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BMW 320d SE Touring - What Car?
01.05.2000 |
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It's a mouth-watering combination: the best lifestyle estate with the best diesel engine in its class.
And, if you'll excuse us cutting to the chase, it's every bit as good on the road.
Whatever you want in this class, the new BMW 320d Touring delivers, although outright power and performance take second place to style, practicality and flexibility.
And that last point is where this model really scores. Its most vital statistic is its 206lb ft of pulling power. Not only is that as much as in the (£5000 dearer) 328i, it's developed more than 2000rpm lower in the rev range, so it pulls strongly from 1800rpm through to 4000rpm, and in a car with at least half an eye on load-lugging, that's exactly what you want. All you need to watch is that you don't let the widely-spaced gearing strand you in the pull-free desert before the turbo kicks in.
Generally, the 320d has inherited the Saloon's strengths. It is smooth, comfortable and every bit as good to drive. It's also very refined - and not just by diesel standards, although there's a bit of a drone on the motorway. More than that, it's also economical. The official combined figure is almost 50mpg, and 45mpg should be possible in everyday driving with a light right foot.
Like all 3 Series Tourings, the 320d comes only in SE trim, with equal measures of luxury and safety equipment. It also has more luggage space than the old model, a wider boot entry and a split-opening rear tailgate. And it's yours for only £900 more than the Saloon.
If you're after a smart, stylish hold-all with all the strengths of the Saloon, plus a little more space, look no further.