Well, here we are, with a sport sedan comparison once again, set between the already usual BMW 3 Series and its main rivals, such as the Lexus IS, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Audi A4. However, this time, the engines are not that powerful.
The cars being test here by the guys from Drive.com.au are the entry level models, with modest engines but more likely to become volume sellers than their spec topping brothers.
The BMW present here is a 316i model fitted with a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 136 HP and 220 Nm of torque and is the cheapest here at AUD52,300. This car also returns an average fuel consumption of 5.9 l/100 km (39.8 mpg) thanks to the majestic 8-speed gearbox it's hooked up to.
That same gearbox makes sure the car never feels slow or sluggish, no matter the environment. Sure, it won't drive like a proper 335i but it doesn't cost the same either.
All of its contestants have bigger engines. The A4 and C200 use 1.8-liter engines that deliver 170 HP or 184 HP for the Merc and at least some 100 Nm of torque on top of what the BMW offers.
However, due to their old transmissions the cars don't feel a lot more powerful and more engaging, sometimes proving difficult to handle and understand. As for the included kit, the basics are covered but that's about it.
And that leaves the Lexus IS250, a car that so far behind its competitors it's hard to watch how they try to raise it to a premium level. Forget what they're saying, we had a run with a similar model and found some interesting things to share with you.
The car's engine is so ancient that it's hard to fathom why they kept it for the new generation. It's a 2.5-liter V6 naturally aspirated unit that makes only 208 and 252 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. On top of that, it releases 200 grams of CO2 into the atmosphere for every kilometer it covers and returns a fuel consumption of 9.2 l/100 km (25.5 mpg).
As if that wasn't enough, the CVT gearbox is terrible causing us to scream in frustration more than a couple of times. Inside, the materials feel cheap and the infotainment system is counter intuitive, with that stupid mouse-type thing that is supposed to help you out. It doesn't! You can only use it whilst standing still.
Bottom line, the BMW should win it, both because of its smaller engine and superior gearbox combo and because of its cheaper price tag. However, some people think otherwise...
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