BMW 325ti Compact Steptronic

Missing the target

It has drawn strong criticism for ‘not looking like a BMW’, but that was its designers’ point exactly, lately strongly differentiating between the different model ranges in the stable and providing each of them with a unique look and style while still retaining some traditional BMW traits.

Let’s start by saying that we are not a big fan of BMW’s latest design trend of stylistically differentiating between the various model ranges in the marque’s stable. Sure, its no good having all the models looking exactly the same, their size (and price…) being the real distinguishing factors between them. And you don’t want your expensive 7-Series to look like the neighbor's "cheap" 3, now do you. But for many it was this generic similarity between the ranges that has endeared many people to the brand, building an affinity that has led them to migrate from a 3 into a 5 in to a 7 into an X5, etc.

Concept and Styling

From 2001, styling-wise things are very, very different. No two model ranges look alike, the only true BMW-traits left being the kidney grille and a few design lines along the doors and roofline. One of the very first altogether new-look models was the 3-Series Compact (the second being the 7), which for many could have been a design (on the exterior) emanating from any number of manufacturers had it not been for the obvious kidney grille. The rear end looks like a Lexus and front has some retro-Japanese cues…

Still, the roofline and doors are pure 3-Series, as are all the insides and under the skin – drive train, engine, chassis. Apart from the radical front and rear end, the basic shape leans heavily on the first-generation Compact (never officially available in SA, but of which more than 40 000 were sold around the world).

For BMW, a lot rides on this car. European research has shown that with the previous generation Compact, two out of every three Compact owners had not bought a BMW before and 65% of them went on to buy another BMW car. While by no means cheap, it is considered to be the ‘entry’-BMW (until the 1- and 2-Series cars become available in a few years).

Ambience and ergonomics

This has always been one of BMW’s strong points. Apart from its obvious good engineering, safety, solid build quality and performance orientation, BMW has always prided itself on building driver’s car, and a key element here is to provide a good cockpit environment to work from. Hence countless hours have gone into designing and fine-tuning dash, steering, seating and control functions to provide the optimum office for superb driver control of the car and the road.

As one has become used to, it works, everything being where it should be – one could switch from one BMW model range to another (except with the latest 7’s iDrive, perhaps) and everything will more or less fall easily to hand.

Equipment

There is no BMW on the road today that does not come with a long, long list of standard luxury and safety items. Owners do have a choice of tailor-building their cars with a long list of additional comfort and convenience items to choose from, and should one wish to go further, there is the choice of BMW’s Individual packages to enable one to build a truly unique BMW in all the world. There are 13 exterior and 14 interior colours, two fabric upholstery colours, four fabric/leather options and four full leather choices.

Nice convenience touches are features like ‘key memory’; follow-me-home headlights; on-board computer; multi-function leather sports steering wheel with controls for radio system, telephone (if fitted) and cruise control; through-loading system with asymmetrically divided rear seat bench; and ISOFIX child seat fastening system.

Accommodation and Space

Having a slight coupe-bend to the roofline and rear end, comfort in the rear seat is not on par with that in a 3-Series sedan. However, it is unlikely that buyers of a Compact will cart people around in the back, it being more of a singles or single-couples car than anything else. Comfort and space in the front is of traditional high BMW standards, with superb seats and ergonomics to make you feel at home.

With the rear seats folded, the boot can take a maximum of 1100 litres.

Ride Integrity and Safety

Safety has always been a big thing for BMW, setting an example for many manufacturers. The Compact is no exception, featuring amongst others ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction); ABS with wheel-specific brake force distribution (EBFD); and Cornering Brake Control (CBC).  DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) with ADB (Automatic Differential Brake) and DBC (Dynamic Brake Control) is an option. Other obvious safety items include seatbelt tensioners and belt force limiters, roofline head airbags and front and side airbags.

This is the first BMW model range to offer BMW’s bi-xenon headlights, an all-new generation in headlight technology using the outstanding illumination qualities of xenon gas-discharge lights not only for the low, but also for the high beam. It works like a charm, providing exceptional lighting abilities after dark.

BMW’s have always been renowned for superior handling qualities. Since the Compact is built on the same platform as other 3-Series models, and shares it complete underpinnings and suspension, there is no faulting its handling abilities. In fact, it being slightly shorter and lighter than the sedan and coupe, it could even be described as marginally better, especially with all the electronic safety aids built into the drive car. You really have to be very stupid to get something wrong.

Build Integrity

The Compact being a full import from Germany, there was no criticism to be raised regarding the level of build quality and finishings, all of superior quality leather, plastic, vinyl, polished wood and brushed metal. Both inside the cockpit and the boot, as well as the engine bay, everything fitted tightly and securely and is it obvious that a lot of engineering time was spent getting certain things to look and work just so.

There is no confusion as to which controls do what and the tactile feel of its operation.

Performance and economy

The Compact and other 3-Series models were the first of the marque to be equipped with BMW’s Valvetronic engine range. Valvetronic adjusts intake valve lift infinitely to control the supply of fuel/air mixture to the cylinders, which offers a quantum leap forward compared with the move from carburettor to fuel injection. BMW says the technology increases power by 10 per cent and reduces fuel consumption and emissions by 10 per cent compared to the previous generation engines. Wow.

In the Compact 325ti, this tech comes in the form of a 2.5 litre, 141 kW/245 Nm six cylinder engine capable of propelling the car to 234 km/h and a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 7,6 seconds, all the while consuming 9.5 litres/100 km overall. In true BMW fashion, too, performance is outstanding, the engine reveling in being revved and pushed – BM’s remain some of the best mainstream drivers’ cars on the planet.

The Compact comes with a 5 year/100 000 km Motorplan maintenance contract and an around-the-clock roadside assistance in case of a breakdown or accident (BMW’s On-Call for 5 years).

Conclusion

 Fans of BMW’s as drivers’ cars will not be disappointed, as the technically and dynamically the Compact is a superb car. Whether all and sundry are keen on BMW’s new styling trends remain to be seen. In that sense, some feel the Compact misses the target and has purely to rely in its under-the-skin engineering superiority and legacy to pull it through. We tend to agree. Since looks count for so much, we’ll stick to the standard 3-Series sedan and especially the coupe, thank you.