In Europe, many people who know cars will tell you that an E90 BMW 3-Series (previous-gen), equipped with the firm’s trusty four-pot diesel engine, is one of (if not the) best all-round package you will find anywhere in the industry. I deliberately mentioned the previous-gen 3-Series, because it was the actual subject of such talks, and the new model has yet to prove itself, I think.
Still, it’s bound to be a very competent car in its own right and the tradition of having an excellent diesel engine will be advanced by it, as it happens with each new generation.
That’s why we thought it was a great idea when BMW announced Stateside export of the car, which receives the U.S. designation 328d. Now, the car that is expected to go on sale this fall, has made one of its main party pieces known, its excellent efficiency, through the FuelEconomy.gov site, run by the EPA.
It quotes the 328d at 180hp at 32 mpg city and 45 mpg highway. That equates to 7.35 l/100 km and 5.22 l/100km respectively, and the figures put it ahead of the other popular US diesel, the Jetta TDI, despite being a larger model from a different class. The 328d will have its own little niche to itself, until rivals catch up, and since it can also be had in wagon or/and all-wheel drive variants, the niche itself may prove to be quite vast.
By Andrei Nedelea
Story References: EPA via Autoblog/com via Autoguide
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