Used Alfa Romeo 156 v Audi A4 V BMW 320i v Jaguar X-Type v Mercedes-Benz C180K v Saab 9-3 v Volvo S40
BMW has long laid claim to pre-eminence in the compact prestige segment of the market, which for want of anything more definitive, we may as well call (as others already do) the '3 Series Segment'. Indeed, the Bavarian Motoren Werke claims to have invented this now ultra competitive category back in 1975 (when the first 3 Series was launched to the international motoring press), or even earlier.
For many years the contest was between BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi, but Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, Volvo and Saab also now have claims for consideration.
It is arguable that models such as the Honda Accord Euro, Mazda 6, Peugeot 407 and Citroën C5 nibble at the lower level of this segment, but the reality is that few buyers will consider a Mazda instead of a Mercedes or a Honda instead of a Jaguar.
The 407 is not marketed as having any sporting credentials, which is just as well because it hasn't. The Citroën is too quirky and not sufficiently sporting in flavour to be included here.
So our comparison of compact prestige sedans from 2004-05 pits the established champion BMW against its two German rivals, two more from Sweden (Saab 9-3 and Volvo S40) and one each from Britain (Jaguar X-Type) and Italy (Alfa Romeo 156). We will concentrate on less expensive variants (although not always the entry-level car), most of which cost less than $55K when new and are now available in the $30K - $35K range.
This class more than most others is about perceptions of prestige, which explains why, as late as the mid-1990s, buyers would settle for a desperately underpowered first generation Mercedes-Benz C180. Even the benchmark BMW 318i was a modest performer until 1989 (when maximum power and torque climbed from 77kW and 145NM to 85kW and 178Nm respectively).
In May 2005 the fifth generation 3 Series, known as the E90, was introduced to the Australian market. Mercedes-Benz had already upgraded its third generation (W203) C-Class in September 2004, three months after the local debut of the Volvo S40.
In October 2004 Jaguar introduced improved editions of its slow-selling X-Type. Saab's curiously named 9-3 (the '9' signifying Saab and the '3', the BMW 3 Series which was seen as its major rival) got a new and sexier shape in 2002 and the weird 'Linear' model name at entry level. The 2005 model year Linear went on sale in February 2005.
The Alfa Romeo 156 dates to 1999 but was facelifted in October 2003. Its successor is the stylish 159.
No segment of the market offers a wider choice of drivetrain configurations. Front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are all available but none of the entry-level models has the last (and most desirable) of these three.
When Lexus introduced the first generation IS in 1998, much was made of its rear-drive set-up which followed the tradition set by BMW and Daimler-Benz. That original car competed directly with the 318i but the latest IS250 competes with the six-cylinder 3 Series and is thus too expensive for this company.
All the other base models are front-drivers but Audi and Jaguar had more expensive all-wheel drive variants in our time frame, an all-wheel drive Volvo S40 being available from February 2006.
Prospective prestige car owners will be keen to see how sales have fared since 2005. The figures are interesting. In 2005 BMW dominated, having sold 5573 3 Series (comprising the outgoing E46 model and the E90). Mercedes placed second with 3937 C-Class and Audi filled third spot, having sold 2413 A4s. The also-rans were Saab (689), Jaguar (630), and Alfa Romeo (574).
Obviously, there have been changes to the segment over the past three years. Alfa Romeo, Audi and Mercedes-Benz have new generation models. In Alfa's case there has even been a change of moniker from 156 to 159. The latest C-Class has been hugely successful, driving Mercedes to class leadership.
Current new car sales evidence points to the C-Class Mercedes as the cool choice of the segment, while it seems that the current shape BMW has encouraged some customers to look elsewhere. Neither the Volvo S40 nor the Jaguar X-Type is winning great custom, which means resale values of older examples will drop more sharply.
Audi's latest A4 (B8), which was launched here in April 2008 has been well received, while both Alfa Romeo and Saab have made reasonable sales gains on their 2005 results.
