For a long time the 3 Series was the entry-point for owning a BMW -- but it was still a stretch for many buyers. Then came the smaller, less expensive version of the aspirational brand in the shape of the 1 Series, delivering German prestige for less than $40K.
Now, there’s a compromise, of sorts, in the form of the 316i. It’s the newest and the cheapest of the F30 3 Series range with a pricetag of just $52,300 (plus on-road costs). But with veteran rivals also sharpening their prices, and Japanese and Korean manufacturers refining their offerings, the battle has never been quite so fierce.
Don’t let the entry-level label taint your perception of this newbie. Although it sits at the bottom of the 3 Series line-up, the 316i is far from shabby.
Powered by 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine, the 316i delivers 100kW at 4350rpm and 220Nm from 1350rpm. It’s paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission and with that in hand, it moves from rest to 100km/h in 9.2 seconds.
The 1598cc engine exhibited an eagerness to perform and rallied when it mattered, with turbo power kicking in nice and early. From standstill the 316i is quick to motion, and the eight-speed transmission is prompt in its changes. I fast developed a great sense of enjoyment, relying purely on the automatic mode. It was decisive and spritely, smooth and refined.
The eight-speed auto is standard across the entire 3 Series range, although the 316i and 318d miss out on the ‘sport’ extras such as paddle shifts and launch control offered as standard on other models. If a manual transmission is more your thing, a six-speed DIY gearbox is also offered on the 316i as a no cost option.
When the time came to take control, the BMW’s sequential shift was a joy in hand. Short, swift shifts made it a breeze to work your way to the gears. My only criticism would be that the 316i was short of an exhaust note -- it deserves a louder voice.
Steering the 316i was lively and engaging, but without feeling like too much hard work. It maintains a level of control that means you’ll feel involved, but never crack a sweat.
A suitably rigid platform sees the 3 Series set a benchmark for balance and handling. Its composure on the road was impeccable, never putting a foot wrong. Nosed into corners the 316i flaunted its highbrow manners and ease of use.
The brake pedal feels good underfoot and braking is predictable, and quick.
Despite it’s entry-level position, the 316i brings a decent level of equipment as standard, including 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control with brake function, push button ignition, rear park distance control, rear LED lights, fog lights, ‘man-made’ leather, dual-zone climate control, satellite navigation, multi-function leather steering wheel, 6.5-inch colour display screen, six-speaker sound system, USB and auxiliary interface and Bluetooth connectivity.
Omissions which you might well accept, are an electric adjust driver’s seat with memory (available for $2150) and electric lumbar support ($640).
The slightly paired-back style of the BMW 316i is well executed -- simple yet stylish, understated quality is always better than budget bling.
The smaller 16-inch wheels are a hint that this is the baby of the family, but as with most things BMW, there’s a cost option to fix that. And besides, they do improve ride quality on lumpy roads.
Comfort inside the 316i is of a high standard, and everything falls into place perfectly. The driving position, infotainment screen, instrumentation and gearshift are easy to see and reach.
Even though the 3 Series strikes a more delicate pose, its space is as good as most rivals in this segment. Second row space and comfort is of a good standard and cargo space is not bad either (at 480-litres).
Undoubtedly, the keen pricing of the 316i is a highlight, but so to is the claimed fuel consumption of 5.9L/100km (combined). At the end of our test route, the 316i trip computer was showing an average consumption figure of 7.7L/100km over a predominantly urban route.
The safety credentials of the BMW 3 Series are well known, and with equipment including dual front, side and full-length curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes and stability control (to name only a few), the model achieved a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
After some time behind the wheel of the BMW 316i, it became obvious that the only ‘entry-level’ thing about this car is its place in the 3 Series line-up. But let’s not forget that while $52,300 may get you the cheapest 3 Series, it could get you a top-spec vehicle from ‘less prestigious’ manufacturers...
Price Guide (recommended price before statutory & delivery charges): $52,300*
Options fitted to test car (not included in above price): N/A
Crash rating: Five-star ANCAP
Fuel: 98 RON PULP
Claimed fuel economy (L/100km): 5.9 (combined)
CO2 emissions (g/km): 137 (combined)
Also consider: Audi A4 (from $53,700 plus ORCs); Lexus IS (from $55,800 plus ORCs); Mercedes-Benz C-Class (from $59,900 plus ORCs); Volvo S60 (from $49,490 plus ORCs)
*316i M Sport shown for illustrative purposes.
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