BMW 3 Series goes one better

BMW has announced that a new 3 Series model has been revised for September. The revised 3 Series will be offered with a range of award-winning engines, five petrol and five diesel derivatives, from launch. The BMW 330d engine is a newly developed all-aluminium unit that uses third generation common-rail diesel injection technology with piezo injectors and a single turbo-charger with variable vane geometry. At the other end of the scale, the popular BMW 318d can now be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission for the first time. The new six-cylinder 2,993cc engine in the 330d produces 245hp at 4,000rpm, 14hp up over its predecessor. Torque has also increased by 20Nm to 520Nm and this peak figure is available from 1,750rpm through to 3,000pm. The impressive statistics mean the performance figures of the new 330d Saloon and Touring have improved compared to the previous model. The 330d Saloon now accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 6.1 seconds (Touring 6.2 seconds) before going on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. The economy and emissions of the new 330d have similarly improved from 46.3mpg to 49.6mpg and 160g/km to 152g/km, respectively. The two-thirds of new 330d drivers who favour an automatic transmission see an additional benefit as their chosen vehicle will qualify for a lower VRT band (D instead of E) with CO2 emissions now 164g/km (Touring 165g/km) as opposed to 176g/km. The performance of the 325d and 335d Saloon and Touring also see improvements in performance and efficiency. Combined fuel consumption on the 325d Saloon improves from 47.9mpg to 49.6mpg, while CO2 emissions are cut from 155g/km to 153g/km. Customers choosing a 325d Saloon or Touring with an automatic gearbox further benefit as their car now falls into the Band D road tax bracket on account of the new 164g/km and 165g/km emissions figures instead of 169g/km and 172g/km, respectively. For the 335d Saloon and Touring models, power and torque output figures are still the same at 286hp and 580Nm; however, the saloon now reaches 62mph from standstill in 6.2 seconds, with the Touring recording a similar jump in performance. Elsewhere on the 3 Series Saloon and Touring ranges, the engines remain unchanged following last year"s introduction of widespread engine enhancements. This means the 3 Series model portfolio continues to be powered by the International Engine of the Year for 2007 and 2008 (the petrol-powered 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged unit) and the most fuel efficient and least polluting diesel and petrol engines in their class. All BMW 3 Series engines feature direct injection technology and the extensive use of lightweight materials to improve engine efficiency. The latest 3 Series builds on its design. Compared to the outgoing ES and SE specification cars, the latest model now features two additional raised precision lines on the bonnet for a more muscular look. The BMW kidney grille has been re-profiled, while the headlights feature twin corona side lights as standard. The wing mirrors have similarly been increased in size for better visibility and the track of the car has been increased by 24mm for enhanced driving dynamics. The rear light cluster has been changed and is now monochrome in colour with LED technology as standard, while the rear valance and boot lid have been re-styled. In addition to these changes, seven new styles of alloy wheel designs are offered, including a sports-oriented 17-inch V-spoke alloy wheel as standard on four-cylinder SE specification cars. On the inside, a revised centre console houses the all-new iDrive system (when specified). The new iDrive features a new on-screen layout with scroll across display for each chosen function for greater clarity. A 'back" button and shortcut keys mean it is even easier to navigate to a required function. All 3 Series Saloon and Touring models come as standard with six airbags, front and rear Isofix child seat mounts (including front airbag deactivation). BMW claims that it uses one of the most advanced stability control systems in the world to guard against accidents. For the first time on a 3 Series, the model now comes as standard with active head restraints. In the event of a rear-end collision, the front section of the head restraint moves forward by 60mm and up by 40mm to reduce the distance between headrest and the occupants" heads, thus reducing the risk of spinal injury.