2016 BMW 320i review, test drive

What’s it like to drive?

With 184hp available, acceleration is quite strong. 0-100kph takes just 8.14 seconds and 140kph comes up in 15.03 seconds, the latter as quick as the diesel 320d; Merc’s C-class petrol, which accelerates from 0-140kph in 14.98s is marginally quicker though. The engine also behaves like a typical BMW motor. To begin with, it’s almost impossible to tell that this engine has a turbo; power delivery is smooth and there are no sudden spikes in the power curve. Power also builds seamlessly from as low as 1,500rpm. There’s an extremely strong tug past 3,500rpm and the four-cylinder even spins all the way to 6,800rpm. It isn’t nearly as enthusiastic in the last 1000rpm as some of BMW’s earlier naturally aspirated engines and it doesn’t sound nearly as sweet either, but what it loses out in enthusiasm, it more than makes up for in mid-range punch. That said, there is a hint of hesitation when you try and accelerate from around 1000rpm, but apart from that, this motor is just very impressive.

Otherwise the 3-series is the super ride, handling and steering package it has been since its launch four years ago. The steering is full of feel, body control is very good and the 3-series corners with a degree of poise and confidence its rivals just can’t match. What makes the package even sweeter is that this new car rides quite beautifully, absorbing most of the bumps and potholes you come across on our roads with plenty of suppleness and silence. You do encounter the stiffness in the springs when you run over sharp bumps, but that’s only to be expected.

Should I buy one?

The 3-series has always managed to blend comfort and fun to drive in a single package, and the new 320i is no different. There’s a fair amount of performance on hand, the car drives beautifully and comfort on the back seats is excellent too. Those who expected it to be priced a bit lower than the diesel, as earlier, are likely to be a bit disappointed though. Still, the new 3-series is a real BMW and is right up there with the best cars in its class; the compact luxury sedan to buy if you like to drive.