If you wanted the fantastic new G20 BMW 3 Series here in Malaysia, you could have it in any trim as long as it was the 330i M Sport because that was all BMW Malaysia had. Now though, they’ve brought some welcome variety to the range with the introduction of the 320i Sport as the entry-level trim.
Obviously the most obvious difference is the engine; as the badge denotes. The B48 2.0-litre inline-four with TwinPower Turbo tech makes 184hp and a nice, round 300Nm of torque. One of the best transmissions around, the familiar ZF eight-speed automatic sends power to the rear wheels. 100kph arrives from a standstill in 7.1-seconds and top speed is 235kph. Fuel consumption is a rated 15.87km/l.
Front lighting is handled by the adaptive LED headlights. Being a Sport trim, the bumpers lose some aggression in design but still retains LED fog lights. It rides on 18-inch 780 wheels with a square 225/45 tyre setup.
Inside, you’ll be cosseted in black Vernasca leather with aluminium trim. Paddle shifters are standard but you’ll notice that the digital instrument cluster is missing; replaced with traditional, peasant analogue dials but with a small 5.7-inch digital display at the bottom that blends into the gauges.
The touchscreen infotainment system is housed in a smaller display as well and displays the rear-view camera. However, the system itself is the previous Operating System 6.0 and not the latest 7.0 version. A six-speaker system handles the sound. That’s not to say the interior is lacking in kit. You’ll find a triple-zone climate control, a Qi wireless charging tray, powered driver seat with memory function and contactless boot opening.
Safety comprises six airbags and Attentiveness Assistant. Cruise control is passive but with a braking function and there’s parking assistant.
How much will the 320i Sport set you back? The answer is RM243,800 (around RM45k less than the 330i) and is tacked on with a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled servicing, a 24-month run-flat tyre warranty, BMW Roadside Assistance, BMW White Card and BMW Service Online.
Also included is BMW ConnectedDrive services with Intelligent Emergency Call, Teleservices and BMW Digital Key. BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia states that on a five-year loan tenure with a 20 per cent down payment, you’ll be shelling out RM2,788 a month with its Balloon Financing Plan.
If colours are your thing, the 320i Sport can be had in Mediterranean Blue, Black Sapphire, Alpine White, Mineral Grey or our personal favourite; Sunset Orange.
