The
BMW 316i
The
new 316i may just be the sleeper model in the excellent 3 Series range. At R350
936, it undercuts the next model, the 320i, by R35 000 and yet offers close -to
comparable performance and refinement.
It
also looks like conspicuously good value when measured against the
Mercedes-Benz C180 (R377 436), but is soundly beaten by the Audi A4 1,8T FSI S
(R326 000). The latter, however, is down on power- 88 kW plays 100 kW, while
the Benz boasts 115 kW to justify its premium.
Even
more impressive is that the 316i never feels like the 320i's (a car we crowned
as the best current version in the expansive 3 Series line-up when we tested it
in September 2012) poor relation. It reaches 100 km/h in 9.71 seconds,
accelerates strongly throughout the gear set and doesn't baulk at inclines,
even when fully loaded.
In any case, the BMW 316i is superb
dynamically and the benchmark for handling
Our
test unit possessed a six-speed manual gearbox instead of the superb
eight-speed ZF automatic transmission (R18 000extra) and drew mixed reviews.
Half the team liked the springy clutch and rubbery, long throws that have been
endemic to BMW manuals for decades, while the other half lamented the lack of a
more progressive left-foot pedal and lighter, shorter action in the Audi/VW
vein.
That
said, the ratios are perfectly chosen because the revs are kept low, but still
in the meat of the engine's power band.
A
further pleasant surprise on this relatively spartan
test unit was the comparatively small (17-inch) alloy wheels enveloped
insensible 225/50-ratio tyres. This combination,
together with a lack of a lowered, stiffened suspension setup, imbued the 316i
with a lovely loping gait and surprisingly cushioned bump absorption. The
C-Class can arguably no longer lay claim to the title of best riding compact-
executive saloon.
All the controls are in the right
place, the iDrive system controls the entire car, and
the 316i is as practical as a sedan can be
Where
the 320i and C-Class claw back some ground is in standard specification. In
order to achieve that price, BMW binned the auto-dimming mirror, rain-sensing
wipers and auto lights, leather (the 316i has something called Leathertec- our test vehicle had the full trim, so we can't
comment on its hide-aping ability), cruise control and climate control (now
manual air-con).
If
you can live without these luxuries, you'll still find a quality cabin that has
sufficient room for four adults and their luggage.
As
an exercise in lowering the entry point of the range without compromising the
core appeal of the product, the 316i is a successful one. Dynamically, it never
feels less refined than the320i, while the combination of standard suspension
and sensible wheels has shown that the3 Series, can be fun to hustle and
supremely comfortable.
The BMW 316i is an excellent
entry-level premium car begging for an ideal specification
Yes,
you lose out on some desirable items in the cabin, but the upside is that this
accomplished and well-put-together saloon is very straightforward to use.
Overall the 316i comes very, very close to beating its
bigger brother as our favourite 3 Series model.
