Caution: BMW is pulling a fast 1

[Stitch]

Looks a lot like the Mazda 3 hatchback....I think BMW really has a chance with this to crack the low/mid market if they don't cheapen it up. Still, I wonder if they're concerned about cannibalizing Mini sales? Also, they've been tentative about going low end with the BMW brand since the 318ti. I had one of those, and loved it, but BMW felt it was a dismal failure. Of course, they also thought Z3 Coupe was a failure, but its the sickest enthusiast's car ever built in my calculated and thoroughly unbiased opinion...

Speaking of the 318ti, they did make a 'sport' version with the M front treatment and some other glitz. Not a bad car, but certainly not an M. Would have been fun if they shoved some real muscle under the hood, and one can only imagine what it would have done to sales....

I love my 318ti and pround to be a 318ti owner!
I feel so special that I didn't find the same model on the road, whenever I was driving the ti.

The Compact's slightly lighter weight and lower gearing make for tremendous flexibility. It will pull cleanly and quickly from 1000rpm in top; between 30 and 50mph it is nearly 1.5sec quicker than the 330i and between 50 and 70mph they are almost identical at 8.3sec. The fact that the car can comfortably be left in fifth in most conditions allows for exceptionally quiet, refined progress and accounts in part for the excellent 32.0mpg on touring route.

Throttle response is instantaneous and although the drivetrain is impressive at low speeds it does its finest work further up the rev range, the BMW Double Vanos variable valve timing delivering a real jolt of acceleration in fourth or fifth from speeds well in excess of the national limit. The gearchange and clutch actions are as positive and sweet as in the other 3-series; it is a very complete performance.

The steering is noticeably meatier and accurate, particularly just off-centre, and inspires greater confidence. Aided by its light weight, the Compact rolls little and grips well through corners and is well able to cope with the engine's full force. Its stability is helped by its relatively long wheelbase and its agility by its short overhangs and overall length.