79 MOTORING ROAD TESTS BY NICK FLETCHER
OUR MOTORING COLUMN, BY THE EXPERIENCED AND AWARD WINNING LOCAL MOTORING JOURNALIST NICK FLETCHER, HELPS OUR READERS CHOOSE THE BEST OF THE LATEST CARS.
BMW3 SERIES SE
THE BMW 3 SERIES WAS FIRST LAUNCHED IN THE MID-1970S AND QUICKLY ESTABLISHED ITSELF AS THE ASPIRATIONAL SALOON FOR BOTH BUSINESS USERS AND PRIVATE BUYERS. With exceptional build-quality, sports styling and
classic rear-wheel-drive, the model made an enduring mark on the motoring landscape, and continues to do so. The latest BMW 3 Series range starts
at £30,995 for an SE model and features petrol, diesel and hybrid variants, the option of four wheel drive and flagship M Sport performance versions. The featured model is the entry-level
SE version and powered by a 2.0 litre 156 hp engine mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. It’s a smooth and refined match, delivering a quick 0-60 mph time of 8.4 seconds and top speed of 138 mph. Average fuel economy is 44.1 mpg and emissions 145 g/km. The car has a stylish ambiance with a subtle sporty persona and the cabin has a luxury look and feel and features quality trim materials. Standard kit includes three-zone climate control, cruise control, alloy wheels, auto lights and wipers, touch-screen infotainment centre, sat-nav, Bluetooth, digital radio, smartphone mirroring and connectivity services. On the safety front, features include auto emergency braking, lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition. It’s a very good all-round package for an entry level car.
MINI ONE CLASSIC
MINI IS A LEGENDARY MOTORING BRAND WHICH WAS FURTHER BOOSTED BY MOVING TO BMW OWNERSHIP TWO DECADES AGO AND LATEST MODELS EXUDE A COOL AND CLASSY IMAGE WITH GLOBAL APPEAL. There are many variants in the MINI range from the
traditional hatchback to John Cooper performance models, small estate cars and compact SUVs. Here we feature the entry-level version, the MINI One
Classic, priced from £16,200 in three-door form. The 1.5 litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine delivers 101 hp. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard though automatic transmission is an option.
THE PIN-SHARP STEERING HAS EXCELLENT FEEDBACK
AND THE AUTO GEARSHIFTS ARE ULTRA-SMOOTH
On the road, the BMW 3 Series proves a winner, with a fluent responsive driving feel and well-balanced suspension firm enough for poised cornering yet supple enough for a comfortable ride. The pin- sharp steering has excellent feedback and the auto gearshifts are ultra-smooth for an effortless driving feel. Cabin space is very good, with
commendable head and leg room for all occupants, and three adults easily
accommodated on the rear seats. Overall the 3 Series offers better occupant space than its main rivals, the Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C Class, though only marginally. Boot space is 480 litres, again slightly larger than that of its main rivals. You can also push down the rear seat backs to facilitate loading longer items. Competition in this important executive sector is
tight between BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz and might pose something of a quandary for some buyers, but in my view the BMW is the choice for those who put the driving dynamics first.
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