Energetic BMW slips into market

This time around an all-new BMW 3 Series seems to have arrived with relatively little fanfare. The first two variants of the seventh generation (G20) 3 Series have slipped into the Kiwi market in recent months.

First up its 2.0-litre four-cylinder performance with the diesel 320d and the 330i petrol.

We can expect six cylinders soon in M Performance models, xDrive all-wheel-drive versions and the stylishly practical Touring has just been unveiled in Europe. And ultimately the G20 range will be crowned by an all-new M3.

Lots of performance cars still to come then. But at the moment the 330i M Sport is the most energetic the new 3 Series can be and there’s some temptation to pre-judge it as more mundane than it turns out to be. Priced from $89,900, the 330i uses the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine that BMW some time ago decided it would replace its signature 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder with.

While it doesn’t sound as crisp as the straight-six it delivers impressive punch and an enthusiastic exhaust note when worked harder along with a very useable 190kW of power at 5000rpm and muscular 400Nm of torque from 1550rpm.

The 1995cc four-cylinder is matched in an eight-speed sport automatic with paddle shifters that efficiently pairs up close ratios with the fast-rising torque curve.

Acceleration from 0-100km/h in a torque-propelled 5.8secs is quicker than I was expecting. On the highway the 330i settles at a leisurely 1400rpm in eighth gear at 100km/h with steps to 1800rpm in

seventh and 2200rpm in sixth.

BMW claims combined cycle fuel consumption of 6.4L/100km and road test running recorded a 7.4L/100km average.

The muscular turbo four has enthusiastic performance but it’s the direct steering feel, rear-drive poise and wide-tyre cornering grip of the 330i that position it with more sports sedan appeal than I’d expected.

In part it’s the standard fitment of an M Sport package with 19-inch alloy wheels, generous tyre sizes, adaptive M Suspension and upgraded brakes that makes the 330i feels like an athletic rear-drive sedan. And there’s lots of scope to fine tune the driving experience with Sport, Comfort, Eco Pro, Adaptive and Individual modes.

Leaving the car in Adaptive copes with most driving situations while within Individual there are damping, steering, transmission and throttle response adjustments to sharpen the cars personality.

The 19-inch alloys carry run-flat Bridgestone Potenza T005 radials which are 225/40 R19 sizing at the front and 255/35 R19 to transmit the turbo urge to the tarmac.

I really liked the weight and precision of the steering and its response to small inputs while the reduced assistance in Sport setting further amplifies the feel of control and connection.

The car always feels reasonably firm and offers a blend of reardrive balance with taut body control that is poised and confident. There are times when comfort is your priority that the 330i is still edgier and more reactive than is ideal but for me the enjoyment on a flowing road outweighs the slightly rigid feel across some lumpy surfaces.

The exterior of the 330i also gains the M Aerodynamics

THE NUMBERS Engine .. .. .. .. ..

WHILE EAGER PERFORMANCE AND DYNAMIC FEEDBACK ARE THE STORYLINE THE 330I ALSO DELIVERS PLENTY OF STANDARD EQUIPMENT TO MATCH A $90K WINDOW STICKER.

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1998cc, 16-valve four-cylinder in-line, direct injection and turbocharged petrol Maximum output Maximum torque Length .. .. Width .. .. Height .. .. Wheelbase .. Kerb weight .. Fuel tank capacity Wheels .. .. Tyres .. .. ..

Bridgestone Turanza T005 run-flat radials, front 225/40 R 19, rear 255/35 R 19

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190kW at 5000pm 400Nm at 1550rpm 4709mm 1827mm

1435m 2851mm 1545kg 59 litres Alloy, front 8.0 x 19-inch, rear 8.5 x 19-inch

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package with specific bumper and side sills lending a sports theme that complements 19-inch bicolour alloy wheels.

The sports sedan theme carries through to the roomier cabin where the moderately increased dimensions of the new 3 Series deliver some welcome width gains and a little more rear legroom.

Compared to the previous generation the G20 is 76mm

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longer, 16mm wider, 5mm lower and the wheelbase is extended by 41mm. It’s not hard to imagine that owners of older 5 Series models might find the new 3 Series fits their preferred measurements.

Inside the M Sport package brings aluminium tetragon trim finishers and an anthracite headliner while the sports seats in Vernasca black leather feature blue M Sport stitching.

While small diameter and D-shape steering wheels have become a design cue for many sports flavoured cars, one of the things I liked about the 330i M Sport is the thick rimmed, larger diameter and actually round steering wheel. It brings a feel of substance to your connection with the car.

While eager performance and dynamic feedback are the storyline the 330i also delivers plenty of standard equipment to match a $90K window sticker.

Among the most appealing are the adaptive LED headlights and high beam assist, head-up display, power front seat adjustment, Speed limit Info display, Comfort Access system with keyless entry to all doors, three-zone air conditioning and push button start.

Other features include Wireless charging, parking assistant plus and heated front seats. The BMW Connected+ technology with 10.25-inch display includes Professional navigation with realtime traffic information plus concierge services and intelligent emergency call.

Quite a few options are fitted to the press car for BMW to showcase the scope to boost the luxury level and personalise the car.

They tally up to $5290 and include Acoustic Glazing for the front side windows, the Portimao Blue metallic paint, Sun Protection glazing, Sensatec instrument panel trim, BMW gesture control and interior ambient lighting package and M stripe detailing on the seat belts.

BMW has enhanced the sports sedan flavour for the new 3 Series.

The 330i delivers the top-level performance at the moment, reinforced by the M Sport package as standard equipment to sharpen both its visual stance and driving dynamics.

It might be a little bigger and roomier but the point where the G20 starts feeling like the most sporting 3 Series for some time is when to settle into the reasonably low seat position, get the thick rim steering wheel in the place you prefer and set out on a drive.

The more interesting the road the more compelling the 330i M Sport shows itself to be.

Eventually the agile and spirited new 330i will become the midground of 3 Series performance — a signal that some very rewarding cars are on the horizon.