What do you think the best car in the world is? Before you put your hand up and say it’s a Lamborghini or Rolls-Royce, let me stop you. The best car in the world would need to appeal to numerous people on various levels. So while an Aventador is a wonderfully rapid and extravagantly styled thing, it’s not much good if you want to fit a pair of car seats.
A Rolls-Royce Phantom can swallow child seats with ease. The lucky, strapped-in babies would be lulled to sleep by the whisper-quiet V12 and pillowy ride quality. But it doesn’t exactly represent good value for money – prices start at ±R7.5m in the UK.
So the best car in the world needs to be practical, safe, comfortable, offer reasonable economy and represent good value for money.
Cue the BMW 3 Series.
Under the sculpted bonnet of the 320i lives a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine, with 135 kW and 300 Nm of torque on tap. It may not sound like much, but the 320i puts that power to good use. The motor pulls strongly, propelling the mid-sized saloon to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds.
A superb eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox is the only transmission option. The self-shifter swops cogs in a near imperceptible manner. The quick and smooth Steptronic ‘box plays a big role in the 320i feeling so alert and responsive. Economy is excellent, too. BMW claims the 320i sips just 6.3 litres/100 km.
It’s through the bends that the 320i feels most at home. The steering is crisp and direct, allowing the driver to place it on the road with pin-like precision. Optional M Sport suspension ensures the 320i corners flatly, exhibiting exceptional agility through a set of twists.
The stiffer suspension of the M Sport setup does affect the ride quality, though, unable to soak up bumps and potholes that a Mercedes C-Class would glide over. For everyday driving, the standard suspension offers a better balance between sportiness and comfort.
The interior of the previous 3 Series, the F30, was often criticised for not feeling luxurious enough. With the new 3 Series, the Munich-based brand has made sure the cabin feels suitably plush. There’s more room for occupants, too. Boot space measures a decidedly roomy 480 litres, more than capable of carrying a couple of suitcases for a weekend away. The facia is typical BMW – slightly angled toward the driver and devoid of unnecessary distractions. As you would expect, build quality is superb.
The user-friendly BMW Operating System 7.0 infotainment houses numerous functions – including the safety systems, satellite navigation and media interface – via a scroller situated left of the gear lever. A number of trim finishes are available, ranging from the more traditional wood trims to sportier aluminium-look trim.
You certainly won’t be left wanting for equipment – the 320i is feature-rich. Satellite navigation, park-assist, dual-zone climate control and Sensatec-trimmed seats (BMW speak for artificial leather) are all standard. Numerous optional extras are available, such as a sunroof (R14,300) or the Harman Kardon Surround Sound System (R11,400).
Quite simply, the 320i is a masterpiece. It manages to meld thrilling driving dynamics with superb refinement, while offering a spacious and premium cabin packed with features. It may not offer the performance of more expensive models – like the 330i and M340i – but provides a fine mix of athleticism and frugality. R731,562 is a lot of money, but the 320i is so accomplished that it justifies its price tag by being all the car one could ever need.
It’s not the best car in the world, but it comes very close.
Fast Facts:
BMW 320i
- Price: R731 562
- Power: 135Â kW/300 Nm
- Fuel consumption: 6.3 litres/ 100 km (claimed)
- Top speed: 235Â km/h
- Rivals:Â Mercedes-Benz C200, Audi A4 40TFSI
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