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Back to November 2012 Motorsports News Archive
| 14-11-2012 at 17:00: Competition for the 3-Series | |
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BMW 3-Series Available from $60,900, the BMW 3-Series is unquestionably sleek, comfortable, and visually highly attractive. The BMW-badge also has an appeal of its very own. If one can stomach the price tag, this is a great car, which will certainly have colleagues envious! The new model boasts more spacious and comfortable interiors than its predecessor, however looses out to the larger Skoda Superb and the Volkswagen Passat – particularly in terms of boot space. The 3-Series comes with an array of seven engine options, which can be chosen according to efficiency (the 163bhp Efficient Dynamics diesel engine returns up to 68.9mpg on combined driving, with CO2 emissions of 109g per kilometre), or according to sheer power (the 328i accelerates from 0 to 62mph in an impressive 5.9 seconds, however only manages an average of 44mpg). Skoda Superb With an entry price of $38,990, the Skoda Superb may be the cheapest car in this trio, however it does show that BMW does not have the monopoly on appealing design. A lot sleeker-looking than one would necessarily expect from Skoda, this could well rival the perception of the Passat as one of the best family cars in the market. The rear is exceptional in terms of space, as is the boot, with a volume of 565 litres (1670 litres with the rear seats flipped). As with several other Skoda models, the boot opens via two doors – a small top door, which allows one to quickly drop in some last minute spare shoes, and the actual boot door, which allows complete and easy access to the vast space. The Superb comes with a 2.0 litre TDI engine – the same, incidentally, as the Volkswagen Group uses for Audi and Volkswagen models. Fuel consumption lies at around 40.9mpg for combined driving on most engine models, with CO2 emissions of 180.3g per kilometre – both are much improved when opting for the Greenline II model. All Skoda Superb versions come with curtain and driver’s knee airbag as a standard; SE, SE Plus, and Elegance trims add a fanciful array of details and extras to anyone’s taste. Volkswagen Passat The Passat is the classic family car option. Famously spacious, it offers plenty f rear room, as well as a boot capacity of 565 litres. The interior is made of high-quality materials, which means the Passat will last and last. Starting at $38,990, the sturdy Volkswagen model is a very good option. The Passat comes with a range of engines. The BlueMotion engine returns up to 68.9mpg, with CO2 emissions as small as 109g per kilometre. The TDI diesel engines also offer impressive fuel efficiency, returning on from 53.3mpg for combined driving. CO2 emissions range between 143-194g per kilometre. Looking to buy new cars, most people will consider several options. The Skoda Superb in particular shows that it is worth looking beyond the well-trodden path of accepted ‘executive cars’ – and look at some hitherto unexplored options, which may have a lot to offer! |
Looking for a well-sized family or compact executive car does not necessarily mean a trip to a BMW showroom. Comparing a BMW 3-Series car to the Skoda Superb and the Volkswagen Passat shows that there are other, very valid options out there for those willing to skimp the black, white, and blue badge.
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