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Even a BMW sometimes manages not to attract attention when driving by: Looking at the inside dimensions the new 320d Touring is nothing special. But it doesn't have to be. Nobody expects a nice sports-estate to haul around the whole family including the entire luggage, because there are other, bigger solutions for that.
But there are few little drawbacks: The otherwise precise 6-speed shift with its odd bendable gear stick sticks out from the superior rest of the car and seems somewhat notchy. Also the blinker system requires more sensitivity and is still improvable. The weak standard radio speakers start to drone if any piece of music that requires some bass is played with the volume pumped up a little.
The chassis on the other hand leaves nothing to be desired and seems like nobody could get it off track. And even if so, the dynamic stability and traction control gets it right back on again. Moreover the diesel motor has been turning heads. Not just because of its serious output but also when comparing that with the average fuel consumption appearing on the multi-function trip computer.
As standard the 320d Touring comes with 6 airbags, DSC and DTC, CD-radio, multi-function trip computer and air condition. Available for surcharge: xenon and steered headlights, fog light, seat heating, park distance control system. The Austria-package for 2190 Euro includes: automatic air conditioning, rain sensor, leather trimmed steering wheel, fog headlights and ski-bag.
The BMW 320 touring in motion
Engine/Powertrain * * * * *
We liked: Elastic, serious sports-diesel with great fuel economy in conjunction with the precise 6-speed shift.
We didn't like: The surprisingly loud diesel noise when running idle and when driving at low engine speed.
The naturally quite generous fuel consumption of the six pack.
Comfort * * * *
We liked: Comfortable estate for longer trips with good seats and plenty of leg and head room in the back.
We didn't like: It's laborious to adjust the drivers seat, seatbelts are not height adjustable, no illuminated vanity mirrors, automatic rear-view mirror dimming can't be switched off.
Driving Characteristics * * * *
We liked: Great chassis, that together with DSC leaves nothing to be desired. Low noise level at higher speed.
We didn't like: A surprisingly notchy gearbox, steering assistance runs very rough. The wind sweeps loud with half opened windows.
Room Capacities/Variability * * *
We liked: Separate collapsible back seats. Very convenient: Rear window can be opened like in SUVs without dropping down the tail gate.
We didn't like: Even though the storage space has improved in the new version, it still could be bigger.
Performance * * * * *
Top speed: 223 km/h. Acceleration: from 0 to 100 km/h in 8,6 seconds. Tested fuel consumption: 7,4 litres for 100 km. Price (BMW 320d Touring): 36.140 Euro (in Austria, incl. all taxes)
Data from the manufacturer
Engine
Straight-four cylinder, fuel stratified injection and turbocharger with intercoolers, 1995 ccm, 120 kW/163 PS at 4000 rpm, 340 Nm at 2000 rpm, four valves per cylinder, 2x2 overhead camshafts, light metal cylinder heads, crankshaft with five main bearings.
Powertrain
to rear wheels, six-speed manual transmission
Chassis and Body
self supporting body with supporting frame in the back; Mc-Pherson struts and wishbone up front; trapezoidal link axis in the back, multi-link rear with trailing arm and double lateral link; sway bar in front and back, coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers
Tyres, Brakes and Steering
all round disc brakes (vented), ABS with EBD, DSC; ; handbrake for rear wheels; power-assisted rack and pinion steering, fuel tank of 61 litres, wheels 205/55 R 16, rims 7J
Dimensions and Weights
Wheelbase 2760 mm, length 4520 mm, width 1817 mm, height 1418 mm, turning circle 11,0 meters.
Fuel Consumption
for 100 km (according to manufacturer): urban 8,1, extra-urban 4,6, mixed 5,9 litres. Diesel.
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