THE critics call it the defining car of its generation.
And, for sure you will agree. Meet the new BMW 3 Series with new engine technology that many believe will set a new benchmark for all sport sedans.

The car made its debut in the local market last week, when at an open day at its Spanish Town Road headquarters, local dealers Sterling Motors invited the public to "enter the next level" and "experience the passion firsthand."

Call it the perfect car, if you will, as it is built to deliver even more dynamic driving experience. It comes with a range of innovative features over its predecessor coupled with a body shell that is longer, stiffer yet lighter than that of the outgoing model.

For now, there are three engine variants to choose from - the 320i, 325i, and the 330i. But come September, the local dealer will add a fourth - the 318i and is set to introduce the 3 Series station wagon version, the Touring, in October.

According to the German auto manufacturer, the new 3 Series was built to "deliver excellent ride comfort".
But there is also much emphasis on safety. All vehicles come with six airbags as standard, including curtain head airbags for front and rear occupants.

They are also equipped with the Active Steering system that resolves the conflict between low-speed agility and higher-speed stability by delivering a speed-proportional steering ratio and Brake Force Display that offers two-stage brake lights.

"Brake lights illuminate normally in average driving conditions but during an emergency stop or when the ABS braking cuts in, the area of brake light illumination increases to warn those travelling behind of the situation ahead," the manufacturer said.

Adding further to safety levels are Run-flat tyres, available for the first time on 3 Series models. Like the 1, 5 and 6 Series models, Run-flat tyres are offered as standard, and with the recent developments in Run-flat technology, the car can now be driven for up to 150 miles at 50 miles-per-hour with up to four punctured tyres.

This allows the driver to complete almost any journey before replacements need to be sought.
To top this all off, the vehicle comes with an added bonus of three years or 60,000-kilometres free service and repair package that covers the cost of all major servicing, maintenance and wear-and-tear repairs from its local dealer. The package also includes all original BMW parts.

According to Sterling Motors' marketing manager, Wayne Miller, many Jamaicans have already fallen in love with the 3 Series.
"The response has been phenomenal," he told the Observer.

"Jamaicans have long had a love affair with the 3 Series and BMW in general so the love affair continues with the 3 Series which is larger and even more sporty than the model it replaces.

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