Kentish Express Ashford & District
Pricey but perfect
Does the new BMW 3 Series still drive and handle better than any of its highriding rivals? found out
You’ll need your strongest magnifying glass to see the tiny nips and tucks at the front and back of the new BMW 3 series, but the financially savvy will notice the improvements that have been made to the fuel economy and emissions. There’s now a version that dips to 99g/km, earning free road tax – although you’ll need to add the £1,550 automatic gearbox to get it. Looks and image The 3 Series is still an imagefocused car, proudly displaying the correct badge for business types and feeling very much the part on the inside. You could argue that when it comes to premium cars, the domination of the three-box saloon is not as strong as it once was, but there’s still a strong following for what has been a hugely popular and influential model in Britain. Space and practicality There’s a big boot behind the three rear seats, with recessed
Kimberley
Matt bins at the sides and a large aperture that lets you slot larger cases straight in. In the front, there are useful door bins and the cabin is very spacious. Legroom in the back is ample, and more accommodating than it looks, because the 3 Series has longer rear seat squabs than many non-premium cars. Behind the wheel The 320d is likely to be the biggest seller. The efficiency numbers are impressive and that optional eight-speed automatic gearbox is superb, despite the price tag. What you do get is super-stable handling and oodles of grip on the larger wheels of M Sport versions. There’s good visibility in all directions, which is handy because you don’t sit too high. Using the iDrive is a joy, and if you upgrade the standard BMW Business navigation to the Professional grade you’re rewarded with a sharper screen with more functionality. My pick of the options is the superb head-up display. It’s pricey but you’ll wonder how you ever managed without. Value for money With options, the 320D xDrive I drove cost £46,000. That’s a terrifying figure you should run away from. A standard but very well equipped 335d, with all its lovely torque, is less than £41,000. Many of BMW’s options are simply replacing existing systems with better versions rather than adding crucial new tech, so stick as close to standard spec as you can. In Sport trim and with the automatic added, the 320d is arguably cheaper to own than Mercedes, Audi and Jaguar rivals.