January 9, 2012. Copyright 2012, Graphic News. All rights reserved

BMW's new 3 Series will share debut in Detroit with new Cadillac rival
By Neil Winton

LONDON, January 9, Graphic News:  The BMW 3 Series is the world's most popular small luxury sports saloon and the latest version makes its world debut at this month's Detroit Auto Show.

The 3 Series accounts for almost 30 percent of BMW sales and to retain its position as number one it must prove itself superior to its main German competitors -- the Audi A4 and the Mercedes C class. There will be a surprise new, and local, competitor making its debut at the Detroit show; the Cadillac ATS. Cadillac, a General Motors subsidiary, will unveil its first small luxury saloon which it hopes will steal sales from the Germans.

First reports from motoring journalists suggest BMW has succeeded in keeping the 3 Series, which is a bit longer and wider than the old one but lighter, ahead of the field in terms of driving dynamics, although its derivative, almost plain looks might be a negative.

BMW serves up some impressive new technical developments. The 328i version has a two-litre four-cylinder engine which appears out of step as a BMW sports saloon. But before critics can ask "only two litres and where are the traditional six cylinders" BMW can point to the twin-scroll turbo and high pressure technology which conjures 245hp out of this relatively small engine, producing the kind of performance which would have needed six cylinders before. (The Cadillac ATS has a similar two-litre four-cylinder engine producing 270hp). The 3 Series BMW offers an eight-speed automatic gearbox serving up sharper performance than the manual version, and better fuel consumption. There is an automatic parking option, active cruise control, lane changing warning, head-up display and Stop-Go.

When the 3 Series goes on sale across Europe on February 12 there will be a 2.0 litre diesel and a 3.0 litre petrol engine. A special diesel for America will be available later, as will a hybrid version in all global markets.

Prices start at €35,350 in Germany and are around three percent more than the outgoing model, or one percent after adjusting for additional equipment, says BMW. The new car costs between seven and nine percent less to build, thanks to BMW's modular engineering strategy, which uses common parts from a much wider range of cars than before.

The Detroit Auto Show opens to the public January 14 through January 22. Other major debutants include the new Dodge Dart, Mercedes E class hybrid, and the probable star of the show, Honda's beautiful Acura NSX sports concept car.

BMW will be hoping the new 3 Series will spearhead big sales increases in the burgeoning American market as the economy in Europe slips into recession. There is a nightmare scenario, though, hanging over BMW and the Germans. What if the eurozone falls apart in 2012, and Germany is forced to price its cars in old Deutschmarks? That would force prices sharply higher, make sales in the U.S. skid into a wall, and bring a smile to the faces of competitors like Cadillac, Infiniti and Acura.
/ENDS

BMW 328i
Engine -- 2.0 litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power -- 245hp @ 5,000-6,500rpm
Torque -- 350Nm @ 1,250-4,800rpm
Drive -- rear-wheels
Gearbox -- eight speed automatic
Acceleration -- 0-60mph-100km/h -- 6.1 seconds
Top speed -- 155mph-250km/h
Fuel consumption -- claimed combined -- 44.8mpg-6.3-l/km
C02 -- 147g/km
Emissions class -- Euro V
Suspension -- double joint spring strut/five-link
Length -- 4,624mm
Width -- 1,811mm
Height -- 1,429mm
Wheelbase -- 2,810mm
Weight -- 1,505kg
Boot capacity -- 480 litres
Competition -- Mercedes C class, Audi A4, Lexus IS, Infiniti G37, Acura TL, Cadillac ATS
Price -- from €35,350 in Germany