BMW South Africa has introduced a new entry-level 2,0-litre diesel engine version of its baby SUV (or SAV, for Sports Activity Vehicle, as they would like to have it known).
BMW South Africa has introduces a new entry-level 2,0-litre diesel engine version of its baby SUV (or SAV, for Sports Activity Vehicle, as they would like to have it known).
The direct injection common rail diesel engine produces a maximum output of 110 kW at 4 000 r/min and for flexible off-roading, the maximum torque of 330 N.m is available from just 2 000 r/min.
Not lazy at all, the SAV reaches a top speed of 198 km/h and is able to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 10,2 seconds.
In the statutory European fuel consumption cycle, the X3 2,0d consumes 7,2 litres of fuel per 100 km and is able to cover up to 875 km on one tank.
At the launch of the 2,5- and 3,0-litre petrol models in June last year, we found that the X3 performed as well as any more-than-capable saloon would be expected to behave, even with it’s 210 mm ground clearance.
Costing R 345 000 and equipped with BMW’s X-Drive four-wheel-drive system, the X3’s standard six-speed manual gearbox operates in conjunction with an electronically controlled multiple-plate clutch.
Standard features on the 2,0d are DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), DBC (Dynamic Brake Control), CBC (Corner Braking Control), and a two-stage Brake Force Display. Off-road safety is aided by HDC (Hill Descent Control), which controls the speed of the vehicle and brake intervention on steep downhill gradients.
The BMW X3 comes with up to eight airbags, driver, front passenger and head airbags as well as side airbags at the front all fitted as standard. And at the rear side airbags are available as an option.
Additional features include BMW’s Business CD audio system and an Isofix attachment on the front passenger seat with an airbag deactivation function.