Over the years I\u2019ve made some conclusions about cars and I\u2019m more than happy to share one of them with you now. If you\u2019re after a performance car, run your finger to the most powerful end of a showroom price list, then slide it down one notch. That\u2019s right, don\u2019t buy a BMW M3. Buy a 340i. <\/p>\n
The same is true for big Jags, diesel Volvos, most double-cabs and AMG Mercs. Even the humble Volkswagen Golf proves my point as the Golf R is expensive, hard and \u2013 dare I type it \u2013 too fast. The lesser GTi is far more balanced and feels like one of those performance cars that have just the right amount of power. <\/p>\n
To get back to the red metallic BMW 340i that was delivered to us recently, it follows this example by lending its amazing engine to the top model. That incredible 2 998cc turbo-petrol straight-six not only drowns in international awards, but has also taken residence under the new M3\u2019s bonnet, albeit in highly modified form. <\/p>\n
This author still bemoans the loss of its naturally breathing counterpart (think 330i), but mere minutes behind the helm of this version will crush any withdrawal symptoms. My notes speak of fantastic power, fizzy BMW six-cylinder noises, negligible turbo hesitation and amazing torque with two exclamation marks. <\/p>\n
Up to 240 kW or 450 Nm are available via a highly-responsive eight-speed automatic sports gearbox with shift paddles and drive selection. Last-named ranges from the lethargic ECO Pro over a well-balanced Comfort mode to edgy Sport and Sport Plus settings, with reduced ESP, rude gear shifts and even more rude exhaust noises. <\/p>\n
In case you still don\u2019t believe me that this is a good M3 substitute, we engaged the car\u2019s launch control and repeatedly recorded 0-100 km\/h in 4,9 seconds and 400m in 13-odd seconds. That\u2019s faster than some older M3s and AMGs, also giving any hot hatch or performance sedan something to think about at the lights. <\/p>\n
Not that many punters will be stupid enough to take you on, especially if your 340i is fitted with the M Pack; as our test car was. The big rims and bumpers, wide tyres and twin exhaust pipes not only give your game away, but also equip the car with a rather firm ride that\u2019s probably necessary in a fast car like this. <\/p>\n
Happily, this car\u2019s direct steering and brakes were also up to the task of occasional performance driving. BMW claims average fuel use of 6,5 F<\/span>\/100 km and we got an admirable 10,5 when driving like a grown-up. Not only is that quite amazing considering the 340i\u2019s fire power, it\u2019s also highly variable in either direction. <\/p>\n The 340i\u2019s base price of R686 000 includes many safety and comfort features but you\u2019d do well to consult your nearest dealer for detailed specs and a lecture about the many options available. Ours carried M Pack (R25 000), Adaptive LED lights (R19 400) and heads-up display (R15 400) among others. <\/p>\n The recent \u201cfacelift\u201d of the F30 3-Series range brings the car up to date with available technology and, as we\u2019ve mentioned before, it retains the vehicle\u2019s edgy good looks. Passenger comfort is OK but rear space is a bit cramped for adults. The boot takes 480 litres of cargo and you also get a five-year\/100 000-km motor plan. <\/p>\n Most importantly, though, the 340i makes a strong case for itself if you don\u2019t want or can\u2019t afford an M3. Yes, the proper \/\/\/M version is faster and more exciting but it\u2019s also a full R336 500 more expensive. And that\u2019s plenty of consolation for buying the car that\u2019s more sensible, comfortable and economical. It\u2019s my pleasure. <\/p>\n – Galimoto Media<\/span><\/p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Over the years I\u2019ve made some conclusions about cars and I\u2019m more than happy to share one of them with you now. If you\u2019re after a performance car, run your finger to the most powerful end of a showroom price list, then slide it down one notch. 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