Released in October of last year, BMW’s 2012 3 Series made customers salivate a few more months as the models only entered the showrooms in February 2012. Most people would nevertheless agree that it was worth the wait: BMW’s sixth generation of its famous 3 Series combines the manufacturer’s traditional distinctive look with an impressive innovative thrust.
An Impressive Crash Worthiness
To begin with, it is important to mention that BMW’s 2012 3 Series, also dubbed F30, does not only guarantee comfort and luxury: the manufacturer did not cut corners where safety was concerned. In fact, the sedan models of the 3 Series were all a 2012 top safety pick of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
To earn this distinction, all sedan models have received good ratings in each of the four IIHS’ safety tests: frontal offset, side impact, roof strength, and rear crash protection. They especially have improved their roof strength rating by a significant margin, up from an “Acceptable” grade for the 2006-2011 models to a “Good” grade (the best possible) this year.
Substantial Savings on Gas
Even though BMW’s traditional mixture of athleticism and elegance remains one of the main distinctive design traits of the 3 Series, the 2012 edition has seen a slight augmentation with regards to the sedans’ dimensions. In fact, the current 3 Series has close to two more inches in terms of width, and over 3.5 additional inches in length.
Despite these greater dimensions, which provide improved comfort and space, BMW’s engineers still managed to reduce the overall weight of their cars by almost 90 pounds.
This outstanding achievement certainly plays a role in the 2012 3 Series’ better performance in the field of energy efficiency.
For instance, the current 2012 328i model consumes as little as 9.0 L/100 km on the road and 5.6 L/100 km in the city. Therefore, it favorably compares to its 2011 predecessor, which burned up to 10.7 L/100 km and 6.9 L/100 km under the same conditions. The auto-start, the Brake Energy Regeneration and the improved air conditioning system that were included in the 2012 3 Series certainly have something to do with this improvement.
A Very Welcome Newcomer
BMW’s 2012 3 Series’ innovative thrust is not limited to its increased space and improved fuel efficiency: this year’s models also feature a newcomer among the group – namely, the ActiveHybrid 3. The company’s famous 300 horsepower 3.0 L six-cylinder engine pairs up with an electric motor of 55 horsepower to move this long-awaited hybrid car.
By displaying a clear ability to combine novelty and tradition, BMW’s 2012 3 Series certainly meets many of its niche’s desires. Never compromising on the quality of its products, BMW once again strikes the market with vehicles that will inevitable satisfy drivers.
Photo Credit
BMW 328i F30 2012 – Wikipedia Creative Commons
Guest Author Bio
Alexandre Duval
Alexandre Duval is a blogger for Hamel BMW which also offers BMW X3 series. He is also currently completing his master’s degree in political science at the University of Quebec in Montreal.
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