LOCAL SPINS
BY CHRIS PRASAD
SpECifiCaTiOnS
BMW 320i
Engine in-line 4, turbocharged
Displacement 1,997cc
Transmission 8-speed automatic steptronic
Max power 184hp at 5,000rpm
Max torque 270nm at 1,500- 4,500rpm
Fuel
consumption 6 / 100km
Price( OTR with insurance) Gs – rm238,800
BMW 328i
W e could start by telling you that
the new 320i handles exceptionally well, offers great driving dynamics and gives you thrilling throttle response... but that’ s like saying there’ s plenty of ice where Eskimos live. You already know that.
Widely proclaimed to be the benchmark to which all compact executive cars are compared, the 3-Series sits so comfortably ahead of the curve that there would probably be more of a unique story to tell if the famed German marque failed to deliver on this expectation.
Not surprisingly, the 320i( or F30) does not fail, but fortunately for motoring journalists everywhere BMW isn’ t one to rest on its laurels and this new 3-Series offers enough noteworthy enhancements to ensure we aren’ t just wasting paper on the obvious.
To start with, the new 320i adopts a look that combines modern aerodynamics with more traditional features such as the distinctive kidney grille. Overall, it comes off looking a little more curvaceous, dynamic and aggressive than its predecessor, the E90. The updated shape has also resulted in an improved drag coefficient of 0.28Cd.
There’ s more space, with greater cabin dimensions resulting in passengers enjoying 15mm more legroom and 8mm more headroom. Two adults and three mid-sized children can fit comfortably, and they’ ll be appreciative of the fact that the fresh design also offers larger doors and easier entry.
The driver can spare a giggle too, as the cockpit layout is angled to give the person at the helm absolute control with dials, buttons and various other touchy-feely things well within hassle-free reach.
The list of standard bells and whistles include premium leather seats, a retractable front armrest for extra driver comfort, electric seat adjustments, automatic climate control, an on board computer with 8.8” colour monitor as well as Bluetooth compatibility and a voice recognition system.
Once the engine is ignited via the push star / stop button, the 320i goes about delivering the zest and athleticism promised by its looks.
The 2-litre in-line 4 turbocharged engine,
overall, it could be argued that the F30 doesn’ t handle as sharply as its predecessor, but that argument is moot when you consider that the target buyers for the 3-series are likely to face pothole-ridden malaysian roads on a more regular basis than finely laid out racing tracks.
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