WeeklySA_AdminICONIC:Bestselling model to celebrate 45 years
By Ali Mphaki
Ceter perabus (all things considered) 1975 was a great year. SA witnessed its first television transmission.
The Inkatha Yenkululeko Yesizwe, IFP, under the Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi was launched.
Mini –skirts, bell bottom pants and Afro hair were in vogue. Devouring everyone’s attention at the bioscopes was the movie Jaws.
Among society’s high flyers the drink of choice was the happy Autumn Harvest wine.
Life was good. Girls didn’t take long to say “Yes”.
In far-away Germany, something significant was also transpiring. A packed Munich Olympic Stadium was the auspicious venue.
History in the making.
The launch of the first BMW 3-series. Since then – there are cars and there is the BMW 3-Series.
And almost 45 years later, a car that has had motoring journos drooling with adjectives and the general motoring public enthralled, still continues to rev the right notes.
We caught up with the seventh generation BMW 3-series in some idyllic spot just before lockdown 4 and this is how our interview went on;
Ali Mphaki: Tell us about yourself?
BMW 3 Series: Now in my seventh generation, I am a perfect blend of performance, driving dynamics, low running costs, technology and refinement.
AM: Tell me more.
3-Series: I am a combination of solid build quality, excellent driving manners aided by rear-wheel drive and the latest technology.
AM: How would you describe your looks?
3-Series: In my new outfit, my styling could be described as a gradual improvement from my previous looks. I am now endowed with a lighter but stronger body. A striking feature is a kidney grille that is wider than its predecessor and visually integrated in the design. The new T-shaped air intakes and twin-pipe exhaust system at the rear make me look more elegant and exciting than any 3-Series so far.
AM: What about the interior?
3-Series: Inside, I am engaging. The centre console arcs slightly towards the driver and at the top of is an 8.8-inch infotainment screen which can be operated via touchscreen or using BMW’s iDrive control dial next to the gearstick. Pick the M Sport and this grows to 10.3 inches.
Feature leather seats further enhance the ambience giving it a more upmarket look.
AM: Engines?
3-Series: I now come in more technologically advanced than ever before, and with a new breed of power plants including a plug-in hybrid version, there’s now even more choice. Top of the range is the straight-six powered M340i xDri.
AM: How have you been received by the market so far?
3 Series: I am not being boastful. Fact is I account for one in five of all the BMWs sold worldwide (and that’s before you add the 4 Series). I do not expect any change in that trajectory.
AM: Who do you see as your main competitors?
3-Series: Well, I am my own competition.
AM: Seriously?
3-Series: I see you insistent. Pretenders to the throne will include the like of Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Class and lately the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Jaguar XE.
AM: How much do you cost?
3-Series: At entry level I might say I am competitively priced so picking your trim level wisely will really dictate whether the model you go for offers good value for money. Careful optional extras may create a hole in your pocket.
AM: How do you see the future?
3-Series: I promise to continue the BMW legacy and to be seen as a benchmark in the junior executive market. I will continue to reinvent myself and ready myself for the next epoch in the journey of my life.
BMW 3 Series Sedan
PETROL • DIESEL
Starting from R690 900
BMW 3 Series Sedan M Automobiles
PETROL
Starting from R1 127 900
