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BMW 325ti SE Compact - Autocar
15.09.2001 |
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The long-awaited new BMW Compact doesn't just outclass its big-selling predecessor, it's also first to get the excellent new 3 Series steering rack.
BMW's new Compact may be the fifth and last body style to be developed on the current 3 Series platform, but it's by no means the least important. The outgoing Compact sold strongly but had a wider significance; the majority of its buyers had not bought a BMW before but went on to buy another. The Compact made BMW ownership more accessible without seriously compromising BMW values.
This significance is not lost on Mercedes-Benz, which earlier this year launched the C-class-derived Sports Coupé with exactly the same brief. Alfa's new 147 will provide stiff competition for the cheaper Compacts and the new Audi A3 due next year will rival them all. BMW will have to fight hard for its new recruits.
One tactic is to offer more choice. Two four-cylinder petrol engines of 1.8 and 2.0 litres will be offered - badged 316ti and 318ti - along with a 2.0-litre turbodiesel and the 2.5-litre straight six in the 325ti tested here. A five-speed automatic transmission will be offered for the first time, as an option on the 318ti and the 325ti.
A six-cylinder version of the old Compact was available in other markets but never came to the UK. This 2494cc unit is one of BMW's new family of all-alloy engines introduced last year. It will be offered in the Compact from its launch here next month to combat the supercharged 2.3-litre Sports Coupé and the turbocharged 1.8-litre A3. The BMW develops 192bhp at 6000rpm and peak torque of 181lb ft at 3500rpm; the Mercedes and Audi manage 197bhp and 180bhp respectively.
Fitting a powerful straight six to a hatchback produces the sort of performance you'd expect. The 325ti gets from 0-60mph in 6.9sec and to 100mph in 17.8sec; the Mercedes will hit 60mph in 8.0sec, the Audi 7.5sec. The Compact's closest in-house rival is the mighty 330i saloon, which despite having 231bhp is quicker by just 0.2sec to 60mph and 1.3sec to 100mph. A muscular power-to-weight ratio of 137bhp per tonne takes the credit; the 325ti is no featherweight at 1405kg but is around 100kg lighter than an equivalent four-door 3-series.
The Compact's slightly lighter weight and lower gearing make for tremendous flexibility. It will pull cleanly and quickly from 1000rpm in top; between 30 and 50mph it is nearly 1.5sec quicker than the 330i and between 50 and 70mph they are almost identical at 8.3sec. The fact that the car can comfortably be left in fifth in most conditions allows for exceptionally quiet, refined progress and accounts in part for the excellent 32.0mpg we returned on our touring route.
But this isn't the kind of driving BMW sixes were really meant for. As we have come to expect, it is exceptionally smooth throughout the rev range and becomes sonorous when extended, thanks in part to the revised exhaust system on the Compact. Throttle response is instantaneous and although the drivetrain is impressive at low speeds it does its finest work further up the rev range, the BMW Double Vanos variable valve timing delivering a real jolt of acceleration in fourth or fifth from speeds well in excess of the national limit. The gearchange and clutch actions are as positive and sweet as in the other 3-series; it is a very complete performance.
The Compact benefits from the same basic platform as the rest of the E46 family, with MacPherson strut front suspension and a driven Z-arm rear suspension arranged over the same wheelbase as the 3 Series Saloon. Some improvements have been made; suspension mounts have been stiffened, spring rates and damper settings revised and lighter suspension components have reduced unsprung weight by a claimed 60kg.
The biggest change is to the steering; a quicker rack and revised pump are fettled to add weight and feel and thereby correct the current 3's greatest failing. All these changes will appear on other 3 Series models in the coming months.
In terms of ride and handling the Compact improves both on its predecessor and its bigger siblings. The steering is noticeably meatier and more accurate, particularly just off-centre, and inspires greater confidence. Aided by its light weight, the Compact rolls little and grips well through corners and is well able to cope with the engine's full force. Its stability is helped by its relatively long wheelbase and its agility by its short overhangs and overall length.
Despite the firmer set-up, the noise and jolt caused by road studs and potholes are efficiently damped, but the major trade-off is in the ride. The suspension delivers too much shock and bounce over transverse ridges and short-amplitude undulations taken at speed.
The 325ti comes with an impressive list of driving aids. BMW's ASC traction control, CBC cornering braking control and brakeforce distribution are standard across the range; the 325ti adds the DSC anti-skid control and DBC emergency braking assistance. All can be switched off completely by pressing and holding the DSC switch while on the move until the parking brake warning light shines yellow. Even with the systems engaged the Compact allows enough throttle steer to keep enthusiastic drivers happy; the software also helps to stop the car from 60mph in an impressive 2.7sec with little squirm or fade.
The new Compact is slightly bigger in all dimensions than the old car and 210mm shorter than a 3 Series Saloon. Its exterior styling is likely to be controversial; it retains the distinctive kink in the C-pillar and the kidney grille, but the separate main and dipped beam headlamps and Lexus-style separate rear lamp elements under a clear lens are new to BMW.
Some of the interior detailing is equally novel. Our test car came with a blue top-roll and patterned aluminium trim; both can be deleted in favour of plainer kit.
The rest of the interior is up to BMW's usual standards; immaculately built and intelligently configured. The driving position is excellent with a full range of adjustment and good under-thigh support from the standard extendable seat squabs. Access to the rear is helped by front seats which both fold forward and lift. Inside there's adequate room for six-footers front and rear, though the rear seats are hard and don't support the thighs. Boot space has also been improved. Access is by a microswitch above the number plate allowing one-handed operation; the rear seats fold almost flat to give 1500mm of total load length and 1100 litres of capacity, on a par with other three-door hatches.
At £22,640 the 325ti might seem an expensive introduction to BMW ownership, but in practice that role will be left to the four-cylinder models. This car will be a rival for the £20,895 A3 1.8T Quattro and the £23,250 C230K Sports Coupé, and be picked by people who don't need the extra space of a full-size 3 Series, but who value the Compact's extra agility in town and relish the way that agility further flatters an already impressive engine. Good things come in small packages.