Mr. Bimmer, I Think I'm in LoveIt's very rare that I become emotionally attached to a car. In fact, the concept seems quite bizarre, but once in a while it happens.
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| It's very rare that I become emotionally attached to a car. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
It's much like meeting someone abroad, instantly connecting with them, spending as much time together as possible, knowing all along that your hours are limited, and then leaving for home, saddened but nevertheless glad you had the opportunity to get to know one another. This was much like my short-lived relationship with a strapping German import: the BMW 330i. From the minute I first sat in the form-fitting seats and turned over the smooth-revving 3.0L engine to the constant whispering of sweet nothings from the exhaust throughout our weeklong sojourn, I was captivated by the revamped 3-series physically and emotionally.
Physically
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| Nice lines... the new 3 looks good from every angle. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
speaking, I love what BMW has done with its new styling. While some enthusiasts aren't thrilled (and there will always be some), I am. Granted it's not the most exciting looking sport sedan on the market, but I am extremely drawn to its curvaceously angled body and eye-catching waistline, flawless fascias and sleek profile. It's sassy yet sophisticated all in one package, not only pleasing on the eyes but also pleasing to the senses.
As I mentioned above, the 330i feels great. The first physical attraction I experienced was when sitting in its Lemon Dakota coloured soft leather seats. Not only does its Monaco Blue Metallic exterior fuse impeccably with the unique interior motif, but it just feels
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| The Lemon Dakota coloured soft leather seats are perfectly suited to my personal style. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
good to get sucked into the hip-hugging sport seats. Furthermore, the optional lumbar support, part of the $4,200 premium package affixed to my tester, supported my back and kept me comfortable during the entire test period - not to mention the three-level seat warmers that helped me warm up to the sultry sedan even more.
As taken as I was by aesthetics and tactile wonders, what I liked most was the experience from behind the wheel. This is normally the case when I drive a BMW, or a MINI for that matter. I just felt like the driver's seat of this vehicle is where I belonged. Mind you, I might be willing to swap allegiances for the upcoming 3-Series coupe or, better yet, M3, but I'll wait and see.
From the
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The 3's driving position is about as good as it gets. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)
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sturdy yet soft grip of the leather-wrapped steering wheel, enhanced with a variable-ratio, power-assisted "active" rack and pinion setup, to the stern but sporty shift quality of the standard 6-speed manual transmission, I was completely taken in. The clutch tension was stiff yet manageable, while driving in the city, and on the highway, it felt like the world was my racetrack; other than the fun-sapping speed limits!
The 330i's handling in tight turns - thanks to front double pivot struts and a rear 5-link independent setup - was phenomenal, not to mention the 4-channel, 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes with ABS, EBD, BA, etc, slowed
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| The 18-inch rims look sensational. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
me down with an almost intimidating force, although with absolute grace and composure. I could say that the beemer "took to the roads as a duck would to water," but then you'd heckle me for being so banal, as its adhesion to pavement deserves a much more creative analogy that I can't seem to come up with right now. I never felt afraid to push the car harder than I would most other four-doors, partly due to its optional sport package ($2,800), which included a finely-tuned sport suspension, 3-spoke leather steering wheel, and 225/40 R 18 wheels in the front and 255/35R 18 in the rear with 18-inch ellipsoid alloy wheels and performance run-flat tires, but mostly because even in more basic trim this car handles better than pretty well any other sedan on the market. It begged to be driven and I was compelled to succumb to its desires.
