If you’re after a very well-sorted, driver’s family wagon, BMW has just announced the new 2013 BMW 318d Touring and 320i Touring wagons for Australia. The new models will soon be joined by the higher powered 328i Touring later in the year.
As we found out during the 2012 BMW 320i Sport Line review earlier in the year, the new 3 Series remains true to its pedigree by being the best driver’s car in the segment. And with the new 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder, the 320i is no longer a slouch when it comes to acceleration.
For the Touring variants, the same powertrains are carried over from the sedans. The 320i produces 135kW and 270Nm and is capable of 0-100km/h in a reasonable 7.5 seconds, while the 318d comes with a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder producing 105kW and 320Nm. It covers 0-100km/h in 9.2 seconds.
In tune with BMW’s latest engineering philosophy, which includes developing an all-turbo showroom range, the new 3 Series Touring variants are some of the most fuel efficient packages in the segment.
The 320i consumes 6.2L/100km on the combined cycle, while the frugal 318d uses just 4.5L/100km. Both feature an eight-speed automatic transmission sending power to the rear wheels.
Like the sedans, the Touring is available in three different trim levels; Modern Line, Sport Line, and Luxury Line. Each come with their own interior upholstery and trim themes, with the Sport Line getting red-highlighted accents inside such as stitching on the steering wheel and sports seats.
In the back, the new wagon comes with 35 litres more luggage space than the old model, with 495 litres on offer. It can be expanded out to 1500 litres when the rear seats are folded down.
The new Touring will officially hit Aussie showrooms in February. Prices are as follows (excluding on-road costs):
2013 BMW 318d Touring – $58,900
2013 BMW 320i Touring – $62,600
318d Modern/Sport/Luxury Lines – $3768
320i Modern/Sport/Luxury Lines – $3152 (M Sport package $6844)
