A few weeks ago we attended the launch of a new six-cylinder, 3.0-litre turbo-diesel in BMW's flagship 7 Series. We came away impressed with the performance provided by the 180 kW / 520 Nm engine. In a car weighing 1865 kg the big six provided strong acceleration and the ability to overtake and/or climb hills with ease.

Now BMW Australia is importing the same engine installed in the smaller 3 Series range; a car that's 315 kg lighter than the big ‘7. As you can imagine the powerful engine provides sportscar like thrust in the 330d sedan. Acceleration that sees it leaping from rest to 100 km/h in only 6.2 seconds. That sort of straight-line grunt would have required a big, thirsty V8 only a generation back.

Now it's provided by a fuel efficient turbo-diesel with an official Australian fuel consumption rating of just 6.8 litres per hundred kilometres, or 42 miles per gallon in thirsty-V8 speak. The latter would have used more than twice as much petrol as this BMW diesel and created something like ten times as much exhaust pollution.

In defence of the big old V8 it would have provided a lot more in the way of character and audible excitement than the rather-clinical German straight-six.

Indeed, the one thing that most people want from a diesel engine is quietness. The 2009 BMW 330d is audibly a diesel from the outside, particularly when it has just been started from cold. From the inside there's little more sound than would be expected from a BMW six. Under acceleration it has a purposeful note that's not unpleasant.

It's good to see that BMW has stuck to its roots with this latest model, providing true sporty motoring even in its low consumption, easy-on-the-air model.

 

Of course, the 180 kW engine is combined with the usual 3 Series attributes of good chassis balance and fine feeling through the steering and excellent brakes, the latter able to haul off speed far more quickly than the rapid engine piles it on.

We spent a most enjoyable day in the Albury/Wodonga region at the press launch of the new BMW 330d. There the flowing roads and fascinating scenery suited the car to perfection, though we have yet to test it in the areas where, sadly, most owners will spend most of their time – in commuting traffic. That true-life road test will come later when we savour the latest 3 Series in our home territory on the Gold Coast.

 

In turbo-diesel format, the 3 Series sedan comes well equipped, with Dakota leather trim that includes a sports steering wheel, satellite navigation, a 10-speaker audio system, dual-zone air conditioning, bi-xenon headlights and plenty of life’s pleasant little luxuries. The recommended retail price is $87,250. That price reflects the fact that the new economy turbo-diesel engine attracts a lower rate of LCT (Luxury Car Tax). Government and dealer delivery charges have to be added, contact either your BMW dealer or the company's head office for driveaway prices.