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By
JOHN CRAWFORD
31 December 2007
After good old Aussie tea and scones at Emu Bottom, Victoria's
oldest homestead, built in 1836, we walk across to the saddling
yard to be greeted by a Teutonic contrast to convict-made
sandstock bricks, the BMW X3 2.0d.
The clean, sharp, sculptured lines from the design team led by
BMW design chief Chris Bangle hint at modernity and purpose. From
the front the X3 seems identical to its big brother, the X5, but
the side and rear views reveal the obviously shorter wheelbase,
and of course different badging to clear up any confusion.
So, if it sort of looks the same, what’s the big attraction
with the smaller sibling? To briefly summarise, the essence of the
X3 is lower emissions, smaller carbon footprint, and excellent
fuel economy. It’s a package some greenies might applaud.
The X3, BMW's smallest SUV family member is also a capable and
agile performer. Now, with a new, second-generation turbo-diesel
engine, it not only offers the aforementioned benefits, but with
special attention to engine balancing, there are noticeable
benefits to refinement and smoothness.
Like its sedan stablemate (the 520d), introduced at the same
time, the X3 SAV (as BMW calls its 4WDs, it stands for Sports
Activity Vehicle) has excellent equipment levels, and precision
fit and finish, meaning it does not represent any sort of
compromise, when stood alongside other premium SUVs.
Performance is excellent, despite the small capacity of the
engine. The generous torque of 315 Nm peaks at a relatively low
2750 rpm, which means mid-range acceleration, lane changing and
overtaking can be approached with confidence. It’s a gutsy
performer, that still delivers outstanding fuel economy – just
seven litres per hundred kilometres when measured to Australian
standards on the combined cycle.
There’s only one transmission offered, but it is the
excellent six-speed ZF unit, with adaptive control management, and
Steptronic pseudo-manual changes. The X3 is very easy to drive
across a wide range of conditions, including fresh snow, muddy
creeks and slick surfaces.
On the road the X3 steers well. It’s responsive and
sure-footed. The combination of Dynamic Stability Control (DSC),
and Cornering Brake Control (CBC) really impresses. It doesn’t
substitute for common sense, but really does help the driver cope
with potentially dangerous situations.
Surprisingly, once inside there’s no obvious shortage of
space (despite the short wheelbase). The X3 can carry five adults,
but obviously four is more comfortable. The rear compartment is
wholly adjustable for seating or load carrying, and the use of
special ‘rails’ in the rear floor allow a multiplicity of ways
to restrain loads from roaming around the interior.
Summing up, this is an excellent marriage of style, form and
function in the SUV segment. $62,900 suggests competitive
positioning, but be warned, BMW’s pricing policy means that
extras and options will cost you.
In standard form it’s well equipped, but our test cars had a
variety of costly options such as premium sound system ($1400),
satellite navigation ($6900), panoramic sunroof ($3300), bi-xenon
headlights ($2110), and a range of options for the front seats
ranging from $1300 to $2750. Even the adaptable (floor rail)
fixing system for the rear load area costs $300!
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Marque Publishing Company
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