BMW 318d Tourer 2013 Review

Price Guide (recommended price before statutory & delivery charges): $58,990
Options fitted to test car (not included in above price): Double-spoke alloy wheels $1000, Adaptive M suspension $1692, fine brushed-aluminium interior trim $308, panoramic glass sunroof $2308, Navigation system Business $1538, Sport Line $3768
Crash rating: Five-star ANCAP
Fuel: Diesel
Claimed fuel economy (L/100km): 4.7
CO2 emissions (g/km): 123
Also consider: Audi A4 Allroad (from $58,500), Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate (from $61,900), Mazda6 diesel wagon (from $41,650)

The BMW 318d Touring makes a positive first impression. As the entry-level wagon in the 3 Series range, the car's progressive and sporty image (somewhat mottled by the new-look squish-faced snout) is fine, but it's not until you hop into the driver's seat and start cruising that the car's charm offensive truly begins.

Engaging dynamics are a given for a BMW -- yes, even for a diesel -- yet the most impressive aspect of the car is the interior execution. Class-leading cargo space is a big plus, with 495 litres of boot space expanding to 1500 litres via a 40:20:40 rear seat split.

What that means is that you can have long items diagonally spanning the car's innards while maintaining four seats. With a baby seat in the back and all the gear that goes with an 18 month old during a weekend trip away, it was of real benefit.

And if the 495 litres of cargo space means nothing, that's about enough room for six golf bags, should you have a budding Adam Scott in training...

BMW's 3 Series Touring wagons are longer (+97mm) and have a wider track (+37mm front/+48mm rear) than the sedans. This chubbiness ensures easy loading of larger items in the boot. That the boot door hinges deep into the roof allows tailgate to be opened in tight spaces too, such as underground car parks.

Intuitive controls, solid build quality and a decent level of comfort characterise the passenger quarters in this turbo-diesel 3 Series.

There's something to be said of 'less is more' approach here: simplified stereo and heater controls are stylish, minimal, easy to use and allow the driver to remain focussed on the important stuff -- the instrument panel.

It's true that the driver sits quite low in the 318d, the complete opposite of an SUV, but the seating position is good and the view of the road is quite satisfactory. The seats are supportive with good adjustments and though the instruments are a bit plain Jane (the orange backlighting is lifeless) they are as clear and concise as you'll find.

Connecting an Apple iPhone via the car's Bluetooth receiver was straightforward and streaming music and taking phone calls was a doddle.

Apart from the stereo and heater controls, the car's infotainment systems are managed via a large iDrive dial situated just behind the funky-looking gearstick.

After a few stabs, working the dial becomes second nature. I had no trouble using it with my left hand without taking my eyes off the road. Adding addresses to the sat nav (a $1538 option) -- one of the best-looking navigation systems going round -- is easy, as is tweaking the car's various systems, from the stereo to the follow-me-home lights.

Rear-seat room is good for a car of this size, particularly as it's a bit longer than the sedan, and there's a real sense of elegance about the interior. It's tasteful and comfortable, with leather cushioning at major touch points, such as door and centre arms rests, steering wheel, park brake.

This test car was also fitted with the Sport Line package ($3768), which adds larger 17-inch alloy wheels, BMW sports seats, Dakota leather seats, red stitching on the steering wheel and a 'sport' mode. These features lend the car a sportier character, both dynamically and aesthetically, but I would have been happy with just the sat nav option as the car is fundamentally sound.

It drives well, very well, with excellent grip levels and roadholding, ensuring the driver always feels in control of the vehicle, even in wet weather. Driver aids such as electronic stability control, cornering brake control, anti-lock brakes and cruise control with brake function also keep the car on the straight and narrow, and automatic wipers and headlights come in handy.

Add to this grip-laden direct steering and a rear-wheel drive layout that results in a decent turning circle and you're looking at a very user-friendly family vehicle. It's a lot of fun to drive on fast winding roads too, exhibiting a composed attitude when rocketing through corners due to precious-little body roll and firm suspension.

I was a little surprised at how the car absorbed bumps in the road, particularly considering how rigid some recent BMW 3 Series we've tested have been. Riding on 225/50 R 17 run-flat tyres, a choice for regular tyres would be nice but the vexing issue of rough ride appears to be have been remedied in this instance.

The engine is a sweetie, a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel mill that produces 105kW at 4000rpm and 320Nm at 1750rpm. The car's engine doesn't belt out big-ticket power, but 320Nm of torque ensures it’s never slow. Acceleration is effortless and the claimed 0-100km/h time of 9.2 seconds feels conservative because the car launches smoothly but assertively from standstill.

Being a diesel engine, it's a more efficient vehicle than a similarly-sized petrol wagon, and after a week's worth of steering I managed 5.8L/100km overall, which isn't too bad, but still far from the claimed 4.7L/100km. I'm not sure how this figure is reached either, because even in tree-hugger (EcoPro) mode, in top gear at 100km/h on the freeway the car uses around 5.0L/100km at 1600rpm.

The eight-speed automatic transmission is a corker, smooth but swift in operation, and the auto start/stop functionality (which can be switched off if desired) saves fuel in urban traffic. It's a great car to drive, smooth, refined and efficient, but responsive too.

An entry-level price of around $60K means that such motoring finesse won't be available to everyone, but if you get the chance (or don't mind waiting a few years for a used model) the 318d is a capable family wagon and well worth taking for a test drive.

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