The addition of the 320d Touring to BMW’s sporty range of estate cars demonstrates that station wagons need no longer be the sole domain of lift clubs and science expos.
The addition of the 320d Touring to BMW’s sporty range of estate cars demonstrates that station wagons need no longer be the sole domain of lift clubs and science expos.
By Hailey Philander
Another good-looking addition to the 3 Series Touring range, the 320d uses a second-generation common rail turbodiesel, with variable nozzle turbine technology that adjusts the turbo settings to the engine’s running conditions.
It produces peak power of 115 kW at 4 000 r/min and maximum torque of 330 Nm from 2 000 to 2 750 r/min. The 320d accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 8,9 seconds, with top speed hitting 220 km/h. The automatic Steptronic model is marginally slower to 100 km/h in 9,1 seconds, and has a top speed of 214 km/h.
Its fuel economy is notable too, consuming about 5,9 litres per 100 km (6,9 for the automatic) in the combined cycle, according to the manufacturer.
On the drive through Nelspruit and other parts of the Mphumalanga hinterland, the latest turbodiesel addition proved more than capable, using the route to demonstrate its sportier ambitions. The smooth running diesel leaves little evidence of its more heavy-duty and clunky origins. It is, after all, what BMW (interestingly and rather un-politically correctly) labels “the thinking man’s sports car”. The burning of unmentionables aside, the turbodiesel managed to hit the sweet spot more often than not (and it did have an identical lap time around the famous Nurburgring proving ground as its booted sibling.).
Six-speed manual and steptronic transmissions are available, though the short-shifting manual would be the obvious choice for the more spirited driver. The automatic, with virtually undetectable shifts, would be better suited to a more relaxed cruiser, though its manual shift option can be summoned on command.
The estate is seen as a unique model, rather than a variant of the saloon, and the 320d Touring is also available as a Sport model with extra racy kit. This includes an aerodynamics package, side sills, and different alloys. On the inside, leather (front) sports seats, steering wheel, doorsills all bear the M insignia, while chrome trim is used across the facia and centre console.
But, despite the 320d Touring’s obvious athletic abilities, a touring, by its very nature, suggests that it would most likely be used as the family cart. To this end, the touring is physically bigger than before, with luggage space that can be increased from 460 dm3 to 1 385 dm3 (with the rear seats folded forward).
Not too surprising, is the fact that an alarming mix of lightweight metals and materials have kept the larger car’s platform weight about 15 kg lighter than that of its predecessor, while the body itself is roughly 25 per cent stiffer.
But back to the all-important luggage space. Along with a myriad of luggage and load carrying features, including nets and hooks, a reversible carpeted and waterproof lining, a rear window also opens separately for the quick loading and retrievement of smaller items. The absence of a spare wheel frees up extra loading space and the low loading sill makes the loading of bulky objects easier. All models are sold standard with run flat tyres, which are being introduced across the BMW range (M cars excluded).
Safety technology on the 320d Touring includes Trailer Stability Control that monitors the pendulum effect while towing, and intervenes by applying the car’s brakes to stabilise the vehicle.
The 3 Series Touring achieved the maximum five star commendation in the EuroNCAP crash tests, and safety features include six airbags and three Isofix mounting points for child seats. The Active Steering system is designed to intervene and stabilise the car when steering control is required, though I thought its variable steering a bit too light at higher speeds.
Pricing:
320d Touring R289 000
320d Touring Steptronic R302 700
Exclusive model (incl. rear PDC, rain and headlight sensors, bi-xenon headlights and six CD shuttle) R18 000
Sport model (incl. front fog lights, multi-function M steering wheel, front leather sports seats and double spoke 17-inch alloys) R20 300
