BMW 318ti crops 4-cylinder series to create hatchback coupes
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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For an action-oriented driver, the Ozark Mountains of Missouri and Arkansas, only significant ripple between the Appalacians of the East and the Rocky Mountains in the West, contain some of this country's tightest curves and steeper grades on two-lane blacktop -- with nary a bear to bleep your radar detector.
It's just the place to test sporty suspension settings and tight steering ratios packed aboard the latest import from Germany's sport-minded BMW.
Dubbed the 318ti (for "Touring Internationale"), this new model measures to compact proportions but presents the abbreviated stance of a hatchback coupe.
From front bumper to the windshield's A pillar, it seems essentially identical to the 318i sedan or coupe, with nice 4-cylinder horsepower and healthy set of disc brakes complete with anti-lock action.
From the A pillar rearward, though, it looks nothing like any other BMW currently on the market due to broad doors with metal-cased windows and close cropping of the roofline to etch a cascading hatchback design beginning immediately behind both back wheels.
Call this one the Bobtail Beemer.
With a base sticker figure that falls below the noteworthy mark of $20,000, you may also label the 318ti as the most affordable BMW in what has become a rather pricy line of performance-oriented coupes, sedans and wagons.
The move by BMW to offer a cute little hatchback coupe may seem curious in light of other automakers who have pared their lines of such designs, but the Germans have obviously drawn a bead on a niche in the young and affluent market to attract new buyers into the folds of those who wish to link sporty driving attributes with Teutonic precision.
Despite the lower price tags, 318ti still delivers plenty of perks in that no-nonsense character of BMW.
In fact, a majority of the mechanical equipment -- like engine and transmissions, brake and steering systems, plus front independent suspension components -- stem straight from other 318 models.
New gear for the newest Beemer consists of a cozy driver-oriented cockpit and interior comfort components, easy-entry passenger doors, split-folding rear seatback leading to the flexible hatchback storage compartment, and a compact independent rear suspension which makes possible that crisp bobbed tail at the back.
Like all other BMWs, this one directs power toward the two rear wheels to spark sporty driving characteristics.
That rear-drive tilt sets the 318ti apart from other hatchbacks because all the rest use a front-wheel-drive format with inherent torque-steer limitations and disproportional weight distribution biased toward the front wheels. Also, BMW's longer wheelbase and rear battery placement sets up a masterful balance of weight on front and rear wheels so the driver experiences highly predictable road manners for handling slippery curves or managing sporty pavement maneuvers.
In other words, if you get your kicks from steering a sports car, the Beemer will pump up your heart rate.
It certainly raised my blood pressure zipping through 310 miles of hills and curves across the Ozarks.
Bump up to a higher gear as you push hard into the crook of a mountain's fold and 318ti responds with taut suspension settings by holding a tight line across the apex with minimal body roll and little protest from sticky all-season radials.
Inside, you're pinned in place due to firm bolsters of the sport-oriented bucket seat and 3-point belt.
The small steering wheel feels good to touch, and that short stick lets you romp through gears.
Further, there's punch in the pedal, despite the selection of a 4-cylinder engine.
The 3-series four, with twin-cam configuration and four valves in each cylinder, displaces 1.8 liters in numbers that complete the car's 3-digit 318 nomenclature.
Power runs up to 138 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, which indicates you can rev it high to peak the juice.
Top speed, electronically limited, hits 116 mph.
Tests from BMW set the official statistic for zero-to-60 mph performance at 9.6 seconds for the 5-speed manual transmission, although independent tests by several buff books drop the figure below eight seconds.
Marketing mavens at BMW predict that 60 percent of all 318ti sales will go out the door with the stick shifter aboard, but a malleable 4-speed automatic with electronically-controlled economy, sport and manual modes becomes one of several options on the new car.
Three variations of the 318ti begin with a base issue that's the price leader at $19,900, yet complete with a long list of standard equipment.
Base rigging includes safety gear like dual airbags and 4-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock system, plus comfort and convenience items extending to heated windshield wiper jets and heated outside mirrors, air conditioning coupled to a microfilter ventilation system, power door windows, and pre-wiring for BMW's 6-disc CD changer and keyless entry and security devices.
To this base issue add $2,400 and you'll reach one of two optional packages: Active or Sport.
The 318ti Active brings lifestyle features such as cruise control, remote keyless entry and security system, power sunroof, leather trimmings for steering wheel and shift and brake knobs, unique alloy wheels and a remarkably compact onboard computer with multiple features.
The 318ti Sport stows special hardware for the enthusiastic driver.
It carries sport suspension components with firmer settings for springs, shocks and roll bars, firmer front seats, leather upholstery, plus fog lamps.
Options range from a limited-slip differential to premium 10-speaker audio system and cell phone.
Options exclusive to 318ti Active encompass a leather interior, while a power sunroof may be added to 318ti Sport.
This may be BMW's least expensive model, but it still stocks lots of luxury components -- and more fun than you might imagine a hatchback could muster.
1995 BMW 318ti
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| 1995 BMW 318TI VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS |
| Description: |
Compact hatchback |
| Model Options: |
Compact hatchback |
| Wheelbase: |
106.3 inches |
| Overall Length: |
165.7 inches
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| Engine Size: |
DOHC 1.8-L I-4 16v
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| Transmission: |
Manual/5, Auto/4 |
| Drive: |
Rear |
| Braking: |
Power 4-disc/ABS |
| Airbags: |
2 |
| Gas Mileage: |
22/32 mpg |
| MSRP Price: |
$ 19,900 to $ 22,300 |
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