ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ variety, with exterior styling revisions limited to just the front bumper. New lower air vents are expected to give a more modern appearance while full LED headlamps replace the bi-xenons offered on existing 3 Series models.More significant changes have been made beneath the metal with the 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol and diesel engines from the new Mini becoming available in the 3 Series. The petrol version produces 100kW and 220Nm in the iconic little British hatchback, while the diesel makes 85kW, however these engines will likely receive small power bumps for their application in the larger BMW product.The updated 3 Series will also receive a host of new driver assistance technologies. These include BMW’s traffic jam assistance program which first debuted in the 5 Series. Using a forward facing camera this program automatically controls the brakes, throttle and steering at speeds of up to 40km/h, allowing the driver to relax during heavy traffic. The new BMW 3 Series is expected to debut before the end of this year, and reach our shores in 2015.

A member of the 2013 Australia's Best Cars judging panel says motorists are spoilt for choice right now. Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania general manager of roadside and technical Darren Moody -- who sits on the panel with judges from motorist clubs around Australia -- says new car buyers have access to record low interest rates and are still getting great value for money, despite a recent dip in the value of the Australian dollar.He and the 11 other judges from around the country had been trying to make life even easier for buyers, testing 50 vehicles in 15 categories for the 2013 best car awards.The awards, run by the Australian Automobile Association, involved all the state auto clubs. In October Mr Moody and the other judges spent six days at the Australian Automobile Research Centre at Anglesea in Victoria testing all the vehicles.The judges' choice this year was the Mazda6 Touring, winner of the category for best medium car under $50,000. "It brings premium features to the category," Mr Moody said. There was no winner in the people mover category this year. AAA chief executive Andrew McKellar said it was the first time in the 13 years of the program that an award has been withheld."It's unfortunate that not one vehicle in that class meets the expectations of an Australia's Best Car," he said.Australia's Best Cars 2013Judges' choice: Mazda6 TouringBest light car: Renault Clio Expression TCe 120Best small car under $35,000: Hyundai i30 ActiveBest small car over $35,000: Audi A3 Sportback TFSI CoDBest medium car under $50,000: Mazda6 TouringBest medium car over $50,000: BMW 320iBest large car under $60,000: Holden Commodore VF SV6Best large car over $60,000: Lexus GS350 F SportBest people mover: Award withheldBest sports car under $50,000: Volkswagen Golf GTIBest sports car $50,000-$100,000: BMW M135iBest SUV under $45,000: Subaru Forester 2.5iBest SUV $45,000-$65,000: Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander CRDiBest Luxury SUV over $65,000: Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDIBest all-terrain 4WD under $100,000: Land Rover Discovery 4 TDV6Best 4x4 Dual Cab Ute: Ford Ranger XLRead the full story here. 

BMW has issued a safety recall for a total of 2894 cars sold between November 1 2012 and July 31 2013 for a defect that could see a lack of lubrication cause the vacuum pump to fail and reduce the effectiveness of the brake assist function that adds extra force for panic stops.The carmaker says however that the vehicles will still be able to brake under normal circumstances. "They don't lose braking ability, but still lose brake assistance," BMW Australia spokesperson Lenore Fletcher says. The affected vehicles are: the F20 1 Series; F30, F31 and F34 3 Series; F10 and F11 5 Series; E84 X1 compact crossover;  F25 X3 Series and E89 Z4 sports car.Fletcher says there have been no accidents or injuries, but a small number of vehicles have experienced the problem. "There have been about six or seven reports," she says. "We believe that only about 0.5 per cent of the vehicles in the recall will need fixing."An inspection taking less than an hour will determine if a vehicle needs the fix -- which will require up to another five hours. "We'll replace the component, and while parts can sometimes be an issue, ours are being airfreighted from Germany right now," Fletcher says. BMW says concerned owners should contact their nearest BMW service centre, or call 1800 813 299.

Announced today by BMW Australia, the pricing and specification revisions include the addition of added standard features and the lowering of the price of many options offered in the Sedan and Touring variants of the 3 Series. But with the revisions comes an increase in the initial purchase price of the 3 Series, these increases range from $1400 to $3000.BMW have also made various specification level changes, including the 'Business' grade navigation system as standard on the 316i, 318d, 320i, 320d sedan variants, as well as the 318d and 320i touring models. The 328i receives an upgraded body style, and a 'professional' navigation system complete with internet functionality.The 'Professional' navigation system now comes with a new iDrive controller, with touch functionality. Those who opt for the 'Driving Assistant' option now get a lane departure warning system.The BMW 'Lines' add-on package, with 18" alloys, now come at no cost on the 328i sedan and touring The 335i and ActiveHybrid 3 models also get the 'Lines' package as standard, as well as roller rear windscreen and door sunblinds. While all 3 Series Sedan and Touring models equipped with the eight-speed sports automatic transmission will now also include launch control as standard.BMW has also reworked the pricing of optional equipment, including; Optional equipment pricing has had an overhaul in the 3 series sedan and touring models. Active cruise control with stop and go function (not available for 316i and 318d) has benefitted from a $384 reduction.Similar revisions have been applied to the unique-in-segment Head-Up display with savings of up to $300, depending on the 3 Series model. A saving of around $460 is also available on the HiFi loudspeaker system or the high-end harman/kardon surround sound system as options for the 316i, 318d, 320i and 320d Sedan variants as well as the 318d, and 320i for the Touring models.The BMW ‘Lines’, price reduced on some models; no cost option on others. The M Sport package reduced by $615 for 316i and 318d; over $1000 for 328i and $500 for 335i and ActiveHybrid 3. Phil Horton, managing director of BMW Group Australia, says the changes enhance the value and credentials of the 3 Series.“The 3 Series is lauded for its excellent driving dynamics and beautiful styling, and now it boasts increased specification and more attractive option pricing. Who could ask for more?”The updates to the BMW 3 Series Touring models are effective from July 2013 production and from August 2013 for the BMW 3 Series Sedan range.BMW 3 SeriesBMW 316i Sedan            from $52,300BMW 318d Sedan           from $57,800BMW 320i Sedan            from $60,000BMW 320d Sedan           from $62,300BMW 328i Sedan            from $68,900BMW 335i Sedan            from $93,400BMW ActiveHybrid 3      from $99,700BMW 318d Touring        from $60,300BMW 320i Touring         from $64,000BMW 328i Touring         from $72,900Joel Helmes is the editor of the Behind the Wheel radio program, heard on more than 150 stations around Australia, and www.behindthewheel.com.au