New BMW F3
#1
Lexus Test Driver
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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.
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http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dl...8/newsletter01
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
#2
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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.
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.
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#8
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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.
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.
#10
Lexus Test Driver
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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.
#11
Cycle Savant
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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.
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.
#12
Lexus Test Driver
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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.
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.
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