BMW 330Ci

BMW has come up with a double dose of excitement for the so-called British summer.

Not only has it gone topless in the latest version of the much-improved 3 Series but it has introduced a fantastic new engine into the line-up.

The combination of a 3 Series convertible with a 3.0 litre six cylinder engine is a mouthwatering prospect even in our fickle climes.

But the experience from behind the wheel of the BMW 330Ci is outstanding – and it is the engine that makes it so special.

That’s not saying there is nothing remarkable about the styling of this soft top – that is pretty good as well.

Yet it is what is under the bonnet that makes this car a real gem to drive – roof up or down.

This engine is perfectly matched to the dynamics of the 3 Series and it handles beautifully.

It replaces the stalwart 2.8 litre that has seen service across the BMW range and while it is making its debut in the 3 Series, it is also destined to fit into the Z3 roadster and the larger 5 Series saloons.

The extra capacity sees the power output increase from 193bhp in the 2.8 to a potent 231bhp in the 3.0 litre and that has resulted in wonderful performance.

In the convertible, BMW 330Ci knocks off the standing 60 in a shade under seven seconds and tops out at a reported 153 mph and that is a whole ten miles an hour more on the top end and almost a second quicker than the way the previous 3 Series convertibleperformed.

However there is always a price to pay and in this case it is fuel economy. Realistically at a claimed average of 28.5mpg this 3.0 litre is not too bad at all but it is not as good as the figure you would get from the old 328 models which would be closerto 31 mpg.

The new convertible, at pounds 32,050, is also a fraction more expensive than the old version which would set you back pounds 31,870. Yet for that pounds 180, the benefits far outweigh the extra few quid.

The chassis on the new car is much stiffer than before and that complements the extra grunt from the engine marvellously. It really is a driver’s car and so responsive to every movement – whether that be from your right foot or from the steering wheel.

There is bags of mid-range power and this is one large convertible in which you can get almost as much fun as if you were in a roadster.

It will seat four although in this guise it is not at its best with the roof down. The fold-away wind baffle that goes across the rear seats does make an awful lot of difference to the comfort in the front.

With it up, it is almost as quiet inside as in a normal car – such is the aerodynamics of the BMW 330Ci.

The roof itself is a pretty clever affair and retracts electronically at the touch of a button in just 25 seconds, stowing automatically in the boot. There are no clips to fumble with and the triple layer fabric used in its construction means that whenit is up there is minimal buffeting. It also has a heated glass rear screen that has been treated so as not to scratch in use.

Another clever touch comes in the boot. With the roof up, the cartridge which holds it when it is folded can be removed creating extra luggage space in the boot. In fact the new convertible can take almost 11 cubic feet of kit as opposed to the eight ofthe outgoing version.

Other changes include seatbelts that are integral in the front seat which are much more comfortable than conventionally anchored belts, electric seat adjuster controls at the top of the backrest so you don’t have to bend down when allowing rear seatpassengers to enter and a new look steering wheel that incorporates thumb switches for the entertainment system and cruise control.

The BMW 330Ci also comes with BMW’s sophisticated traction control and electronic braking devices as well as some other exceptional goodies such as parking radar, automatic windscreen wipers and an auto dimming rear view mirror.

There is also a powerful heater and climate control system which is so good it enables you to enjoy open top motoring in the chilliest of conditions.

Automatic versions, which feature BMW’s five speed steptronic box, cost an extra pounds 1,220.

And just to make the convertible even more different from the rest of the 3 Series range, it has got a few styling points that are its own.

Although based on the current coupe model, the convertible has a lower waistline and the effect that creates is emphasised with the roof down. It really does look flat and sleek and every bit the super car it is.

Without a doubt, this is a car which cuts a dash. Now all we need is a bit of summer weather for the icing on the cake.