BMW 325Ci CONVERTIBLE
If ever there was a benchmark convertible, then
BMW's latest 3 Series is it, says Vanessa Hinkley
Im a big fan of convertibles because I really enjoy that wind-in-the-hair feeling when I drive a car open to the skies. Trouble is, with our unpredictable UK climate, I also want a drop-top that can become a snug cocoon when the weather turns wet and cold. The latest BMW 3-series Convertible would suit me perfectly. It seats four and takes plenty of luggage, ideal for ferrying a group of friends out to a country pub on a sunny day.
Yet, should the sky darken ominously and the rains fall, well, the double-insulated hood purrs back into place in just 25 seconds.
The latest shape Convertible features numerous improvements over its much-liked predecessor. The triple-layer hood now has a padded lining to reduce wind noise and theres a proper glass rear window, with demister, in place of the old, easily scratched plastic panel. Its such a snug fit and so well insulated youll think youre in the Coupe, in fact. Opening the car up in the electric hood model involves nothing more strenuous than twisting a handle above the rear view mirror and then pushing a switch.
Everything else happens automatically as the rear cover lifts up to swallow the hood. Theres a clever new stowage system which houses the whole hood unit in a removable cartridge. When the hoods up, or youve installed the optional hardtop, you can fold this container out of the way in the boot to gain 30 per cent more space than in the old model. Theres more space in there than in many a saloon Ive tried which makes this convertible a useful long distance tourer.
I also like the new front seats, unique to the convertible, which incorporate the seatbelts into their structure, rather than attaching them separately to the car body. That means they fit better, dont trip up passengers getting into the back and dont flap in the breeze when youre cruising alone with the top down, making the most of a sunny day.
At the moment, 3-series Convertible customers have four choices, but rather than the 318Ci, 320Ci or 330Ci models, Ive opted for the 325Ci, which has a 170bhp, 2.5-litre straight six. This, Im told, can make 60mph in eight seconds and go on to a top speed of 145mph. That proved more than adequate for my needs but you might want to opt for the 231bhp three-litre 330Ci version which is 20% more powerful than the previous 2.
8-litre motor. Alternatively, theres the 330Cd with its 410Nm of torque and 40mpg fuel economy to consider.
In 325Ci form, this car can cost as much as £32,000: still, that includes electrically adjusted seats, climate control air conditioning, front and side airbags, electric windows and a good stereo. Like all Convertible models, my car also came with
BMW's ASC + T anti-slip system and CBC (Cornering Brake Control) as standard. These clever gadgets take over if you get too enthusiastic, helping to prevent the wheels from spinning or sliding. Should the unthinkable happen, strong steel beams instantly shoot out from behind the rear head restraints to protect the passengers heads. Thats one feature I never want to test!
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