The BMW F30, the sixth generation 3 series, is pleasing to the eye from every angle. And, it wasn’t just me who thought so as my friends all agreed.
It retains the familiar low-slung roof, but this is a bit of a downer as it’s as much of a hassle to enter the car as its predecessors, even for vertically-challenged drivers. Still, this is something one accepts as part of the 3 Series DNA.
My other issue with the car is a bit more than a niggle – the Stop-Start feature is somewhat crudely implemented, at least in the case of the 320d we took for a weekend spin.
This switches off the engine when you take your foot off the accelerator pedal, and step on the brake at traffic lights and in jam situations.
Then, it restarts when you ease off the brake.
The aim is to conserve fuel (although the air-conditioning and electrical system remain operational) and it is indeed laudable.
The system on the 320d, however, is jarring, and napping passengers are certain to be awakened at the restart.
Could it be the diesel engine? All in, a bit clumsy, I felt.
But if you overlook these distractions, then this is quite possibly the finest of the 3 Series steeds to have emerged so far.
Its predecessor had less of an impact on me – it was sparsely equipped, almost basic, down to its stern-looking dashboard.
It could be because it has grown 93mm in length and is a wee bit wider, lending it a more stylish allure.
Inside, the dashboard shows signs of a significant rethink, as if a designer of French or Italian origin had been parachuted in to lend a more expansive and elegant touch.
This 3 Series compact executive car is almost, well, graceful ...
Once on the road, what grabbed me was the four-pot TwinPower turbo diesel engine’s readiness to rumble (well, it is noisy, no argument there).
This common rail direct injection design is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which effects gear changes smoothly and slickly.
The 2.0-litre engine is impressively muscular, delivering 380Nm of torque and 184bhp in as refined a manner as possible for a diesel powerplant. A trip to Genting Highlands was called for, and four of us packed into the car that weekend.
As I tackled the inclines and sharp curves, I had to slow down to a sedate pace after a while so that the ladies at the back wouldn’t get motion sickness.
The machine, however, rolled along silkily at lower rotations, showing no signs of struggling. It was around then that I was sold on the new 320d.
The ECO PRO engine management system here is a new feature; it tailors power delivery for better fuel consumption and BMW says you can achieve up to 20% savings in this mode.
Life is short and my time with the car was limited, so I mostly stayed with the sports mode.
The suspension was typically continental and handling around the bends was excellent. The ride was comfortable enough for the women, who were lulled into a soporific stupor when the conversation between the guys turned to machines and gadgets.
Unlike the past, there’s no holding back on goodies.
The 320d is well decked out, coming in with cruise control, parking assistance, anti-dazzle mirrors, fog lights, a comprehensive light package, rain sensor for the wipers, auto headlights (Xenon, with LED light ring) and a two-zone auto air-conditioning system with rear vents.
The leather-wrapped steering wheel comes with multi-function buttons, and there are electrically operated blinds for the rear window, electric seat adjustments (with memory function for the driver’s seat), sufficient storage areas and a fully decked-out entertainment/information/communication system (Bluetooth, USB, CD) accessed via the iDrive controller at the centre console.
These aside, there’s a comprehensive safety package – front/side airbags in front, head airbags all around, central locking with electronic immobiliser and crash sensor, ISOFIX attachment at the rear for child seat, disc brakes all around with interior ventilation, and of course, the whole DSC package.
The interior’s “Dakota” leather upholstery, with matt-finished satin silver trim finishers, is classy, rounded up by the door sill finishers in high-gloss black.
Outside, the single exhaust tailpipe is finished in chrome, while the familiar kidney grille with chrome surround lends the car a touch of shiny class.
Its generally muscular bearing is augmented with 17-inch rims, on which 225/50 run-flat tyres are mounted.
The asking price of RM268,800 for this piece of motoring goodness seems almost justified for once.
But there’s a lot of variety in this range, right?
So, what sells the 320d, then, if you’re not a BMW diehard?
Well, get behind the wheel and find out ... as I did.