New 3-Series: if looks could thrill

BMW has given its 3-Series range a facelift that goes beyond styling changes to the front and rear.

The new-look car will be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show next month. It goes on sale in Britain in October but New Zealanders aren't likely to see it until early next year.

The changes affect the sedan and Touring (estate) models but not the coupe or convertible. These two will get a look all their own at a later date.

The sedan and Touring models account for most 3-Series sales and BMW says the new look and engineering upgrades makes the range better value for money.

The front of the car gets a restyled bonnet, headlights, kidney grille and air dam. The rear gets a deeper bumper and modified tail-lights. The makeover also includes chunkier door sills and colour-coded door handles.

But it's the changes to the steering, suspension and engine line-up that BMW says will make the 3-Series a sharper performer. Some models will also come with the optional sequential five-speed gearbox.

Four- and six-cylinder models of the sedan and Touring have been given the sharper power-assisted steering system and improved front and rear suspension set-up from the Compact, a driver's delight which goes on sale in New Zealand from today.

Adding to the driving experience are reworked versions of the 318i petrol and the 320d diesel engines, tweaked to boost power and economy.

The engine in the 318i is a 2-litre unit built at BMW's British plant near Birmingham and uses the Valvetronic variable valve timing technology first seen in the Compact.

It produces 107kW and 200Nm of torque, about 20 per cent more oomph than the 1.9-litre engine it replaces. Fuel economy has improved by about 16 per cent.

The direct-injection system in the 320d diesel engine has been replaced by a common-rail injection system which boosts power from 102kW to 112kW and torque from 280Nm to 330Nm. This car will now come with an optional five-speed automatic transmission.