Sporty 3-series models updated


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BMW has given the 3-series Coupe´ and Convertible their mandatory facelifts including new bumpers, head and tail lights and slightly longer overhangs to reinforce their presence on the road.

Coupe´ and Convertible get tweaked looks and new entry-level engines for lower prices.

Along with the cosmetic mid-life updates, the two two-door models get more powerful yet more efficient petrol and diesel engines.

Of most relevance to the Thai market is the new entry-level version in the guise of 318i that's already used in the Saloon. The 320i's 2.0-litre has been detuned to 143hp to effectively make the Coupe´ and Convertible more affordable than ever.

No word on pricing yet, but it is hoped the 318i Coupe´ would come to Thai shores at slightly over B3.5m. The 320i Coupe is currently imported at B3.999m _ B9,000 more than the Audi A5 2.0.

A bigger disparity can occur in the Convertible range since BMW (Thailand) only offers it in 325i form at B5.29m. The 318i treatment could make the folding hard-top 3-series an even more attractive proposition in the B4m level for buyers preferring style over performance.

Mini’s 1.6- litre turbo engine now has 184hp.

On the diesel front, the 320d's 2.0-litre motor has been upped to 184hp from 177 and is applied on all Threes regardless of body style. This enhancement is also seen in the just-announced new 5-series.

On top of the 3-series range is a 306hp 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six with unchanged power but improved emissions, although local sales don't focus on the 335i due to the tax structure penalising high-output engines in the country. The 135i Coupe and Convertible also get the same treatment.

- Mini's engine range will be revamped this year to reflect the same philosophy of BMW's tweaked motor line: more performance yet with more efficiency.

With the use of fully variable valve control, the Cooper S's turbo 1.6-litre engine _ also used by Peugeot and Citroen _ now gives out 9hp more at 184, while the Cooper's non-turbo 1.6-litre gains 2hp at 122. The One's motor has also been boosted from 1.4 to 1.6 litres to enjoy a power hike of 3hp at 98hp.

Like the updated 3-series, Mini's new engine range would be launched in Europe in March with Thai sales to follow shortly later and fitted to the Hatch, Clubman and Convertible versions.

 
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This is great news! Would love to know how much this has affected the pricing! CAn somebody tell the amount in rupees??[:D]
 

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