BMW has rewarded a loyal South African market with the familiar favourite ‘IS’ branded 3 Series, after three decades of tyre squeals the legendary ‘Gusheshe’ 325is, the 330is has arrived to carry the torch.
By SHAWN DONOVAN BRETT
*Prices accurate at time of publishing – Gay Pages Special Collector’s Edition 2021 – Edition 98
Although the new comer is not based on the top-of-the-range 3 Series derivative, the BMW 340i, it still ensures a grin when displaying the powerful heritage of its predecessor.
The engine, a four-cyclinder turbo charged 2-litre puts the power down through an 8-speed automatic gearbox via the rear wheels, which proves to cater to both comfort and agile driving styles. The 330is offers an abundance of grip thanks to a lowered suspension and beautiful 20inch alloy rims, along with Adaptive M suspension, meanwhile, can be electronically adjusted by the driver to suit various driving and road conditions. The suspension characteristics can also be adjusted via the Driving Experience Control to suit an individual’s driving style (from Comfort to Sport).
The exterior is noticeably different to the standard 3 series and puts emphasis on its sporty appeal, as such, comes draped in the M Sport body kit which includes the exclusive black kidney grills. A noticeable and oh-so necessary feature is left to the smaller details of the exterior, the carbon fibre M Performance exhaust tips that produce a more exaggerate exhaust note.
The cabin is trimmed in classic Black “Vernasca” leather with decorative stitching and is specified with M seat belts, an M leather-trimmed sports steering wheel, ambient interior lighting and an anthracite roof lining.
Over all the BMW 330is edition is still all the luxury and great build quality you would expect from a 3 series,yet also all the sportiness and excitement you would expect from the ‘is’ insignia splattered throughout the vehicle. This BMW is a well rounded sports saloon for the driver seeking memorable driving pleasure.
