WE have a saying that it’s all right to dream because dreams don’t cost you money.  That means that we can dream all we want about the best things in life—most especially about cars.

Now, if this writer were only a bit younger, self-made and reaping the financial benefits that success and accomplishment bring, what car would he be driving?

That would certainly be a tough choice if one could have any car he wanted.  This writer, however, has always been pragmatic with his choices and he rarely gives in to emotion even if it involves hypothetical issues.

Aside from being able to project the “I have arrived” image, that said car would have to be reliable enough to be driven as a daily commuter and yet be capable of delivering more than decent fuel consumption.

As luck would have it, this writer was recently given a chance to drive a vehicle that seemed to fit the bill nicely—the BMW 320d.

The 320d is the latest variant to join BMW’s ever-so-popular 3 Series, which now accounts for a little over 43 percent of the brand’s sales all over the world.  It is also the only 3 Series with a diesel engine and is the second-highest model in the range. 

The diesel-fed power plant is the same motor that is fitted in the more upscale 520d, which features second-generation common-rail technol­ogy, as well as an exhaust gas turbocharger with variable turbine geometry that has hardly noticeable turbo lag.

Given its high power-to-weight ratio, the 320d is a veritable rocket on the road.  According to BMW, the EU 4 emission-compliant, four-cylinder delivers 163 bhp at around 4,800 rpm, which is quite impressive by itself.  But what is more awe-inspiring is the 340 Nm of torque, which kicks in at 2,000 rpm—quite useful for zipping from stoplight to stoplight or when tackling winding ascents. Although it doesn’t snap your neck as much as its gasoline-powered sisters, it can still give you a micro whiplash with a sharp stab on the throttle which boosts the turbocharger’s high pressure. Surprisingly, the powerband is quite useful and the car feels quick in short spurts. Perhaps, the only thing that is lacking is the audible signature or roar from the engine when accelerating hard. With this car, it sounds more like a loud hum than the former.

BMW says that from a standing start the 320d can hit 100 kph in just 8.3 seconds and can attain a top speed of 225 kph. The good part is that the car has a fuel consumption of 13 km per liter on the highway and around 8 km per liter in the city.

Although it’s a veritable fuel saver, the vehicle isn’t lacking in performance.

For starters, it comes with a six-speed automatic transmission that can be switched between “drive-and-forget” mode and manual sequential shifting which allows the driver greater flexibility on the road, thanks to the gearbox’s close ratios that provide very little gaps in between shifts and results in linear acceleration from takeoff to top speed.  One must remember, however, that since a diesel engine resides under the hood, the 320d is more comfortable between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm. So, when using the sequential shifting, the driver must remember to “short shift” in order to optimize the car’s torque curve.

Handling-wise, the 320d moves like any of its 3 Series siblings and epitomizes what sports sedans are supposed to be like—crisp and precise at turn-in, nimble on switchbacks and sweepers, low body roll during cornering and tracks in a straight line like an F14 on a catapult launcher.

These driving characteristics are made possible by the car’s configuration: longitudinally positioned engine, rear-wheel drive and a weight distribution ratio of 50:50 (50-percent front and 50-percent rear).

Although it responds like a touring car, its occupants are not punished by a harsh ride. A newly developed aluminum double-jointed front axle endows the 320d with a perfect balance of driv­­ing dynamics and comfort.   

On flat tarmac, you can feel what the tires are doing through the steering wheel’s feedback. Over humps and bumps, the suspension and seats effectively dial out the harshness and noise. As an added bonus, owners can drive with confidence knowing that the 320d is fitted with run-flat tires.

With little doubt, BMW has turned out a gem with the 320d.  With this car, one can cruise in absolute comfort and luxury or engage in spirited driving whenever an adrenalin rush comes—both without necessarily worrying about the fuel pinch.

WE have a saying that it’s all right to dream because dreams don’t cost you money.  That means that we can dream all we want about the best things in life—most especially about cars.

I JUST came back from a trip to Oriental Negros (yes, it used to be called Negros Oriental), Dumaguete and Cebu.

WHEN the Ford Everest was first introduced in the country not so long ago, it was a sales hit due to the fact that, at that time only, the Blue Oval had the initiative to build a diesel-fed, midsize, mass market-intended SUV.

THEY say everything comes in threes, which is especially great when it comes to the Mazda3! Coinciding with its third anniversary in the Philippines, the New Mazda3 was recently launched, multiplying the thrill with over 100 enhancements that improve driving dynamics, design, craftsmanship, as well as packaging and safety features. 

THE public poll for the 2007 Petron Xtra Unleaded Auto Focus People’s Choice Awards officially closed its three-month run at the end of the Philippine Motor Show and Auto Expo held at the World Trade Center (WTC) from May 24 to 27.