Alfa Romeo 156 JTS Selespeed (more here)
The Alfa Romeo suffers somewhat in this company by being the oldest design but it was a significantly refreshed model was introduced here in October 2003 and sold into 2006. With its coupe styling themes - exemplified by the hidden rear door handles to make it look like a two-door car - the 156 appeals to buyers looking for a sporty drive with plenty of Italianate character.
The 2.0-litre four-cylinder JTS engine delivers a still impressive 121kW of power and 206Nm of torque. Because it drives through the Selespeed clutchless manual transmission rather than a conventional automatic with power-sapping torque converter, the 156 JTS offers an excellent blend of performance and economy. There is a full automatic mode for those who don't want to shift manually via either gearlever or steering wheel paddles.
Zero to 100 km/h takes 8.5sec and the standing 400m time is 16.6 -- it is a strong performer. Overall fuel economy is just 9L/100km.
Turn-in is crisp and the car never feels nose-heavy. The steering itself has excellent weighting and is impressively direct. But when you push really hard over poorly surfaced roads there is excessive feedback through the wheel to tell you just how busy the front suspension and tyres are trying to maintain contact with the road. Ride comfort is about midway between the supple Mercedes and the firm BMW.
Comfortable seats and a driving position unachievable in most earlier Alfas further enhance the driver's involvement. All-round vision is good. And, again unlike in its ancestors, the controls fall easily to hand (although you won't master them all without spending a session reviewing the owner's handbook).
In the best Italian tradition, the 156 offers lavish touches not available in any competitor. For example, a leather-trimmed fascia could be specified as an option, while all 156 models sold in Australia came with Momo leather interior.
With excellent examples on sale for $25K or less, you could do far worse than a facelifted 156 JTS.
Search for used 156 models here
Audi A4 1.8T (more here)
It has only really been since the launch of the current B8 version that the A4 has provided real sales competition to either of its German rivals and now it is seriously challenging the E90 3 Series. But in 2005 the B7 A4 was hardly in the sales hunt, despite some impressive qualities.
With 120kW and 225Nm from its turbocharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, the 1.8T has the edge on most cars in this group. Its torque talks volumes with the max constantly on tap from a lowly 1950rpm right up to 4700. Zero to 100 km/h takes 8.9sec and the 400m just 16.8sec. Fuel economy is good, too, with an average around 10.3L/100km, helped by the group's sole constantly variable transmission with the option of selecting seven manual ratios.
Dynamics let the Audi down. There is not enough positive feel to the steering. Ride quality is only average over poor surfaces, while the handling is dominated by marked understeer, thanks to the car's nose-heaviness. It could never be the driver's choice.
Like all Audis in recent memory, the interior quality is a high point, especially the dashboard. Despite the car's front-wheel drive configuration, there is less interior space than in the (later design) 3 Series.
You can find a first-class specimen without spending more than $30K.
Search for used A4 models here
BMW E90 320i (more here)
The 3 Series can trace its roots back to 1966 when BMW launched its 1602 model on the principle of fitting a comparatively large engine to a compact two-door model. That principle no longer defines the lower-end of the model range. Therefore, logically, the direct line goes back only to 1983 when BMW introduced its first four-door sedan variant of the 3 Series (E30 318i).
Perhaps significantly, the current E90 is the first 3 to depart strongly from the company's traditional styling themes. Although less radical than the larger 7 and 5 models, it features similar sharp angles and is unmistakably a new-age BMW. This may be deterring some prospective buyers who perhaps preferred the conservative tailoring of previous models.
BMW has remained true to its core 'Ultimate Driving Experience' tradition by retaining a rear-wheel drive configuration. In terms of pure space efficiency and cost-effective manufacturing, this is less practical, but keen buyers continue to favour rear-wheel drive. Outstanding driving dynamics remain a key 3 Series attribute.
