OVERSTEER ROAD TEST: BMW 318d Touring
The BMW 3 series is a fine car, managing to offer all round niceness across the range. Now the latest wagon variant has hit our shores, so naturally we had to see if the 3 Series can take on the dominant might of Audi in the premium wagon segment…
Some people have said the family five-door wagon is going somewhat out of fashion with more and more buyers leaning towards soft roaders as the flexible family express of choice. It is a shame because the industry is producing some very capable wagons, one of which comes from those boys from Bavaria.
Most of us will know the BMW 3 Series is a car which manages to do very well in all areas and the F30 sedan is dynamic proof of these achievements. With the release of the Touring version, naturally we were looking forward to sampling the latest “extra space” variant of the 3 Series.
BMW have been incorporating estate variants into the 3 Series family tree for many a moon now – right back to the E30 in fact – all of which offered the best bits of what makes a 3 Series worthwhile. The new F31 Touring featured here is the entry point 318d, and it proves itself to be rather good.
Outside
What you get with the Touring is a really strong yet delicate design. I believe the F30 3 Series is one of BMWs nicest looking saloons, showing many subtle but somehow elegant lines. With the touring, pretty much all aspects from the saloon are carried over to great effect.
Our test car was fitted with the optional Sport Line package ($3000), which meant it sports 18-inch alloys and front and rear bumper enhancements, giving this already aesthetically pleasing car that extra edge. The black sapphire metallic finish wasn’t too bad either!
The main difference to distinguish the Touring from the saloon is naturally, its bum. The low and swooping rear roofline is wonderfully complemented by the cap on backwards rear spoiler and its meaty looking electrically operated boot.
Inside
As you would expect, the Touring shares its interior with the sedan. It is still nice place to be, if a bit predictable. Build quality is impressive with pretty much every button and switch feeling chunky and put together nicely. The i-Drive system which has been a BMW mainstay for the last few model generations is featured in the Touring, still a bit fiddly for some, but quite easy to get your head round.
Rear accommodation is the main focus of the new Touring. Rear legroom has been improved and despite the low roof line, there is still plenty of headroom. Luggage capacity is good, but I feel it could have been more generous. Folding the seats down naturally adds to that space, but with the guests in the back, one gets the feeling it could have been just a little bit better.
Under the bonnet
Our car being the 318d is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder engine producing 105kW of power and 320Nm of torque. This variant isn’t going to have the noise or pin you back in your seat acceleration of the more powerful (and more expensive) 335i, but when the torque come into the equation, it more than makes up for it. Also having the sweet eight-speed auto box on hand is icing on the cake.
BMW diesels have always been strong and the 2.0-litre in this 318d is no exception. The torque comes on in a big, fat wave, pushing the 318d forward with authority. The eight-speed auto is a slick, smooth unit that offers fast, almost invisible shifts in both around town and maximum attack situations.
While the brilliant 3 Series chassis is begging out for (and can easily deal with) far more power, the 318d still offers more than enough for most people and certainly enough for everyday living. Frugal everyday living at that; BMW claims an average consumption of just 4.5L/100km from the 318d.
On the road
Heading out onto the asphalt and I’m happy to report the Touring is just as well sorted as the sedan. The altered back end has compromised rear visibility, but the reversing camera fitted as standard helps a great deal when backing up. Ride quality is still a bit firm but certainly wasn’t uncomfortable; this might have been down to those optional sports alloys mind you.
There are four driving modes to choose from. Eco Pro for when fuel efficiency is atop your list during daily commuting, Comfort for regular driving, Sport for those vigorous moments of driving enthusiasm and Sport Plus for those same moments but with restricted vehicle traction and stability.
On the highways and byways the Touring is a relaxed way of getting to and from your destination. The car has a habit of devouring many motorway miles one after the other with relative ease, ideal for those compulsory family jaunts to Queenstown.
The chunky steering wheel feels good in your hands and the nose turns in without a great deal of effort, plus plenty of grip ensures you stay out of those trees. Coupled with a well sorted chassis and even weight distribution and you get a much more dynamic driving experience.
To call the 318d fast would be a slight overstatement, brisk is nearer the mark. The power is always there when you need it, which is ideal for the inevitable passing manoeuvre.
Verdict
Long gone are the days where the term “wagon” was used to describe a car as the automotive equivalent of beige pants. The BMW 318d Touring manages to be a serious player in this market by offering a well sorted package.
While it is slightly more expensive than its direct competitors, what you get with the BMW 318d Touring is the same good all rounder as the sedan. Which also goes to prove that the good honest five-door family wagon is far from pushing up daisies!
BMW 318d Touring Specifications
Price: $77,800
Body type: Five-door wagon
Drive: Rear-wheel drive
Engine Type: Four cylinder diesel
Engine Capacity: 1997cc
Max power: 105kW @ 4000rpm
Max torque: 320Nm @ 2500rpm
Fuel Consumption: 4.5L/100km
C02 emission: 119g/km
0 to 100kph: 9.2 seconds
Front suspension: Multi-link
Rear suspension: Multi-link
ABS Brakes: Yes
Air Bags: 6
ESP: Yes
Air Conditioning: Dual zone climate control
Lap/diagonal belts: 5
Satellite Navigation: No
Electric seats: Yes
Burglar Alarm: Yes
Panic Button: No
Wheel type: 18-inch alloy
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