In 1994 BMW entered a new market segment when it launched its 3 Series-based Compact hatchback saloons onto the international market.
Although it was never sold in South Africa, more than 400,000 Compacts were sold around the world, introducing thousands of new buyers to BMW.
Now the all-new Compact is now being launched in South Africa, where is expected
to continue its international success while at the same time, thought its competitive
pricing and youthful styling, attracting a wide range of new buyers to the BMW
brand. (In Europe research showed that with the previous generation Compact,
two out of every three Compact owners had not bought a BMW before and 65 per
cent of them went on to buy another car in the BMW range.)
With the launch of the Compact BMW South Africa is also to for the first time
giving local customers access to the entire 3 Series range – saloon, coupe,
convertible, touring and Compact – making it the most diverse product range
available locally.
As was the case with its predecessors, the new Compact range sets new standards
in this competitive segment: With its short body, its own sports-tuned suspension,
a high standard of features and equipment as well as ultra-modern engine technology,
the new BMW 3 Series Compact offers a unique synthesis of sporting qualities
and practical value.
The new Compact has been completely redesigned from the ground up and is the
first BMW to feature the revolutionary, four cylinder VALVETRONIC petrol engine,
built in the UK at BMW’s new engine plant at Hams Hall. Its new technology increases
power by 10 per cent, while reducing fuel consumption and emissions by the same
amount.
Despite being 21 cm shorter that the 3 Series saloon (on the same wheelbase),
the new Compact is larger than its predecessor. Gaining 15 mm in height, 53
mm in width and 52mm in length, the additional space has been utilised to give
additional driver and passenger comfort without affecting the agility and ‘compactness’
of the car.
The new Compact’s chassis has been developed to be exceptionally responsive,
with quick, beautifully weighted steering and suspension based on the widely
acclaimed 3 Series range. The rear benefits particularly from a version of BMW’s
exceptional Z-axle.
Two models spanning a wide price- and performance range will be available at
launch; the R165 000 318ti powered by the 105 kW, 2.0 litre, four cylinder Valvetronic
petrol engine, and the R220 000 325ti with BMW’s fabled straight six cylinder,
141 kW engine.
The main features of the new Compact are summarised as follows:
- Distinctive new styling gives Compact a new look, different to the restof 3 Series.
- VALVETRONIC engine increases power by 10 per cent and reduces fuel consumptionand emissions by 10 per cent, compared to the previous model.318ti: 2,0 litre, 105 kW, 200 Nm, four cylinder, Valvetronic. Top speed 211
km/h, 0-100 km/h in 9,6 seconds.
- 325ti: 2.5 litre, 141 kW, 245 Nm, six cylinder. Top speed 234 km/h, 0-100km/h in 7,6 seconds.
- 15 mm higher, 53 mm wider and 52 mm longer than the previous Compact.
- 70 litres more boot space than previously, with a maximum of 1100 litre(with the seats folded).
- Optional five-speed Steptronic automatic transmission available for thefirst time on all models at an added cost of R11 000.
- State-of-the-art driving stability aids as standard: ASC+T (Automatic StabilityControl + Traction), CBC (Cornering Braking Control) and EBD (Electronic BrakeDistribution).
- DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) available as an option on 325ti and 318ti,now includes DBC (Dynamic Brake Control) to optimise braking power under heavybraking conditions.
- Passive safety features as standard: six airbags, ABS, seatbelt pretentioners,belt-force limiters, side impact door beams and rigid occupant safety cage.
- Emphasis on individuality through a choice of 14 interior colours, 13 exteriorcolours, two fabric upholstery colours, four fabric/leather options and sevenfull leather choices. Customers can also match the interior trim to the exterior
colour of the car with a new design option called Young Line.
- As with all other BMWs sold in South Africa the Compact’s retail price includesa 5 Year/100 000 km Motorplan maintenance contract, and the peace of mindof around-the-clock roadside assistance in case of a breakdown or accident
with BMW On-Call for 5 years.
