BMW has made over 2,500 changes to its most important model – the new BMW 3 Series.
Famously out-selling the Ford Mondeo – one of the UK’s best-selling family cars – the BMW 3 Series has cemented its position at the top of the small saloon market.
But how does the new 3 Series compare with its rivals?
Combining sharp, agile handling and excellent build quality, the new Three also comes with one massively important fixture which the Ford just cannot beat: a BMW badge.
Brits adore the 3 Series and the baby saloon makes up nearly HALF of BMW’s UK sales volume – so getting this one right is very important.
Auto Trader deputy editor Stuart Milne got behind the wheel of the new BMW 3 Series – complete with its 2,500 revisions – and said the changes “make an already excellent car even better to live with”.
The face-lifted model gets a subtle-redesign including a new bonnet – which is thanks to BMW’s recent amazing shape-shifting concept car – and upgraded lights.
Underneath its new nose, the Beemer packs a diesel-powered monster – the new 3-litre diesel engine produces 245bhp and a whopping 520nm of torque.
This means the 330d can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 6.1 seconds and hits a limited top speed of 155mph.
And its good news for the twisty stuff too – thanks to the 3’s perfect 50:50 weight distribution and excellent ride setup for British roads, the handling is superb.
Do you own a BMW 3 Series? What do you make of the new model? And if you haven’t got one – would you consider buying one?
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We took delivery of the face lifted 320i model at the end of September. The ride is very dissapointing you feel as though it is an old Ford Popular.
The tyres are run flats and they are lower profile in the new model. We had a Mercedes SL and the ride was a limosine in comparison!!
The only good thing is it is easy to park.
Purchased facelisted 3 Series 320i last month. Do not understand why this outsells the Ford Mondeo. Very poor leg and foot room. Harsh ride. Good on motorway but auto not flexible in city driving. New under powered steering not an improvement,
I have got one of the facelift 3 Series – A 325i. It is a fantastic car with suburb performance and almost 40mpg economy. I realise it does not have the economy of a 320d but the 3.0 straight 6 engine is one of the best ever made so I had to get it.
I have owned about 15 bmw 3 series and if i could afford the new 320d sport i would get one today i only buy german cars? Because they are well built to last.