New BMW 318i comes with new features

Novan Iman Santosa, Jakarta

The top-selling BMW 318i is perhaps the most visible face of German carmaker BMW in Indonesia as the sporty sedan has always been popular with well-heeled young executives.

In fact, the BMW 3 Series is not just popular here, it's an institution -- the mid-range luxury car of choice ever since it first rolled off the Milbertshofen assembly line on May 2, 1975.

And to maintain a dominant brand you have to innovate.

Which is exactly what PT BMW Indonesia is doing with its new BMW 318i, giving it extra features and a fresher look. There are the 16-inch alloy wheels, leatherette seats and leather steering wheel to name a few additions.

The new 318i is 4.4 meters long, 1.7 meters wide and 1.4 meters high with a wheelbase of 2.7 meters.

It's powered by a four-cylinder 1,995 cc engine with Valvetronic and Bi-Vanos unleashing up to 143 horsepower at 6,000 revolutions per minute and a maximum torque of 300 Newton meters at 3,750 rpm.

Acceleration to 100 kmh is reached in 10.2 seconds. The 318i provides a smooth ride up to 214 kmh.

Such high speed requires a higher level of active safety features -- dynamic stability control (DSC), dynamic brake control (DBC), cornering brake control (CBC), automatic stability control (ASC) and an antilock braking system (ABS) -- to ensure the dynamic stability of the vehicle.

Passive safety features include airbags, three-point automatic seat belts, and a crumple zone in both the front and rear areas to absorb the impact from a collision.

There are six airbags in the 318i, including two front airbags for the driver and passenger, two front head airbags, and two side airbags.

BMW 318i's exterior design relies on smooth, sculpted curves reducing the role of horizontal lines to enhance a sense of dynamic presence while cruising on the road.

The 3 Series' character is reflected by curved lines of the headlights and high-beam lights.

Prized at Rp 439,000,000 (US$48,700), the new BMW 318i is available in two new colors: orient blue and black sapphire.

All the 2004 models come with two years' warranty and a Service Inclusive Program for five years or 100,000 kilometers, whichever comes first, free service and maintenance for the BMW owners.

The program, is also valid for other models from the 3 Series, 7 Series, X5 and Z4.