What is it?
2001 BMW 3 Series Compact
What's special about it?
After one unsuccessful attempt at marketing an economical hatchback in the United States, BMW might try again with an updated model that features more powerful engines and increased interior room.
Under the hood, buyers can choose either a 1.6-liter four-cylinder or a 2.5-liter straight six. The 1.6-liter engine is BMW's first to feature Valvetronic technology that allows variable intake valve lift for increased mileage. The 2.5-liter straight six is the same silky engine available in the larger 3 and 5 Series sedans and should make this diminutive three-door a blast to drive.
The interior features five full-size seats and standard front, side and head curtain airbags. Side airbags for the rear will also be an option along with bi-xenon headlamps. To ensure that the car will appeal to well-heeled hipsters, interior colors and material combinations will be numerous, allowing customers to fine-tune the car's look to suit their individual tastes. BMW hasn't announced if or when the car will arrive stateside, but a U.S. introduction seems likely, especially if Mercedes does well with its C Class sports coupe.
Why should you care?
This car, along with Mercedes-Benz's C-Class sports coupe, proves that luxury carmakers are becoming serious about attracting new, younger customers. If these cars are a success, we should see even more effort being directed toward smaller, more affordable cars that still incorporate the exquisite engineering and driving dynamics these manufactures are known for -- a positive sign indeed. —Ed Hellwig
2001 BMW 3 Series Compact
What's special about it?
After one unsuccessful attempt at marketing an economical hatchback in the United States, BMW might try again with an updated model that features more powerful engines and increased interior room.
Under the hood, buyers can choose either a 1.6-liter four-cylinder or a 2.5-liter straight six. The 1.6-liter engine is BMW's first to feature Valvetronic technology that allows variable intake valve lift for increased mileage. The 2.5-liter straight six is the same silky engine available in the larger 3 and 5 Series sedans and should make this diminutive three-door a blast to drive.
The interior features five full-size seats and standard front, side and head curtain airbags. Side airbags for the rear will also be an option along with bi-xenon headlamps. To ensure that the car will appeal to well-heeled hipsters, interior colors and material combinations will be numerous, allowing customers to fine-tune the car's look to suit their individual tastes. BMW hasn't announced if or when the car will arrive stateside, but a U.S. introduction seems likely, especially if Mercedes does well with its C Class sports coupe.
Why should you care?
This car, along with Mercedes-Benz's C-Class sports coupe, proves that luxury carmakers are becoming serious about attracting new, younger customers. If these cars are a success, we should see even more effort being directed toward smaller, more affordable cars that still incorporate the exquisite engineering and driving dynamics these manufactures are known for -- a positive sign indeed. —Ed Hellwig
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