Facing increasing market pressure from the recently-introduced Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and in anticipation of the imminent arrival of the all-new Audi A4 and Jaguar XE, BMW will look towards a revised 3 Series lineup to bolster its foothold within the South African market in the coming months.
Available from mid-August the revised 3 Series range includes a mild facelift and a new range of engine options, the most significant of which sees the entry-level 318i fitted with the company’s impressive 1,5-litre, three-cylinder petrol unit.
Best described as subtle, changes to the exterior styling of the 3 Series include a slightly wider stance, revised bumpers (including larger air intakes), and new dual round LED daytime running lights housed in redesigned headlamp clusters. Additional chrome highlights, together with a new focus on ambient lighting lift the interior. Certainly the changes to the headlamp styling will be carried over to the M3 with immediate effect.
An all-new (Twin Power) petrol engine range includes the aforementioned 100 kW/220 N.m 1,5-litre 3-cylinder fitted to the 318i, together with a new 240 kW/450 N.m straight-six 340i option to replace the current 335i offering. Both the 320i and 330i will feature 4-cylinder engines delivering 135 kW and 185 kW respectively.
A revised 320d turbodiesel option will deliver a claimed 3,8 L/100 km with 99 g/km worth of emissions.
All models will be available with an optional 8-speed Steptronic transmission.
A plug-in hybrid 330e is expected to reach South Africa by the second quarter of 2016.
Pricing:
BMW 318i – R409 000
BMW 320i – R443 820
BMW 320d – R472 000
BMW 330i – R518 359
BMW 330d – R596 923
BMW 340i – R661 335
