Love at first glance

The Germans may have some questionable quirks when it comes to cuisine, but it’s almost impossible to criticise their engineering skills.

Case in point, the all-new BMW 3-Series, a car which epitomises efficiency, style and raw driving power.

It is BMW Group’s best-selling model series, accounting for more than a quarter of the company’s global sales and the sixth generation 328i looks set on keeping that tradition going.

It was love at first glance as I walked up to the seductive sedan. Everything about it cries power and precision. It boasts a wide and aggressive-looking front grille which proudly displays the iconic emblem and lets you know this car means business.

The design is instantly recognisable but the difference between the 328i and its predecessor lies in the subtleties. There are more seductive curves across the bonnet and flat headlights reach along as far as the grille.

The 328i is powered by BMW’s Twin-Power turbocharged 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine, developing 240 horsepower and 260lb-ft of torque.

And its makers have also gone all out on the interior too. The cockpit is state-of-the-art and everything has been designed with comfort and practicality in mind.

The seats have an adjustable memory function, the wing mirrors can be adjusted electronically and even the steering wheel can be moved up or down to suit the driver. Furthermore, the new 3- Series offers a range of modes to guarantee the car gives you the drive you want.

I spent most of my time in sport mode because, well, because I could. However, there are also Comfort and Eco Pro modes for those who care about the environment and fuel consumption.

Eco Pro up-shifts the automatic transmission sooner and resists down-shifts longer, reduces throttle sensitivity and incorporates intelligent accessory and climate-control management.

This sedan is built for the open road. When I found a suitable stretch, I opened up the throttle and the engine let out an almighty roar as if I was letting a dog off the leash.

The drive was going great until Manama’s congestion brought me to a grinding halt. There is nothing more frustrating than being stuck in traffic when you’re driving a car that can bolt from 0-100kmph in just over five seconds.

I don’t like it and, more importantly, the car doesn’t like it either. I don’t know which of us was more wound up. I was gagging to unleash the raw power of this dynamic mean machine and the car was willing me to do it.

Make no bones about it, the 328i was made for speed and I’m positive it has enough horse power to even put a smile on Jenson Button’s face.

There have been numerous jokes over the years that BMW drivers are ‘animals’ on the road. Well, in all fairness, if YOU could harness the unrelenting power of this 3-Series, I promise you’d take a journey to the wild side too.

It sticks to the road like glue and takes corners with precision even at speed, not that I was speeding.

Onboard there are enough gadgets and gizmos to occupy even the most curious mind. Some of the highlights include BlueTooth connectivity, satellite navigation, CD player, radio and a USB port to connect MP3 devices.

Prices start from BD17,995. For more details, contact Euro Motors on 17750750.