In a word association game, BMW would most likely be associated with iii Series. It is quintessentially BMW. For many, the BMW iii Series represents an entry to the brand or fifty-fifty to what nosotros commonly refer every bit "Continental cars", such as BMW 320i.

As BMW and then, information technology is imperative to get the 3 Serial recipe right. And in the aspect of driving, BMW has nailed it. Simply not without its downsides, and nosotros shall become into those in a bit.

There are two variants of the seventh-generation (G20) BMW 3 Series available in Malaysia – 320i Sport and 330i 1000 Sport. The ane we have here is the 320i Sport, priced at RM 248,800 (Price without SST is RM 241,794, valid until 31 December 2020).

Exterior

From the front, the headlamps feature a notch which is said to hark dorsum to the E46 3 Serial. Although some accept likened it to the Peugeot 3008. Compared to the previous F30 generation, the front end grille is moderately enlarged which is still accepted past nigh, dissimilar the controversial 4 Series and upcoming M3/M4.

The BMW 320i Sport wears 5-twin-spoke 18-inch alloys, which I think looks better than the ones in the BMW 330i K Sport. Traditionalists may non appreciate that the Hofmeister kink now looks more like an pointer than a curve, only I'm indifferent to it. At that place are also more creases running along the side of the car.

Over to the rear, I like the darkened area of the taillamps, which highlights the "L" motif. And in that location'due south twin exhaust tips. Real ones. Take that Mercedes-Benz and Audi.

Panel gaps deviated by no more than than 0.5 mm from the opposite side. Pigment thickness averaged in the 110s of micrometres with no outliers.

Interior

Permit's starting time with the positives, BMW 320i is an comeback over the F30's interior in terms of blueprint. It'south more mod with ambience lighting, digital-looking analogue instrument cluster, and a neater center console.

Steering bicycle is chunky and the leather feels supple. Those who adopt to sit depression volition capeesh its driving position. The infotainment system which runs on Operating System half-dozen is as intuitive to use as ever and supports Apple tree CarPlay. Sound quality over the 100-watt 6-speaker system is acceptable.

Space in the rear is generous for a car of this size, with about three lawn tennis balls of kneeroom and ane tennis ball of headroom for a 175cm tall individual.

Some other improvement over the F30 is the option to sync the climate control, a crucial feature for individuals with OCD like yours truly. Also, the rubberized part behind the door take hold of handles are no more, then sticky rubbers are a matter of the by.

Moving on to less than satisfactory aspects, the commuter's footwell is rather tight and the pedals are noticeably offset to the right. The latter is typical of right-hand drive BMWs, but it'due south even more pronounced in the G20. As a result, there's practically no wiggle room for my right foot when placed on the accelerator pedal.

Materials used in the cabin feel, to put it politely, less expensive. The door take hold of handles/pockets experience hollow, the knobs on the side air vents feel plasticky, lower door plastics aren't soft as in the F30, and the chapeau on the centre console has sharp edges. Speaking of the eye console lid, it really reflects sunlight, glaring the driver.

Another ergonomic complaint is the position of the "P" push on the gear selector. It's placed at the middle of the lever, where no fingers are naturally placed in that position.

Perhaps expectations were a little high, but when a Mazda three's interior feels more premium than a BMW 3 Serial, you'd start to question – what am I paying all that extra cash for? The answer is in the bulldoze.

Driving Experience

In the previous generation (F30), some take accused it of being too soft and its electric ability steering lacks the feedback present in the E90 generation 3 Serial. So, BMW has gone to boondocks with the G20 in the driving department.

The G20's steering isn't riddled with feedback, but it is almost telepathically precise. What'southward more, the human relationship between the trunk, suspension and steering is harmoniously synced. It feels light on its feet and wonderfully counterbalanced in corners, with no inclination to understeer or oversteer unless provoked.

Then we have the powertrain, the B48 2.0-litre turbocharged iv-cylinder engine mated to the ZF 8-speed automated. Getting up to speed is, for the lack of a meliorate give-and-take, effortless. The engine does run out of breath above 5,000 rpm though, so it'due south best to stay inside the "meat" of the range between 2,000 – 5,000 rpm.

The transmission is, dare I say information technology, the best in the business. It's incisive, snappy, and polish. It'due south e'er in the right gear at the right time and shifts imperceptibly when cruising.

On the field of study of cruising, a more impressive feat would be the G20's highway cruising adequacy. High speed stability is fantabulous, with the torque from the engine effortlessly keeping up the stride.

Ride Condolement

All that driving prowess does come at a cost – ride comfort. It's firmer than in the previous F30 generation three Series just don't go me incorrect, it isn't punishingly potent. In terms of comfort, it's really no worse than the Mercedes-Benz C200.

Over less than ideal surfaces, you do feel the unevenness admitting in a skilful way as it'due south rarely harsh. It feels like the tyres are always in contact with the ground and doesn't skip through whatever undulations.

The BMW 320i does ride better than the BMW 330i G Sport, but the inherent firmness remains. The run-flat tyres do play a part in this, simply an F30 on equivalent run-flats will still take a suppler ride.

The seats are firm likewise, both front and rear. In typical BMW mode, at that place's a cushion extension for additional thigh support for the forepart seats. Side support is adjustable but lumbar adjustment is absent-minded. Despite the firmness, the rear seat is nicely sculptured for a comfortable sitting position and the bench provides good thigh support.

Racket level is an expanse much improved over the F30 generation. Route or tyre racket is noticeably lower than before and wind noise is well suppressed, thanks to the use of acoustic glass. At 110 km/h, the sound level meter recorded an average of 67 dB.

Fuel Consumption

After a 142 km journey broken down to 60% highway, 40% city driving, the amount of fuel required to brim the tank was 11.5 litres. This gives a calculated fuel consumption figure of 8-litre/100 km.

Determination

The G20 BMW 320i lives upwards to every word of the slogan "Sheer Driving Pleasure". With the chassis and powertrain meeting, the BMW 320i is the best driving family motorcar in its price range.

Compared to the Mercedes-Benz C200 in terms of ride and treatment, it's neither hither nor there. Ride quality is similarly fidgety over poor surfaces and still information technology'southward non as confidence inspiring as the 3 Series through the corners.

Merely the C200 even so has the better interior despite its age. It has a larger infotainment screen, a digital instrument cluster, materials used feel a more pleasant to the touch. Plus, the updated engine with 204 PS feels a little more muscular than the 320i.

Choosing between these ii will depend on how much you love driving. If you couldn't care less about driving dynamics and only want a classier look inside and out, then the Mercedes-Benz C200 fits your bill.

The BMW 320i is for those who love driving and are willing to have the less than satisfactory interior, not the mention the compromise in ride comfort. Amongst those would be yours truly.