Generally speaking Tourings, Station Wagons, Sports Wagons, Shooting Brake, The Advants sort of cars is much better received in Europe then here in North America. Why aren't Touring's more popular here anyways? The trunk opening is almost just as large as an SUV, it has just about or more cargo capacity, Touring's has sedan like sportier handling and because it is smaller and lighter it may even save you a bit more fuel. Here we are the new F31 BMW 328i xDrive Touring shown here with the M Sport package gives this car even more show for the go! Powered by the N20 2.0L Inline 4 Twin Power Turbo pushing 241hp with 258lb/ft of torque! Let's not forget the new MINI Clubvan all new for 2014, based on the MINI Clubman... all bespoke interior from behind the front seats onwards, designed for small business to haul things around. The MINI Clubvan is powered by the MINI Cooper's 1.6L 4 Cylinder with 121hp and 114lb/ft of torque. Check out the photo shoot after the jump.
I am happy to report that at this time Both the BMW 3 Series Touring and the 3 Series Gran Turismo will be available in Canada, this gives us Canadian BMW drivers some choice. Autobild in Germany has posted an article comparing the two, which one do you prefer? Read more for a full gallery.
Hatchbacks and Touring had always been a popular choice for Europeans because they are more flexible then a sedans and carries just as much as an SUV and in may cases more fuel efficient. Touring, Sport-wagons and shooting brakes generally lags behind in sales compared to sedans and SUVs here in North America, perhaps with the introduction of this sportier looking and even more efficient new BMW 3 Series Touring; the future may be different.
Some Facts:
No Confirmation to which Models will be available to the Canadian Market.
Available in Modern Line, Luxury Line, Sport Line and M Sport package
Rear seats offer 40:20:40 split
Rear window opens separately from automatic tailgate
Available with full glass panoramic sunroof
Lane Departure Warning and Blind Spot Detection most likely through a Technology Package
When compared to E91 3 Series Touring:
37mm (1.46 inch) wider front track
48mm (1.85 inch) wider rear track
97mm (3.66 inch) longer
50mm (1.96 inch) longer wheelbase
Total 495 liters of cargo room - 10% more cargo volume with rear seats up and folded.
Pricing:
None yet for the Canadian Market, will post once we have it.
Notes:
Have a look at the full gallery after the jump, take a look at the iDrive screen and pay attention to the updated iDrive interface. We think the colors might be customizable.
