BMW 3 Series Touring 320d M Sport 5dr Pre-Model Car Review - March 2012

REVIEW
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List Price: £31,195
Tax Band: D
Insurance Group: 29
MPG: 58.9
CO2: 128
0-62 Mph: 7.7 secs
BHP: 184 BHP
Range: 790 miles
CarSite Verdict:  4/5
The 320d M Sport is hard to fault for value for money and running costs. The M Sport trim is a bit unnecessary for the 320d engine and the cheaper SE version is a wiser choice as it still offers a great range of equipment for a much more reasonable price. The suspension of the M Sport is quite firm, to the point of being uncomfortable, but it can be changed for the regular suspension on request.

The 320d engine offers fantastic efficiency, and the low CO2 emissions make it a great company car option.

PROS:  Great performance and good handling. Low running costs. Highly desirable.

CONS:  The suspension is a little firm. The SE model offers better value for money.

Behind the Wheel

The 320d Touring's handling is fantastic, offering controlled and stable driveability thanks to the balanced rear-wheel-drive chassis, which makes easy work of windy B-roads.

Although previous versions of the 3 Series have been criticised for having too firm suspension, BMW have managed to make the ride much softer. However, it is still quite firm, particularly around town.

The 320d's engine is powerful, but smooth and quiet as well. The cabin is well insulated from outside sounds, although there is a little wind noise at high speeds.

The 320d M Sport develops 184bhp and 280 lb-ft of torque, reaching 62 mph in 7.7 seconds with a top speed of 145 mph.

Looks & Equipment

The 3 Series Touring is a good looking car, offering the same svelte good looks as its saloon stablemate.

This M Sport model comes with cloth/Alcantara seats, rear parking sensors, power steering, stability control, cruise control, climate control, alloy wheels, MP3 connectivity and stereo as standard, with optional extras such as Bluetooth for £250, satellite navigation for £1,550.

The ‘Efficient Dynamics’ technology that keeps the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions low includes an automatic stop-start system, brake energy regeneration, on-demand control of engine ancillary components and tyres with less rolling resistance, along with improved aerodynamics.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

Safety is top-rate, and the car scored well in the NCAP crash tests, achieving the full five star rating. Standard equipment includes six airbags, dynamic stability control inclusive of ABS, corning brake control, dynamic brake control and dynamic traction control. An optional extra is the Active Security Package (with lane change and lane departure-warning systems).

The 320d is very spacious and there is plenty of room in both the front and the rear seats. The boot is sizeable too, if a little awkwardly shaped, with 460 litres of room available and the option to take down the split-folding rear seats is available to expand this further.

The 320d M Sport should also be reliable thanks the BMW's legendary build quality.

Value for Money

The 320d M Sport model has a combined fuel economy rating of 58.9 mpg and CO2 emissions of 128g/km -- superb for such a large car with good performance. Overall the brand benefits from a strong reputation and this means resale values tend to remain high.

The 320d has a great engine, with fantastic efficiency and low CO2 emissions. The car offers great value for money, combining performance, driveability and low running costs all for a reasonable price. However, the M Sport trim is a bit unnecessary when the ES offers much better value for money with all the equipment you need in a BMW 3 Series.

BMW 3 Series Touring 320d M Sport 5dr Pre-Model Car Review - by 
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