Similarly, BMW persists with the inline six-cylinder engine rather than the now ubiquitous 'V' arrangement. Again, this favours enthusiasts. But this observation is of marginal relevance here, because the entry level 320i sedan uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine.
Performance, frankly, is less than you might expect from a car bearing the blue and white roundel, with zero to 100 km/h taking 10.3sec and the standing 400m a lazy 17.2. Most current 2.0-litre small cars in the $25K price range do better.
Outputs of 110kW and 200Nm in a 1350kg car are marginal at best. The six-speed automatic transmission mostly masks the shortfall in midrange torque and its sequential manual selection is the reverse of most -- you push the lever away for downshifts [Ed: the way it should be!!!]. Typical overall fuel economy is 10.5L/100km.
Handling and agility are generally first-class and the steering is magnificent, except when roads are rough. What lets the dynamics down is ride quality, a casualty of BMW's new runflat tyres, and this is where the steering is adversely affected. The standard 16-inch wheels with higher profile tyres work well, but the larger 17-inch and 18-inch alternatives lead to unpleasant feedback through the steering wheel on demanding surfaces.
The interior is comfortable, well finished and somewhat austere, although some cars have wood highlights. There is good space for rear passengers and all seats are very comfortable. Most drivers will find a perfect relationship with the wheel and pedals.
There is no question that the blue and white roundel carries a premium in the used vehicle market and you will need to find upwards of $35K to buy a 2005 320i.
Search used 3 Series models here
Jaguar X-TYPE 2.1 SE (more here)
The keenly awaited Jaguar X-TYPE never really caught on with buyers and it has generally been regarded as a failure and the car largely responsible for Jaguar's poor overall sales performance.
On paper, the entry level 2.1-litre V6 engine should deliver similar performance to the 320i's four, but the stopwatch says otherwise. With 117kW and 200Nm, it struggles to provide adequate urge for a 1485kg, which is the weight of the automatic version. You might care to save 35kg and plenty of dollars by choosing the five-speed manual instead.
While the automatic takes a tardy 12.5sec to reach 100km/h, the manual makes it in 11. The standing 400 times are 18.4 and 17.8 respectively. You can expect economy around 10L/100km.
The X-TYPE 2.1 was the first ever front-wheel drive Jaguar, although the more expensive 2.5 and 3.0 variants are all-paw cats. Handling is good with little torque steer, but the best aspect is the typically supple Jaguar ride. The steering is direct but rather light in feel.
But the real X factor is the walnut and leather interior, which is unique in the price class. It perhaps explains why despite poor sales when new, the X-TYPE is in quite good demand as a used car. You'll pay at least $27K for a good 2.1.
Search used X-TYPE models here
Mercedes-Benz C180K (more here)
'K' for Kompressor is a key letter in the Mercedes competitive lexicon. By supercharging its smaller capacity engines, the company not only extracts more performance without too much detriment to economy, but also draws on its sporting heritage dating back to the fabulous SSK of the late 1930s.
As already mentioned, the original C180 was doggedly slow but the special K gives the 1.8-litre Mercedes four an edge over its 2.0-litre Bavarian rival. Peak power is 105kW but torque is the telling number at 220Nm, available all the way from 2500-4200rpm. Acceleration to 100km/h takes 10.1sec and the 400 metres 17.2. Economy is improved with an average of about 9.8L/100km.
Balanced rear-wheel drive handling is a Mercedes trait but the car never feels sporting in the manner of the 320i. Steering feel is good and this model is quicker to respond than its immediate predecessor.
The strong dynamic aspect is ride comfort allied to a sense of great solidity. There is a prevailing sense that the C-Class is very torsionally rigid and this gives it something of a big car feel despite the driver's sense of a compact, responsive machine. The C180K could only be a Mercedes-Benz and when road conditions deteriorate, it is the pick of this group.
