BMW 318d 2012 review

There's only one thing wrong with the BMW 318d — the higher-specced and more powerful BMW 320d is just $4500 more. The 320d tips buyers in to the $60,000-plus mark before they've ticked an options package, which then makes the entry-level diesel a smart entry point at $56,400 for those who aspire to the blue-and-white propeller badge. Why, because even with "only" 105kW and 320Nm, the 318d drives like a BMW should.

Value

Welcome to the jungle. Behind the prestige badges, the German trio are fighting a huge war for ownership of the small luxury segment. Audi's A4 is mid-cycle against the other two but still managed 225 sales in May. Mercedes-Benz is winning, with 495 sales last month against 425 for the BMW.

Demographers would put the difference down to our ageing population — Benz shades BMW for the most luxurious interiors and best safety systems in the market; the Bavarian outfit still has the edge with the best road/tyre/ steering-wheel feel of any car this side of a Porsche.

Technology

The 318d is standard with an eight-speed auto matched to a "drive experience" control that varies shift points, steering, stability control and throttle response depending on whether it is in Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport or Sport+ settings. It also comes with an adaptive cruise-control (the system brakes but won't accelerate) and has a 6.5-inch infotainment display, six-speaker sound system with iPod/USB connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, electric front seats and rear parking sensors. Satnav will cost more than $1500, though.

Styling

This is the best-looking sedan in the BMW range. The proportions just work on the 3 Series, whether it's at rest or hustling past. The kidney grille is now stretched and flattened to emphasise width and that theme continues with the two lower air intakes and small vertical intakes under the twin round headlights. 

BMW says the look also improves air flow around the front wheels. Open the bigger doors and there's more space fore and aft — up to 15mm more knee room in the back — along with the typically functional BMW dash. Three option lines add interior and exterior bling — the Modern at $3900 and the Luxury and Sports at $4900.

Safety

ANCAP rates the BMW as the second-safest car on the road. It trails the Mercedes-Benz B-Class by just .02 of a point for the outright title, which makes the little Beemer a safe buy if you're safety-conscious. Six airbags are backed by a lighter and stronger chassis with improved crumple zones so the car is smashed instead of the occupants. Money may not be able to buy love but it can buy structural integrity.

Driving

Shut the door on the BMW 318d and you have to think. The close is solid and needs a decent pull to lock. Reassuring perhaps, but not typically BMW, where the "thunk" came with little effort on the handle. Press the start button, though, and the BMW traits kicks in, from the feel through the wheel to the way the car sits over bumps and the seats lock on to the thighs through tight corners.

The interior look is planed rather than plain with the horizontal lines intended to emphasise the width of the cabin. The materials and switchgear may not look as flash as some of the 318d's rivals but are just as upmarket as buyers will demand. There's a lot to like about the baby 3 Series diesel — it is an enjoyable car to drive in the city, a good long-distance hauler — though only two adults in the back, please — and only starts to lag on uphill runs through twisty corners. Which is where the 320d comes in .

Verdict

This is a win/win for prestige buyers. Those looking to step up to Euro ownership and want driving feel will feel at home in the 318d. Existing prestige buyers will be better off looking at the 320d — and it's there the C200 CDI starts to make Mercedes' presence felt.