BMW releases the new luxury compact

The new 3-series compact has seen a complete overhaul for 2002 where, strangely, the others in the 3-series (convertible, coupe, sedan) haven't been given the same treatment.

Perhaps one of the big wigs at BMW has a bit of thing for the compact...

Or maybe BMW wanted to test the new-look styling on just one of its models before taking the plunge with the whole range? Whatever the reasons, the new-look 3-series compact is definitely a step towards the next-generation BMW.

In essence, the new compact has but one reason in the BMW stable - to attract a younger car buyer who will, ideally, stick with the brand for life.

As such, the car is small, elegant, but with enough poke to provide younger drivers with a bit of thrill.

There are three models in the 3-series compact range - the 316ti, 318ti and 325ti. These represent the basic engine configurations with the smallest a 1.8-litre mill and the largest a 2.5-litre engine. In this article, we'll be focussing on the smaller 316ti and 318ti.

As for as looks go the new headlight cluster is one of the biggest changes, but even the body and interior styling has been revamped.

While the front lights look similar to the new designs used on the current model Rovers, the rear set looks more Lexus than anything else, complete with those funky clear plastic coverings.

The mild wheel flares look good and, combined with the rest of the stylish bodykit add up to a rather classy looking compact. Add alloy wheels to the mix, complete with extra-sticky rubber and you've got one very attractive compact.

The two models we're looking at, the 316ti and the 318ti, come with a 1,796cc and 1,995cc engine, respectively. New for this year is the inclusion of BMW's Valvetronic technology. It's good to see BMW using the technology, but it is still playing catchup to the Japanese marque's different versions of variable intake valve lift.

The smaller 1.8-litre engine takes the common inline-four cylinder configuration allowing for smooth power delivery and linear, predictable acceleration.

It produces 85kW @ 5,500rpm, which isn't too shabby considering its light chassis and 50/50 front/rear weight distribution. Maximum torque occurs at 3,750rpm, when the car produces 175Nm. This mixture of power and torque allows the car to sprint from 0-100km/h in just under 11 seconds - pretty quick for a hatch.

The 2.0-litre 318ti produces a few more ponies than its younger sibling, though torque figures aren't dramatically improved.

The torque maximum is 200Nm @ 3,750rpm and, like the 316ti, the 318ti uses the inline-four engine layout. Ultimately, this allows the 318ti to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 9.3 seconds. The car produces 105kW @ 5,500rpm, which is plenty enough when you take into account the 50/50 weight split.

Both models are mated to five-speed manual or automatic transmissions, where the auto models can be equipped with Adaptive Transmission Management. This little chunk of gadgetry is capable of responding to various driving styles.

While the new compacts may not be pocket rockets, fired up and ready to take on the urban cowboys, the new BMW compacts are renowned for one thing - handling.

They say there's nothing like German engineering and, to an extent, they're right - whoever 'they' may actually be.

The sports tuned suspension package that every 3-Series compact is fitted with provides not only an exhilirating ride, but it also ensures a safer and much smoother ride, as well.

The car's handling is second to none, in the compact department, anyway. It combines front springs and struts with forged aluminium track control arms, a rear central arm axle, two sleeve gas dampers and even an anti roll bar to ensure driving dynamics unlike any other compact car.

Access to the rear seats was one of the 3-series compact's oft criticised areas. BMW has changed the interior a little to address the need for better access, appeasing the masses in the process. Also, the choice of colours has been increased, as has the choice of interior selection. The car can be fitted with up to eight airbags, which is almost unheard for a compact.

Other accessories, such as navigation system, voice recognition software and an in-built TV system can all be added, albeit at a cost. The interior comes standard with cloth trim, though leather will cost more. The 318ti gets front spotlights and all models come with a CD-player. The 316 comes standard with 15-inch mags, whereas the 318 gets a set of slightly larger 16-inch wheels.

Engineering and driving dynamics are what make BMW cars such a joy to drive and while these puppies aren't cheap as far as compacts go, they will make inroads to the youth demographic thanks to an amazingly rich set of features and they're new upbeat image.

The new 3-series compact will be going head-to-head with another car aimed at a younger age group, the Mercedes-Benz's C-Class sports coupe. Who will win? We put our money on the Beemer, but we've been wrong before.

The 316ti manual sells for $41,750, while the auto version fetches $44,350. The more powerful 318ti will sell for $46,900 with the manual gearbox $49,500 for the auto.