The 3 Series has set the standard in its segment for almost 35 years. CarShowroom has just put the BMW 320d Touring through its paces.
One item leaps out of the specifications pages: top speed 231 km/h. In Germany that might be useful but in the Australian context it merely serves to emphasise what a multi-talented little wagon this is. It has really only been this century that diesel engines and high performance have been fellow travelers.
On a highway drive at 100 to 110 km/h, the fuel economy gauge consistently sat closer to 4.0 than 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres. Now, that is serious performance!
BMW 320d Touring Overview
As with most BMWs, there is a long list of expensive options, so fortunately the 320d is well equipped in standard form. (The six-speed automatic transmission has Steptronic (meaning you move the selector across and you can select all gears manually, pushing forward to choose a lower ratio).
Leather trim, automatic climate control, 16-inch alloy wheels with run-flat tyres and a fashionable start/stop button are all included in the $62,300 pricetag but the test vehicle’s metallic paint, satnav, burr walnut trim and sunroof are not. Ticking the box for metallic paint takes the price beyond $64K with on-road costs still to come. At least the 320d Touring’s outstanding fuel economy relieves it of having to carry the extra burden of the Luxury Car Tax.
BMW 320d Touring Engine
BMW is one of the leaders in diesel engine technology. This 2.0-litre unit produces 135 kW of power, which puts it ahead of many petrol units of the same displacement. But it is the 380 Nm of torque, available from 1900 to 2750 rpm that is at the heart of its lively performance.
The 320d Touring’s zero to 100 km/h sprint time of 7.9 seconds does not by itself convey the effortlessness of its cross country ability. This combination of torque with power higher in the rpm range helps it devour hills.
Although BMW equips some of its dearer cars with an eight-speed automatic, six gears always feels like an elegant sufficiency for this agile machine with the low kerb weight of 1520 kilograms. BMW’s endless rhetoric about dynamics and efficiency really applies to this compact wagon, which in an earlier era might have been classed as a ‘shooting brake’, a-la the Aston Martin DB6 Shooting Brake.
BMW 320d Touring Interior
This cabin is perhaps not as plush as you might expect for the money. Car Showroom believes that the dark burr walnut fascia does not harmonise particularly well with the navy metallic paint and light cream leather. It adds a sombre feel. The ‘Dakota’ leather is rather hard to the touch and the front seats would benefit from improved bolstering.
BMW Australia describes these perches as being ‘partly electric’ but the fore/aft adjustment is via a fiddly little lever rather than the more practical full-width bar, which looks like a cost-cutting measure. Some of the other controls are unpleasant to operate, notably the steering wheel adjustment which is stiff and jerky.
Instrumentation is good and the trademark BMW instantaneous fuel consumption gauge is especially welcome. The infamous i-Drive is less counter-intuitive than it used to be remains overly complex to operate. The lack of pockets on the backs of the front seats is an irritation, as is the shortage of stowage spaces, all too familiar on a BMW. There is good room for rear passengers but the load area is quite short in length and small in volume. Welcome inclusions are a waterproof folding box and a reversible mat with protective cover.
BMW 320d Touring Exterior & Styling
This is a very stylish wagon, which looks more integrated than its sedan counterpart. Pleasingly, it lacks the aggressive new grille which makes such a statement on the latest 7 and 5 Series BMWs.
The slope of the roofline and curvature of the sides combine with the strikingly styled alloy wheels to give the 320d Touring a rakish demeanour. The shape is probably better suited to lighter colours, which show its many curves to greater effect.
BMW 320d Touring On The Road
The run-flat tyres – not a good idea for outback applications, where only a full-sized spare will do – deliver a smoother ride than on past BMWs thus equipped. In the ride/handling compromise the Bavarian cars have traditionally inclined towards the latter.
Indeed, the 320d Touring is a joy to hunt through a series of corners. The steering lacks the magnificent feel and perfect weighting of some other BMWs and rates as good to very good rather than excellent. But overall this is a very accomplished machine which will suit keen drivers.
BMW 320d Touring Challenges
Shallow storage areas and no pockets on the rear of the front seats hardly belong with the practicality of a sports wagon like this one. Some of the controls are unpleasant to operate. Don’t go crazy when specifying those pricey options.
BMW 320d Touring Verdict
A brilliant 2.0-litre diesel engine in combination with trademark BMW rear-wheel drive dynamics and edgy styling make the 320d Touring an appealing choice.
BMW 320d Touring Competition
Compact sports diesel wagons such as this BMW remain highly fashionable in Europe but represent more of a niche segment in Australia. Obvious rivals are the Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI wagon and the Audi A4 2.0 TDi Avant, both of which the BMW out-powers.
Add petrol-powered options and the list grows significantly. The Subaru Liberty 2.5i Sports Premium wagon ($45,490) is a standout. But without doubt the pick of rapid compact diesel wagons is the 320d Touring.
BMW 320d Touring Likes:
Great diesel performance and economy, high style
BMW 320d Touring Dislikes:
Some cost-cutting evident, insufficient space for luggage and oddments
