BMW 3 Series Sedan 320i Sport (A) Review
02 Nov 2012|43,880 views
By now you would have heard (or read) reviews with praises for the latest 3er by BMW - specifically the 328i and 335i. The driving pleasure and technical excellence in which both variants offered exceeded expectations, each in their own varied ways.
Those, however, were top range variants - excellence were expected of them. What we have here instead is the base 3 Series - the model which made up for the bulk of the sales volume.
Exterior
The aesthetics, perhaps, is regarded by many as the least exciting aspect of the latest 3 Series. Little has been changed over its predecessor, especially with the rump and rear lamps taking on a similar treatment as the E90.
The latest incarnation however, seeks to appeal to the individualistic consumers with three different levels of trims (only the Sport and Luxury made it to local shores).
The Sport trim gives a sense of dynamism to the car. For starters, there is less chrome on the front facet. The blackened kidney grille insets give the visual perception of a larger air-inlet. At the rear a single pipe finished in gloss black completes the sporty intent.
There is no dispute that larger rims would have filled the arches more adeptly, but would have missed the economical sense completely. Otherwise, the 320i looks every bit as good as its bigger brethren.
Despite being the base variant, the 320i's interior is finished in the usual high-grade fashion. The solemn, black interior is lightly littered with contrasting red stitching - a small touch which will not go unnoticed.
Another noteworthy mention is the high spec list that comes standard with the 320i, such as the infotainment system with in-built navigation, comfort access, and variable drive experience. And although the car receives a lower-spec speaker system, the loss of quality is hardly quantifiable except for the discerning audiophiles.
Another noteworthy mention is the high spec list that comes standard with the 320i, such as the infotainment system with in-built navigation, comfort access, and variable drive experience. And although the car receives a lower-spec speaker system, the loss of quality is hardly quantifiable except for the discerning audiophiles.
The F30 also carries adequate utility. Rear bench folds 40:60 for bulkier load carrying. The well-sculptured seats are also premium to feel, with no lack of head and leg rooms.
The only set back here is unfortunately, the fact that the 320i fails to create the sense of occasion. The joy of commute perhaps, is left only for the driver.
The Drive
We first sampled the base variant at the BMW Performance Academy held in May this year. Driven in the confined circuit, the 320i is remarkably potent when pit against the 328i, only losing out in straight line sprints where power plays key.
Like the other models in the 3er family, the 320i is bestowed with a near perfect front-rear weight distribution, which plays tandem to the highly capable chassis to offer the sweet, sublime handling which we have grown to love about the marque's offerings.
Never mind the six or seven speeders from rivalling German marques such as Mercedes-Benz and Audi. BMW has played top trump in the game by equipping the whole of the F30 range with the eight-speed Steptronic.
While one may argue about its relevancy to our constrained local roads, the gearbox's outstanding performance will soon silent the controversies. With more ratios to dispatch the drive and intuitive cog swops, the car does not feel hesitant to pick up speed be it off the line or in overtaking.
We first sampled the base variant at the BMW Performance Academy held in May this year. Driven in the confined circuit, the 320i is remarkably potent when pit against the 328i, only losing out in straight line sprints where power plays key.
Like the other models in the 3er family, the 320i is bestowed with a near perfect front-rear weight distribution, which plays tandem to the highly capable chassis to offer the sweet, sublime handling which we have grown to love about the marque's offerings.
Never mind the six or seven speeders from rivalling German marques such as Mercedes-Benz and Audi. BMW has played top trump in the game by equipping the whole of the F30 range with the eight-speed Steptronic.
While one may argue about its relevancy to our constrained local roads, the gearbox's outstanding performance will soon silent the controversies. With more ratios to dispatch the drive and intuitive cog swops, the car does not feel hesitant to pick up speed be it off the line or in overtaking.
That brings us to the detuned powerplant - a substantial 61bhp and 80Nm down from the 328i. The less potent powerplant reveals its weaknesses under strenuous loads, for instance when the car is packed with five adults. This too leaves much to be desired from a car of this calibre.
Conclusion
While the F30 stays conservative in its cosmetics, it is without doubt a good notch up from the previous 3 Series. The 320i, too, benefits from the array of technological advancements.
Like all base variants the 320i lacks the outright performance, with power sufficing for less-aspirated driving. Good thing is it retains the delightful handling dynamics, and is proof that bread-and-butter cars can be fun to drive too.
Conclusion
While the F30 stays conservative in its cosmetics, it is without doubt a good notch up from the previous 3 Series. The 320i, too, benefits from the array of technological advancements.
Like all base variants the 320i lacks the outright performance, with power sufficing for less-aspirated driving. Good thing is it retains the delightful handling dynamics, and is proof that bread-and-butter cars can be fun to drive too.
By now you would have heard (or read) reviews with praises for the latest 3er by BMW - specifically the 328i and 335i. The driving pleasure and technical excellence in which both variants offered exceeded expectations, each in their own varied ways.
