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The rear design of the car is very 3-series as well. Though the same design is being incorporated to the rest of the BMW line-up, it is the 3 that received the L-shaped design that accentuates the rear’s simplicity as well as highlight the cleverly sculpted rear spoiler. Overall, I find this a better design than the triangular rear cluster Mercedes has been using on all their models starting with the S-class. The two models that we’ve driven, the 318i and the 325i are fundamentally the same with some aerodynamic modifications and probably some trim. The 318i is the everyday Bavarian cruiser that we are all accustomed to seeing in Philippine roads. It gets front and rear fog lamps as standard as well as Continental EcoConti 195 / 65 VR15 as standard. It’s great looking indeed and it’s a breed apart from the rest of the Audis, Opels, Toyotas, Hondas and so on. Now, if you think this is pretty, wait until you see the top-of-the range 325i. Sporting a revised aerodynamic kit that was plucked straight from the M3, the 325i has rounded front fog lamps; revised front and rear spoiler design and side skirts all as standard. Moreover, the yellow, white and red rear cluster design has been replaced by the M3’s red and white combination lamps as well as better and sportier tires: 225 / 50 ZR 16 Bridgestone in BBS light-weight alloy. Inside, the 3-series dismally small—probably no thanks to its rear-wheel drive configuration. Nonetheless, the car is very comfortable for four grown adults, but five is literally a sardine can. However, if you’re not paying a premium on space, then it has got to be quality. The 3-series just has peerless build quality inside. The interior trim is very consistent and everything is pleasing to look and feel. The dash is soft plastics and every storage bin is covered and activated by a soft-push button feel. Everything feels so comfortable in here. On the other hand, the snugness of the interior is complimented by highly supportive front and rear seats that reminds you that this isn’t the Nissan Cefiro. The seats have good lateral support, no doubt aiding those wanting to power slide their Bimmers every now and then. The 318i features light shaded Myrtle trim coupled with a four-spoke steering wheel with radio controls. On the other hand, the 325i is trimmed with luxurious dark Myrtle and has the M3’s 3-spoke leather and wood sports steering wheel with additional controls for the hands-free mobile phone kit. Both cars use the accents quite effectively as not to make the interior too Korean. It seems careful detail has been used to make the interior very good. The major controls fall intuitively into place—reiterating the fact that this is as much a sports car as it is a luxury cruiser. The steering wheel is just perfect and the automatic gear selector is fairly easy to use and hold. The handbrake is positioned close to the driver—a temptation probably to yank it during turns, but hey they designed the 3-series to be the ultimate driving machine, didn’t they? |
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