Thursday 16th February 2012

PH Blog: 3 Series musings

A round-the-block roadtest and five minute verdict from the editor

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I’ve just had what’ll probably be my one and only go in the 335i Riggers drove back from Malaga and my first in the new F30 3 Series. And it lasted all of 10 minutes, didn’t take me above 30mph (verified – thanks to the HUD) and was very interesting.

So, off the cuff thoughts? It feels small, in a good way. After the intimidating bulk of the 5 Series I was afraid the 3 would feel fast and similarly ponderous. But no. It’s compact, fitted even. Like a 3 Series should be.

The cabin’s quite bold too, very much nouveau BMW and very, very tan. Some cheap fixings too, the roof lining in particular isn’t what you’d hope for in a £50K car. But functionally good and a bit more stylish than the E90, which could look very dour and serious in certain trim combos.

That engine has the familiar gravelly growl you get with all new-school BMW petrols. Sounds and feels quite dieselly, as indeed they all do. But then you do get peak torque at just 1,500rpm or whatever. Step-off in Sport mode is ridiculously aggressive too. My neck muscles are still aching.

And the steering? Riggers had more opportunity to get a feel for it than I did but it feels very light for a BMW and very direct too. And clearly electric. Direct though and one contributory factor in making the 3 feel light on its feet. A big contrast to the solid feeling C-Class in this respect.

So there you go. A five minute counterpoint to the Riggers verdict. I look forward to a more extended meeting with the new 3 sooner rather than later.

Dan

[M666 EVO]

£50k for a 3 series?

Jesus!!!

I must be getting old.