Interior quality is not quite to the Audi's high standard but there is a typical Mercedes air of opulence, helped by dark wood highlights (which some might find old-fashioned; metal was a no-cost alterative for new car buyers).
Lovely, clear round dials exude long Mercedes tradition. But there is none of the modern funkiness found in the new generation W204 C-Class.
Prices of this model are about $3000 less than the current shape 3 Series, so $32,000 is the entry point.
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SAAB 9-3 Linear 1.8T (more here)
Saab renamed its 900 model 9-3 when the first model produced under General Motors ownership made its debut in 1993. But it soon became evident that BMW buyers weren't swapping brands -- at least, certainly not to Saab -- and although the curious name remained, the target changed when the 2002 model arrived. This second generation 9-3 dispensed with the hatchback design in favour of a conventional, albeit slightly elegant sedan shape.
From 2002 the target was Audi. Like the A4, the 9-3 remained a front-driver into the new century, desperately trying to steal sales from the other German marques. And, like it, understeer was the predominant handling characteristic. Another common element is the use of low-pressure turbocharging in the interests of boosting torque and responsiveness.
Despite the 1.8 numerals, the Linear 1.8T is powered by a 2.0-litre engine which gives 110kW and an impressive 240Nm of torque. Driving through a five-speed automatic transmission, the Saab reaches 100km/h in a whisker under 10 seconds and covers the 400m in 17 or so.
It feels reasonably lively but not fast. Fuel economy is average for the group at around 11L/100km.
Torque steer and poor ride quality over rough roads detract from the Saab's dynamics. Despite all that 1950s rallying heritage, it is not a driver's car.
Again, like Audi, Saab makes nice interiors with a feeling of class. There is generous room and the seats are excellent.
The Saab 9-3 has suffered a hit on the used car market, not helped by a significant cut in new prices (which encouraged sales of new vehicles). You can now buy a 9-3 that cost $50K when new for $20K (or even less) at three to four years of age.
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Volvo S40 2.4 (more here)
If anything, entering the 21st century, Volvo had achieved an even less glamorous reputation than its Swedish rival. But the new generation S40, launched here in June 2004, was far more refined and accomplished than its predecessor.
With a 2.4-litre five-cylinder engine which delivered strong performance with a charismatic exhaust note, the entry level S40 instantly had an edge over its four-cylinder rivals (to say nothing of the six-cylinder X Type!). Acceleration was lively - the five-speed manual version reaching nought to 100 in 9sec and the standing 400 in 16.6. Typical fuel economy is in the 10L/100km range.
Unlike almost any other Volvo in recent memory, the second generation S40 is an adroit handler and a joy to drive.
The steering is perfectly weighted and direct. Handling is extremely poised for a front-wheel drive car and yet the ride is mostly compliant. But it seems too sensitive to low speed bumps, faithfully transmitting every nuance of an uneven surface, in a way that might dishearten traditional Volvo buyers. This one, you see, is a sports sedan at heart.
The cabin is invitingly original with its 'floating' centre console and Swedish modern furniture feel.
In faithful Volvo fashion, the S40 has comfortable seats and plenty of practicality. There are meshed pockets at the front of the seat cushions and map pockets incorporated into the squabs. Unlike some in this category, the Volvo has a splitfold rear seat.
Twenty-five grand is the starting price for a low mileage S40, making it perhaps the best value car in this set.
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THE CARSALES NETWORK'S PICK OF THE BUNCH
The Driver's Choice
There is no question that the BMW ranks first. Not only does its maker have a reputation in the ultimate driving stakes, but the E90 3 Series is the newest design of the six cars. Second is the Mercedes, largely due to its rear-drive configuration. Of the front-drivers, the order is: Volvo, Jaguar, Audi, Alfa, Saab.
The Sensible Choice
This depends on your priorities. But if you are buying the car with a view to long-term ownership, the ranking is as follows: Volvo, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Jaguar, Saab, Alfa Romeo.