mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, is said to be capable of achieving 0 to 100km / h in just 7.6 second; and while we didn’ t quite achieve that, we do not deny that it’ s highly plausible. The 320i has a vigourous top speed of 235km / h and puts out some 184hp with a maximum torque of 270Nm kicking in between 1,250rpm and 4,500rpm.
Five driving modes are made available by onboard electronics, spanning from the fuel saving Eco Pro mode to Comfort, Comfort + Spot and Sport +. As with most other cars that offer it, the Eco Pro mode makes the engine feel typically strained. There is marginal sensation deference between the comfort modes, but the jump from Sport to Sport + is exhilaratingly pronounced.
Unlike some of the higher calibre BMWs, the 320i does not come with adaptive dampers and fiddling between modes only alters throttle response and transmission settings. Additionally, the Sports + mode activates a more aggressive setup for traction and stability control.
Despite the absence of adaptive dampers, it must be said that the fixed suspension settings selected for the 320i is still highly acceptable; though a tad more floaty than the E90, it also comes off as more composed.
The introduction of electronic steering in this model also means that there is less steering feedback than some hard driving fans might be used to, but other than that, the steering response remains outstandingly quick and precise.
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. Better composure and comfort is a fair trade off, we say.
Adding to its appeal, the 320i boasts a laudable fuel consumption figure of 6-litres per 100km and coughs out 141g / km of C02, which highlights BMWs steady improvements with regards to reducing emissions and conserving fuel.
Safety is another area that has benefitted from improvements in the F30, with the standard DataDot technology complemented by ABS, dynamic brake control, cornering brake control, automatic stability control plus traction and dynamic stability control. There are also airbags located in the front and rear, all seats are fitted with three-point seat belts, and night driving has been made that little bit safer with an anti-dazzle mirror.
For an on-the-road price tag of RM238,800, BMW delivers a very wellbalanced package that deserves the attention of potential upgraders seeking a classy drive with a state-of-the-art driving experience.
The fact that the 320i provides the most affordable window into the 3-Series shed, offers better fuel saving measures and drive dynamics that are not inferior to its brethren perched higher up in the series spectrum makes this proposition all the more compelling.
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