Those, however, were top range variants - excellence were expected of them. What we have here instead is the base 3 Series - the model which made up for the bulk of the sales volume.
Exterior
The aesthetics, perhaps, is regarded by many as the least exciting aspect of the latest 3 Series. Little has been changed over its predecessor, especially with the rump and rear lamps taking on a similar treatment as the E90.
The latest incarnation however, seeks to appeal to the individualistic consumers with three different levels of trims (only the Sport and Luxury made it to local shores).
The Sport trim gives a sense of dynamism to the car. For starters, there is less chrome on the front facet. The blackened kidney grille insets give the visual perception of a larger air-inlet. At the rear a single pipe finished in gloss black completes the sporty intent.
There is no dispute that larger rims would have filled the arches more adeptly, but would have missed the economical sense completely. Otherwise, the 320i looks every bit as good as its bigger brethren.
Despite being the base variant, the 320i's interior is finished in the usual high-grade fashion. The solemn, black interior is lightly littered with contrasting red stitching - a small touch which will not go unnoticed.
Another noteworthy mention is the high spec list that comes standard with the 320i, such as the infotainment system with in-built navigation, comfort access, and variable drive experience. And although the car receives a lower-spec speaker system, the loss of quality is hardly quantifiable except for the discerning audiophiles.
Another noteworthy mention is the high spec list that comes standard with the 320i, such as the infotainment system with in-built navigation, comfort access, and variable drive experience. And although the car receives a lower-spec speaker system, the loss of quality is hardly quantifiable except for the discerning audiophiles.
The F30 also carries adequate utility. Rear bench folds 40:60 for bulkier load carrying. The well-sculptured seats are also premium to feel, with no lack of head and leg rooms.
The only set back here is unfortunately, the fact that the 320i fails to create the sense of occasion. The joy of commute perhaps, is left only for the driver.
The only set back here is unfortunately, the fact that the 320i fails to create the sense of occasion. The joy of commute perhaps, is left only for the driver.
The Drive
We first sampled the base variant at the BMW Performance Academy held in May this year. Driven in the confined circuit, the 320i is remarkably potent when pit against the 328i, only losing out in straight line sprints where power plays key.
Like the other models in the 3er family, the 320i is bestowed with a near perfect front-rear weight distribution, which plays tandem to the highly capable chassis to offer the sweet, sublime handling which we have grown to love about the marque's offerings.
Never mind the six or seven speeders from rivalling German marques such as Mercedes-Benz and Audi. BMW has played top trump in the game by equipping the whole of the F30 range with the eight-speed Steptronic.
While one may argue about its relevancy to our constrained local roads, the gearbox's outstanding performance will soon silent the controversies. With more ratios to dispatch the drive and intuitive cog swops, the car does not feel hesitant to pick up speed be it off the line or in overtaking.
We first sampled the base variant at the BMW Performance Academy held in May this year. Driven in the confined circuit, the 320i is remarkably potent when pit against the 328i, only losing out in straight line sprints where power plays key.
Like the other models in the 3er family, the 320i is bestowed with a near perfect front-rear weight distribution, which plays tandem to the highly capable chassis to offer the sweet, sublime handling which we have grown to love about the marque's offerings.
Never mind the six or seven speeders from rivalling German marques such as Mercedes-Benz and Audi. BMW has played top trump in the game by equipping the whole of the F30 range with the eight-speed Steptronic.
While one may argue about its relevancy to our constrained local roads, the gearbox's outstanding performance will soon silent the controversies. With more ratios to dispatch the drive and intuitive cog swops, the car does not feel hesitant to pick up speed be it off the line or in overtaking.
That brings us to the detuned powerplant - a substantial 61bhp and 80Nm down from the 328i. The less potent powerplant reveals its weaknesses under strenuous loads, for instance when the car is packed with five adults. This too leaves much to be desired from a car of this calibre.
Conclusion
While the F30 stays conservative in its cosmetics, it is without doubt a good notch up from the previous 3 Series. The 320i, too, benefits from the array of technological advancements.
Like all base variants the 320i lacks the outright performance, with power sufficing for less-aspirated driving. Good thing is it retains the delightful handling dynamics, and is proof that bread-and-butter cars can be fun to drive too.
Conclusion
While the F30 stays conservative in its cosmetics, it is without doubt a good notch up from the previous 3 Series. The 320i, too, benefits from the array of technological advancements.
Like all base variants the 320i lacks the outright performance, with power sufficing for less-aspirated driving. Good thing is it retains the delightful handling dynamics, and is proof that bread-and-butter cars can be fun to drive too.
Also read our comparison article on:
BMW 3 Series Sedan 320i Sport (A) vs Lexus IS250 2.5 F Sport (A)Car Information
BMW 3 Series Sedan 320i Sport (A)
CAT B|Petrol|16.6km/L
Horsepower
137kW (184 bhp)
Torque
270 Nm
Acceleration
7.6sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
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