BEEM DREAM; This eco-friendly 3 Series will make you beam with delight.Byline: By STEPHEN PARK ANYONE who has driven a BMW 3 Series The BMW 3 Series is an entry-level luxury / compact executive car manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. It was the successor to the 2002 coupe. The 3 Series was for some time the smallest car line manufactured by BMW (exempting the BMW-owned MINI), although that quickly across a challenging country road will tell you the same thing. Through three decades and five generations it was, and remains, the most satisfying compact executive saloon you can buy. The segment may be awash with more spacious, better equipped and better value cars but when it comes to bringing a smile to a driver's face nothing gets close to a Beemer. You're probably thinking that anything which dares hint towards executive excess these days is about as desirable to be seen in as public transport is unpleasant to travel in. Not this BMW BMW in full Bayerische Motoren Werke AG German automaker. Founded as an aircraft engine manufacturer in 1916, the company assumed the name Bayerische Motoren Werke and became known for its high-speed motorcycles in the 1920s. . It sells itself with a CV that would qualify for Greenpeace membership. Revised late last year with subtly smarter styling, updated interior and the latest clean, green, Efficient Dynamics technology, the best-selling 320d delivers a serious turn of speed, matched with economy and emissions more commonly associated with a supermini A large-scale minicomputer. Note: Supermini is not the same as mini-supercomputer. . We're talking 0-62mph in just 7.9 seconds yet, driven carefully, an average of almost 60mpg should be possible while a 129g/km CO2 figure means minimal road tax and/or company car tax liability. These astonishing statistics have been achieved through a mix of start/stop technology, low rolling resistance tyres, active aerodynamics aerodynamics, study of gases in motion. As the principal application of aerodynamics is the design of aircraft, air is the gas with which the science is most concerned. and a host of other fuel-saving features. Forget dreary-to-drive hybrids, it's innovative engineering like this that's the way forward. As part of a mid-life update, the interior has repositioned switchgear The term switchgear, used in association with the electric power system, or grid, refers to the combination of electrical disconnects, fuses and/or circuit breakers used to isolate electrical equipment. , enhanced detailing and an improved, more intuitive, iDrive system...standard when sat nav is specified. The best-selling 177bhp 320d model is offered in all ES, SE and M Sport options. Since most buyers expect niceties such as cruise control, climate control and parking sensors it makes sense to splash out for the SE spec but all versions have alloy wheels, CD sound system, stability control and a five-star Euro NCAP NCAP New Car Assessment Program NCAP Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides NCAP Network Capable Application Processor (from IEEE standard 1451. crash test rating. A word of caution though, leather trim is needed to give the 3 Series' cabin a luxury aura and it's one of many expensive add-ons. While the 3 Series offers adequate if not outstanding passenger accommodation, this is a car that's all about the driver. And it shows. No other saloon has such superb suspension, composure and poise through the bends. It's quiet too, with the rev counter reading just 2000rpm in sixth gear at the maximum UK legal limit. The BMW 320d combines a sports car-like driving experience in a sensible yet elegant body. It's a tried and tested formula that's evolved over three decades - and is close to perfection. +TECHSPEC+ BMW's desirable diesel 3 Series is fast, fun and frugal Model: BMW 320d SE Cost: pounds 26,110 Performance: 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds Top speed: 143mph Combined economy: 58.9mpg I loved: Handling I hated: Cost of extras |
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