BMW redlines new 3-series hatch

The boys down at Bavarian Motor Werks are set to unleash a powerful new 3-series hatch variant on the local market, one that will be more than capable of taking on even the hottest hatches from the Orient. But more interestingly, this two-door luxury hatch comes with six-cylinders.

The new 3-series hatch, released last year, incorporated new front and rear styling and, for the first time on the four-cylinder models, included its patented VALVETRONIC system.

The baby-Beemers were also praised for their superlative on-road manners. Nimble little tackers, they offered reassuring yet sporty handling characteristics, thanks to a number of revisions over the outgoing model, including 50/50 front/rear weight distribution and a slightly firmer ride.

But the top-rated 318Ti, with it's 2.0-litre four creating a modest 105kW, was somewhat lacking in grunt - it was obvious that the chassis was capable of being pushed much further. Arriving in only a few a weeks (June 2002), the new 325Ti Compact has the confident handling of its smaller brothers and a bigger powerplant, resulting in what should be an exciting little coupe.

From memory, the only other hatch to own six-cylinders is Renault's fiery Clio Sport V6, with the 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine sourced from the Laguna wedged into its boot. This little puppy never made it to Australia and is very unlikely to anytime soon. So, for the meantime, if it's a six-cylinder hatch you're after, the 325Ti will make for very interesting reading.

Looking for all the world like it's two siblings, the 325Ti is distinguished by the twin-exhaust system and of course the lettering, but it's under the bonnet where you'll find most of the changes.

The new 2.5-litre inline six-cylinder engine has four-valves per cylinder and makes use of bi-VANOS. In a nutshell, this tasty little acronym means the engine takes advantage of dual variable valve timing. More technically, the engine can alter both the intake and exhaust valve openings and closings to improve performance at a wider range of rpms and road speeds.

The inline six creates 141kW of power @ at a heady 6000rpm, while torque peaks @ 3500rpm, creating 245Nm of torque. This allows the sure-footed BMW to sprint to 100km/h in about 7.4 seconds and allows a top speed of about 240km/h. Not bad for a two-door hatch!

The rear-wheel drive 325Ti, or Touring Internationale, comes standard with a five-speed manual gearbox, but can be fitted with a five-speed auto 'box with steptronic (tiptronic) manual override control. Together with the mid-range punch of the straight-six, both five-speed transmissions make the 325Ti the sportier cousin in BMW's hatch line-up.

Like all BMW's, comfort is a big factor and, as such, the 325Ti comes tailored in montana leather upholstery, with BMW sports seats up front, offering more lateral support. Just the thing to encourage a spot of spirited driving, perhaps?

Other standard features include a multi-function sports steering wheel, 17-inch alloy wheels, front armrest, six-stack CD-changer, fog lights, automatic climate control and the signature BMW six-cylinder twin exhaust pipe.

Compared to the outgoing 3-series compact, this model also offers rear passengers more room and affords a larger capacity boot. Additionally, you get an on-board computer, interior mirror with automatic anti-dazzle function and optional extras include voice-recognition systems with satellite navigation, electric sunroof and electric rear-window vents.

While the ride and handling of the miniature BMW is top-notch and the engine offers plenty of poke thanks to a screaming six, the car also supplies drivers with a number of practical safety features. CBC or cornering brake control together with automatic stability and traction control will give drivers the reassurance to drive the car in the way it was intended.

While the new 325Ti may be a double the price of Japanese-built hot-hatches, it offers a much more appealing overall package, with an emphasis on luxe.

Is this the reincarnation of the formidable BMW 2002? Anything's possible... But whatever the new 325Ti will be remembered for, it's here, it's now, and it's one of the fastest compacts we've seen in quite some time. Now, if only BMW would hook-up a twin-turbocharged model...

Pricing:

325ti
manual $63,900
auto $66,500

318ti
manual $46,900
auto $49,019

316ti
manual $41,750
auto $43,869