BMW X3 2.0i
A pattern is emerging with recent BMW launches. For about six months to a year after a car has been unveiled, it tends to get rather sniffy reviews. A little later the shape begins to bed in on the eye and the early production teething problems get ironed out. Critics change their tune.
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0-litre model also helps to deflect accusations that the X3 is just too expensive.
It was an easy allegation to make. When the X3 was first announced, everybody took a look at its price tag, then the price tag of an equivalent X5 and realised that the X5 was only marginally more expensive. The bigger car was also better built and had a stack more road presence. The cheap-looking black plastic body cladding of the X3 couldnt really compare.
Fast forward to today and BMWs rationale becomes a little clearer, especially with the introduction of the entry-level 2.0i models, priced from £25,285. Its as much about competition as anything. BMW was taking a longer view of the market, appreciating that although the X5 created the sporty prestige 4x4 sector, it had been overtaken in terms of prestige by vehicles like the Porsche Cayenne and the Volkswagen Touareg, hence the need for an all-new model appearing in 2006.
With the X5 shifting significantly upmarket, the X3 needed to fill the void and at the same time offer credible opposition to the next generation Land Rover Freelander, a far more sophisticated model that borrows heavily from the super successful Discovery. Thats the background on why the X3 and X5 were so similar in price. This 2.0i variant marks a broadening of the X3 portfolio.
Powered by a 150bhp four-cylinder engine, it features a six-speed manual gearbox as standard with which to harness the 200Nm of torque. Although this is the starter model in the X3 line up, it is still a BMW and its not slow, notching the sprint to 60mph in 11.3 seconds on the way to a 128mph maximum. Fuel consumption is rated at 30.
4mpg on the combined cycle although this will drop markedly if youve got the vehicle fully loaded and are thrashing the engine to make progress. Carbon dioxide emissions are never going to be great in a vehicle of this size and a figure of 223g/km wont be great news for business users. Thats why the 3 Series sells so well. Alternatively, you could shell out another £1,950 and purchase an X3 2.
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"The X3 2.0i is a clever piece of product development. BMW are clearly listening to customer feedback"
Still, if your mileages are set to be modest or you dont fancy the hack of a diesel engine (albeit one of the best on the market), the X3 2.0i makes a reasonable pick. Nothing touches it when it comes to prestige at the moment. The Freelander is getting a little too old and with neither Mercedes or Audi having a credible rival, the way is clear for the X3 to clean up.
It seems bizarre that in such a lucrative market sector, BMW is the only premium manufacturer with a candidate. Where are Saab, Volvo, Lexus or Jaguar with their compact 4x4s? Any complaints about the X3 should be tempered by this realisation. The X3 has developed a little since it was launched too. Back then you could only buy an X3 with black body cladding.
Thats why there are a lot of black and navy X3 models about, as the contrast with the usually popular silver was a little glaring. These days, you can specify your X3 2.0i with body-coloured mouldings which undoubtedly look a whole lot classier and theyre standard on the range-topping M Sport variant - one of four trim levels currently offered. The one with the eye catching price tag is the Standard model, then theres an SE, Sport and the slick M Sport variant.
M Sport features an M Aerodynamic body kit, M Sports suspension, high-gloss shadow line detailing, an M Sports steering wheel, sports seats, an M gear knob, M Sports door sill kick plates, M interior trim and an anthracite headlining. It certainly helps to lift the cabin a little. BMW have boxed clever in the way the X3 drives. The front suspension has been set up to offer a livelier handling balance and the steering features a snappy ratio that makes jinking from lane to lane simplicity itself in spite of the elevated ride height.
The relatively small turning circle of 11.7 metres helps when making three-point turns in tight confines. Drive an X3 hard over swooping country roads and youll feel the benefits of these changes. Imagine it half way between an X5 and a 3 Series Touring and you shouldnt be too far off the mark.
Although few will ever take their X3 off road, BMWs baby 4x4 superficially looks fairly adept; its fording depth, ground clearance and angles of ramp and departure being very little different to the surprisingly effective X5. Your ambition will be limited by the tyres, however, and BMW offer no option of gnarlier rubber. Self-levelling suspension, underbody protection and a low-range gearbox all items any serious off roader would want are noticeable by their absence. Hill Descent Control is fitted as standard but if you need such a system to get down such a gradient in the first instance, its highly debatable whether the X3s road biased tyres would afford you the grip to make the return journey back up.
The X3 2.0i is a very interesting BMW. Its a car that demonstrates how smart the Bavarian company is at predicting future trends and reacting to them before the opposition. Its a model that demonstrates how swiftly the company can rectify perceived weaknesses.
You may have been rather underwhelmed when the X3 was first launched. I know I was. With vehicles like the X3 2.0i however, its worth giving BMW a second chance.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: BMW X3 2.0i range
PRICES: £25,285-£28,725 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 16
CO2 EMISSIONS: 223g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 11.3s/ Max Speed 128mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 30.4mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and window airbags, ABS, DSC, ESP
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: (length) 4565mm
