Of all the models that BMW has rolled out of Bavaria, none has solidified the reputation of the marque more than the 3-series.
Since it was first introduced in 1975, six generations of the 3-series has created fans for the brand around the world.
We recently had the opportunity to test drive the BMW 318i, which was introduced at the end of 2015.
The 318i is a replacement for the 316i. It comes with the same engine as the MINI Cooper, a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine mated with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. It is one of the first three-cylinder offerings in the premium compact sedan class.
Its engine makes 100hp at 4500rpm and 220Nm of torque from 1250 rpm. BMW claims that it can sprint from standstill to 100kph in 8.9 seconds, with a top speed of 210kph. It consumes about 5.4 litres of petrol per 100km.
The 318i Luxury variant is 4,624mm in length, 1,811mm in width, 1,429mm in height, and weighs 1,425 kg. It has 60 litres of fuel tank capacity and 480 litres of boot space.
The 318i comes with LED headlights, LED tail lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, push start button, ambient lights, multifunction leather steering wheel, automatic driving lights, automatic windscreen wipers, leather seats, power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone air-conditioning system, rear air vents, BMW ConnectedDrive services, multimedia infotainment system with a 6.5-inch monitor operated by the BMW iDrive controller and six speakers.
The locally-assembled BMW includes six airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, ISOFIX mounts, traction control, cornering brake control and run-flat tyres as part of its safety features.
It is priced at RM202,800 inclusive of Goods and Services Tax, excluding insurance. The 318i luxury variant also comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service.
THE DRIVE
We managed to clock about 700km in the BMW 318i luxury variant, driving in the city and on highways. We find that the 318i is very powerful given that it is powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine.
Acceleration in the 318i is not rapid when compared to the likes of the 320i or 330i. However, don’t get us wrong, the 318i is not underpowered and certainly has no problems reaching its top speed. After the car gain its momentum it piles speed up quickly if you’re not looking at the speedometer.
The suspension system works nicely, albeit being a bit stiff. Most rough and damaged roads are tackled with comfort. The 318i has sensible grip, even on high speed corners. It sits firmly on the tarmac, and steering response is sharp.
The BMW comes with driving experience control, allowing the driver to choose between the standard engine and transmission settings of COMFORT mode, the more efficient ECO PRO mode, and the dynamic SPORT mode, which pushes dynamic driving to the limits.
We find that the modes were very well tuned by BMW to give the best driving experience to the driver. Body control is excellent in all modes. It sits flat and planted through high speed corners, of course the expensive rubber helps to deliver the grip.
The 318i has minimal wind, engine and tyre noise. Its infotainment system is very user friendly, while its sound system has a very clean and sharp treble, and solid bass.
The BMW 318i driver seat is pretty low, giving the driver a kind of race car feeling.
The interior is well designed, with an elegant yet sporty touch. It has tons of head and legroom.
We managed to drive the BMW 318i for about 680km. Throughout our drive, the BMW clocked between 5.8 to 7.4 litres per 100km when we cruised on the highway with speeds below 110kph. On a mixture of city and highway driving, it recorded between 8.8 to 10.7 litres per 100km. After hard driving, it showed 11.8 to 13.6 litres per 100km.
The BMW 318i is a very well-built and refined sedan, but there is still room for improvement.
It should come with smart entry and blind spot warning system. We felt that it should be equipped with a navigation system and also auto folding mirrors at this price point.