THE first BMW X3 was derided by motoring media and enthusiasts alike, primarily for a very harsh ride, lack of power and a sparse interior. With that in mind, BMW’s head office became determined to better the said sport activity vehicle (SAV). But has it really improved?    

The color-keyed front spoiler that now sits below a redesigned bumper assembly improves the overall exterior look, with LED tail lamps at the back. A bigger kidney grille reflects BMW’s pride in the latest X3 and front fog lights are now integrated into the bodywork’s main section.

Although the inside is still very much BMW (black leatherette throughout the cabin, silver accents, driver-centric feel), upgrades abound. For example, the shotgun seat gets a cup holder, found under the rightmost air-con vent. The creature comforts rival its bigger X5 sibling, such as a bigger dual level center console, bright interior lighting for all three sections, one-touch power assist for the front and rear windows and a removable tonneau cover for two-tier loading at the rearmost area.

Speaking of loading, this test-unit X3’s (specifically, a 2.0d variant) large dimensions are great for five or six average Filipinos, plus an LG Gold series home air conditioner and four to five large DHL Jumbo boxes at the rear. The rear backrests fold flat to swallow long cargo, but the rear wheel wells eat up space, so width may be at a premium if you’re a frequent hauler.  

One visual identity. Much like the other products in the BMW auto line, the X3’s interior layout has a drivercentric feel, accentuating the theme of sheer driving pleasure further.

The 2.0d’s four-banger is decent in the city and beastly when the right pedal is pressed. Although downshifting takes nearly three-fourths effort on the gas, there’s little need for the six-speed’s manual mode due to the quick torque delivery, as observed in the early powerband entry (1,800 to 1,900 rpm) and turbo activation (2,500 rpm onward). Power does taper off dramatically at the top end, with a paltry 201 kph tested top speed as evidence. On the other hand, the fuel consumption (10.52 km/l, four days mixed driving) is surprising for 1,825 kg of SAV. And although few will ever take their X3 off-road, BMWs all-wheel-drive (AWD) SAV runt looks fairly adept; its fording depth, ground clearance and angles of ramp and departure are not much different from its bigger X5 sibling.

The front suspension was set up to offer livelier handling balance and the light steering has a snappy ratio that makes lane changes simple, despite a tall ride height. The small turning circle (11.7 meters) helps in doing three-point turns in tight areas. Drive it hard over swooping country roads and you’ll feel the benefits of these changes. Imagine it halfway between an X5 and a 3-Series Touring car, and you shouldn’t be too far off the mark.

Although most small SAVs with AWD understeer wickedly when cornering, the X3 manages to hold grip until 80 to 85 kph, thanks to BMW’s xDrive system, which gives power to the axle that most needs it. Working in conjunction with ESP and DSC, xDrive calculates the X3’s yaw rate, steering angle and speed and adjusts accordingly, thus keeping constant grip.

Overall the BMW X3 now bills itself as a step forward from its precursor, making potential buyers strongly consider this SAV first before checking out its X5 brethren. 

IN order to highlight the entry of its mouthwatering Porsche Cayenne SUV, PGA Cars Inc., importer of Porsche vehicles in the Philippines, held the Porsche Cayenne Festival last week at the McKinley Hills in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

VERY few vehicles fit most families’ requirements for solid, dependable, child-friendly transport. The last one is a big consideration, given that even on a short trip kids can become restless and offsprings’ needs become bigger as the years pass.

Major improvement

THE first BMW X3 was derided by motoring media and enthusiasts alike, primarily for a very harsh ride, lack of power and a sparse interior. With that in mind, BMW’s head office became determined to better the said sport activity vehicle (SAV). But has it really improved?    

WHY do the authorities allow those antipollution teams from the various local governments to do their thing on the streets at any given time of the day?

THE code words were, “News embargo muna.” Nothing. Nada.

Chosen enforcer for this first-ever salvo on motoring secrecy by Mel Dizon, the marketing chief of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines, to the Mission Possible was Arlan Reyes, the most gentle of public-relations men from the automotive industry.

NOT known to many, the Ford Model T is celebrating its centennial this year.

Festivities to commemorate the birth of the car that put the “World on Wheels” began on July 20 in Richmond, Indiana, the hallowed place in America where the Ford Model T Museum is located.