BMW 318d Review

I think it's very relevant that franco has posted a blog about his Alfa Romeo below, because I'm about to talk about the polar opposite of his car, the BMW 318d. Why? Because my Dad's just taken delivery of one as his new company car, of course! Now, there are expectations, and there's expectations. Expectations normally regarding a BMW is how well it drives, and how efficient it is; but the BMW went one further than that, it has totally flipped my whole view of cars on to its head. It's not really one specific area of the car that stands out, but in combination, it vanquishes all competition, and yes Franco, that includes your 156.

The moment I saw it, it was dark, the evening was setting, and light rippled over the contoured creases that makes up the shell of the car. With the doors unlocked, LEDs hidden underneath the door handles beamed out, bathing the doors in a bluish light. This was when I knew why a BMW carried certain expectations. The interior flows gracefully, a main arc of silver being the main aesthetic, echoing hints of Germany's Bauhaus past. The dash is uncluttered, and clearly laid out; even the lowliest luddite would be able to tune into radio 1 without a problem. Feeling cold, whilst the driver's in a sweat? No problem, thanks to the dual zone climate control. The biggest plus point of all though is that fact that it has an auxillary port. This headphone jack affair allows you to plug in your iPod (and other "leading" brands of MP3 players) into the car's stereo, so on an early morning listening isn't restricted to Chris Moyles. Hence, the reason why this is such a godsend.

Out on the road, this car comes into its own. I know I can't drive, but in the passenger seat I can definitely feel the G forces of the car, and how the run-flats cling on with monumental grip. Naturally, this being the face lifted BMW 3 series, (you can recognise it by the flame surfaced two front bonnet vertical power lines), and it being the SE version, this car has the 17" alloys which make all the difference to its forbear, which had to do with miserly 16"s. This must have been the one biggest complaint with the 3 series, and I am glad BMW have rectified it.

When the car does lose grip, it does so progressively, in an arc that is as controllable as that of an M3 on a computer game. Ok, so it has 140-odd horsepower, which isn't the most exciting amount, but the pleasure comes in maintaining what speed it has built up through the corners, making full use of its independent link suspension, and shod alloys.

I really can't justify the true greatness of its car, it is perfection. The lights are a particular favourite of mine, the front having the angel lights that give the look of the car an extra garnishing of technological superiority, and the back LED lights that glare out to other drivers, left eating dust in the wake of your hasty progression to some private party.

The bar has just been raised. Once again.

Stars: 10

Roman