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1 in 3 new BMW 3 Series will be a Gran Turismo

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2 May 2013

BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo
Big for a 3 Series, and a step down from a 5 Series but with bags of presence and practicality

SO what do we make of the new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo?

Big for a 3 Series, that’s for sure; a neat step up, or down, from a 5 Series, certainly.

A bit dumpy?

Natasha Newman
Natasha Newman wants leather, business satnav and Bluetooth as extras on hers

Yes, I think it is from some angles. Hatchbacks often can be that bit more upright to cram in all that extra practical storage space.

Not that you’ll hear BMW mention the word ‘hatchback’ (so plebian). Product manager Natasha Newman was at pains to always talk about the “electrically powered tailgate” at the press launch of the new model. At all times.

But the Gran Turismo is a hatchback; rather like their Touring model is an estate car.

And that’s the key to this new car’s success – that big rear hatch; as well as the increased rear legroom.

“We think it will appeal to people who may have older children and need more rear space and legroom,” Natasha told me.

“For business users it also provides a smart company car and plenty of practicality at the weekends,” she added.

BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo
Huge great boot – plenty of room for weekends away

With that sort of dual usage I reckon small business owners, directors at SME firms, and some of their company car drivers, will be knocking on the door of their local BMW business partner dealer to enquire about one of these new models that sit right at the top of the 3 Series tree.

Natasha reckons that 1 in 3 BMW 3 Series sold will be a Gran Turismo.

Given that level of sales, I asked Natasha what sort of additional spec an SME should go for. The options list can be dauntingly long – and expensive – but some well-chosen items will really help you enjoy the car more fully.

“I think SME business users should add leather, business navigation and the Bluetooth upgrade which gives better functionality. And heated seats if you want to keep warm on chilly mornings!”

Alternatively, you could wait for the M Sport package coming in July which has leather as part of the standard package.

The other item to note about the car is if you want one as your company car and want to minimise the benefit in kind, then specify the 318d manual. This is the model on which BMW engineers have worked to reduce the CO2 to 119g/km. However, the auto version has higher CO2 emissions: 127g/km.

Which is unusual for BMW – they have become masters of matching manual and auto CO2 emissions. As is the case with the 320d model in the Gran Turismo range. But not the 318d.

I asked Natasha why.

“It just wasn’t possible. The emissions really are very low for the manual and it was impossible to match it with the auto with our current technology.”

So if you want to keep your benefit in kind company car tax in check, stick to the 318d manual – and if you go for the SE or Sport, make sure to add the options Natasha suggests.

You’ll end up with a very classy executive hatchback. Ooops. 3 Series with a powered tailgate…

Read our BMW 3 Series Gran Tourismo car review

Click here: BMW 318d Gran Turismo car review – add style, remove tax, enjoy

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Matt Morton

Matt Morton

Matt Morton is an automotive content writer for Business Car Manager

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