manufacturers:

alfa romeo

audi

bentley

bmw

cadillac

chevrolet

chrysler/jeep

citroen

dacia

fiat

ford

geely

great wall

honda

hyundai

infiniti

isuzu

jaguar

kia

land rover

lexus

lotus

mazda

mercedes benz

saic mg

mini

mitsubishi

nissan

peugeot

porsche

proton

renault

rolls royce

seat

skoda

ssangyong

subaru

suzuki

tata

toyota

vauxhall

vw

volvo

others

other cat.:

repair

safety

general

SummaryA Tourer version of the, already available, saloon with the same front construction,

and similar trim levels. Driver aids include AEB (now available on the Saloon too).

BMW 3-series Tourer

factor

volumes

BMW 3-series TourerThe new generation of the BMW (F30) 3-series saloon was launched in February this year, and the Touring (F31) is available from September.

From July the 3-series offered all-wheel drive (identified as xDrive) across the range for the first time in the UK. A hatchback GT version will join the range in 2013.

Structurally the F31 Touring is also longer and has a greater wheelbase than its predecessor, and features aluminium and magnesium to create a body that is 10% stiffer, yet 40kg – 50kg lighter than the previous model. Replacement of panels will be by cold-bonding methods to comply with BMW warranty requirements. The Tourer is identical to the saloon from the front bumper back to the B-post.

Mechanical: As with the saloon the EfficientDynamics technologies have been enhanced further from the previous models, with Auto Stop-Start on all versions, and with regenerative braking. Low rolling resistance tyres are another common feature and Electric power steering is an additional efficiency measure.The Tourer has BMW Drive Performance Control with switchable control between Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Eco Pro modes, adjusting the steering, throttle, and suspension damping (where adaptive suspension is fitted).

The naturally aspirated engines from the predecessor have been dropped in favour of down-sized turbo units for greater efficiency.

Specifications: Standard specification across the range includes iDrive, keyless starting, Cruise Control, and at least 17inch alloy road wheels. Typically, as you’d expect from BMW, there is an impressive array of options. The F31 range also brings 3 new specification levels; Sport, Modern, and Luxury.

All models have an electrically powered tailgate which can be operated from the remote, an A-post switch, or the tailgate itself.

Park Assist is a new option, enabling the car to steer a parallel park itself with the driver only controlling the brake and accelerator.Surround View utilises side and rear view cameras to give much greater visibility for manoeuvring, including enabling a side view for safer negotiating of junctions. There is also an option for a Head-up Display in full colour with speed limit information when linked with the BMW navigation system.

Safety Systems: Two important technologies feature for improved safety are:

Lane Change Warning System is activated by the indicators being operated; alerting the driver to vehicles in, or approaching their blind spot, displaying a warning on the door mirror and vibrating the steering wheel.

Lane Departure Warning System uses a camera to detect when the vehicle is moving out of its lane, again alerting the driver via steering wheel vibration. The vibration alert is cancelled by the car steering back into its lane, braking, or the driver using the indicators for the manoeuvre.

AEB: Optional, is the Active Protection Package which uses the radar for the LDW system, pre-empts a potential crash and prepares the car’s systems. Active Cruise Control maintains the distance from the vehicle in front and will warn the driver if the vehicle ahead slows very suddenly. If the driver fails to react the car will apply brakes autonomously. The system will reaccelerate once the other vehicle is clear.

ACTIONS... Thatcham has purchased a car and is researching the panel and mechanical technology for methods.