OC 335d

Saw this on another car forum (s2ki) and thought it'd be worthy of discussion here.

BMW's 3 Series-based F3 compact sportvan that we reported on in our March issue - think Mazda5 without the sliding doors and with BMW driving dynamics - has been given the green light by the top brass in Munich, reports AutoWeek. Expected to arrive sometime in mid-2010 in both rear- and all-wheel drive, the F3 will likely come with the same powertrains as the 3 Series - the 235 horsepower 3.0-liter inline-six and the 300 horsepower twin-turbo. A diesel engine or two will undoubtedly be sold in Europe, but there is no word on whether the oil burners will make it to American shores.







http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dl...8/newsletter01

ff_

I'm not sure what the point is with that car. It looks as though there's even less cargo room in the rear than the standard 3 series, and probably weighs several hundred pounds more and sits higher, causing it to handle worse. But maybe a little more rear legroom?

Regardless, if it still can't fit 3 kids in carseats/boosters... it doesn't make much sense. Guess we'll have to wait and see.

-J-P-L-

The side profile isn't far off from a Prius.

I really don't get why they would build this car either.

Not bad, but not BMW.

blacksc400

iTrader: (4)

A Cute BMW???
Is it a Van???

p_r_i_m_o

What in the hell is that ? Ill pass

Seize

That thing looks weird.

Vlad_Stein

The driving dynamics of a mini-van, the cargo capacity of a 1-series.
I am sure people are lining up in the dealerships as we speak.

Nextourer

Am I the only one that think it looks remotely good?

The only thing is that while it has a long wheelbase, it doesn't seemed to be maximised. The windshield is hella tall and as a result, the moonroof is over the front seat headrests. Also, how can it be a mini MPV (like the Mazda5) if it doesn't have 3 rows? Are they going the route of Honda's FR-V and offering 3+3 as opposed to the Mazda5's 2+2+2??

Oddly enough, the first pic looks the best (despite its lower accent line that looks like a fat person squashed the car). The 2nd pic looks like a limo version of a super mini (think Fiesta, 106/206, Panda etc) and the 3rd pic just looks ugly.

Anyway, at least it's a fresh design.

tmf2004

iTrader: (15)

THe second pic looks like the rear of a mazda3 hatchback..

OC 335d

Oddly enough, I kinda think the weird design doesn't look half bad. I'm not sold on it's lack of space though. As for a safer "mini-van," I'm all for it if it is. If it drives better, that's a start.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

BMW is definately focusing more on European markets.

This is not a good image for American markets. BMW can "dumb down" their cars in Europe, but it won't work for Americans. BMW needs to maintain/enhance their image as a performance-oriented automaker. A "sports van" will not enhance that image.

OC 335d

pfft, just wait until you see it @ Nurburging.

Och

iTrader: (3)

This is too ugly, uglier than the new Civic and Scion xA

ba-b4

I'd take a Mazda 5 anyday if I wanted something like that!

Faymester

looks like a mazda, and where ever it came from, send it back