3 is the magic number

BMW has confirmed that customers in the Middle East can now purchase the all-new 3 Series sedan with a third engine variant – the BMW 320i. Having sold 12.5 million cars since its launch in 1975, the 3 Series continues to be BMW’s worldwide best-selling model series, accounting for more than a quarter of the company’s global sales. With the addition of the 320i, BMW is expanding its 3 Series product offering and making the world’s best-selling premium car even more accessible to a wider customer audience across the region. “The BMW 3 Series has been riding the wave of success ever since its launch 37 years ago – in fact, every third BMW sold in 2011 was a 3 Series. It is therefore a very important model for BMW Group, and by adding an additional engine variant, we expect to achieve even greater success,” Joerg Breuer, Managing Director, BMW Group Middle East said when the 320i arrived in the UAE. Performance and technology have always been key areas for the BMW brand, and agility and driving dynamics remain fair attributes of the new BMW 3 Series. Customers can now choose from two TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engines: 320i, 328i and the six-cylinder 335i; that all come with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and TwinPower Turbo engines technology, offering more EfficientDynamics technology to make the new 3 Series more fuel efficient. The new car is the first BMW model to be available with three different lines: Modern, Sport and Luxury – three distinctive design personalities for the exterior and interior. Within each line, customers can choose a number of exclusive finishes and equipment variants to suit their taste. New design elements include a new BMW face, with flat headlights reaching along as far as the BMW kidney grille. This emphasises the elegantly dynamic design of the new BMW 3 Series, which has increased in length, width and wheelbase compared to the predecessor model. Inside the 3 Series, the noticeable increase in space means significant benefit for the rear passengers. The classic BMW interior surfaces and lines flow over the instrument panel towards the front passenger side of the cabin, where they form a smooth and protective border. The cockpit wraps around the driver and ensures that all-important functions are within easy reach. Under the umbrella of BMW ConnectedDrive the 3 series offers numerous ConnectedDrive technology features that give the driver and passengers information and services to help make their driving experience safer and more comfortable. These include a rear-view camera and park assistant – a system that takes on the search for a parking space as well as the parking. Another feature to highlight is that owners of select BlackBerry smart phones can also access the phone’s windows office function via the operating system iDrive. This new Bluetooth interface that integrates the BlackBerry device into the vehicle allows e-mails and calendar entries to be received and displayed on the control display and even read out through an optional voice output function. Bluetooth audio streaming also allows the driver to listen to music from an audio player or mobile phone without the need for a cable. The new BMW includes iDrive along with an 8.8” or 6.5” screen. There is also an automatic sliding and tilting glass sunroof in addition to BMW EfficientDynamics technology that includes the new Driving Experience Control switch with four driving programmes allowing the driver to choose between sporty, ultra sporty, comfortable and extremely economical driving ECO PRO mode. New to the 3 Series, the feature helps drivers maximise fuel economy by analysing their driving style, thereby enabling them to increase the distance they can travel on each tank of fuel. The new BMW 320i is now available at BMW Group importers’ showrooms in the UAE starting from Dhs155,000.   HOT WHEELS   Slightly niche, however Gargash Enterprises has unveiled The Setra TopClass S415 HD coach. Inside passengers can now align the seats with even more precision to suit individual requirements. Frequent travellers can take advantage of the state-of-the-art multimedia equipment with large flat screens enhancing entertainment. Safety measures are optimally integrated in The Setra TopClass. This includes Front Collision Guard (FCG), as well as other maneuvering assistance systems like a lane assist and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). Ferrari was at the very heart of the Diamond Jubilee Pageant to celebrate 60 years of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, an event of huge importance to the United Kingdom. The marque’s clients and collectors paraded some of the most beautiful historic and contemporary Ferraris ever built through the grounds of Windsor Castle this week. Ferrari, however, wanted to involve another icon of Italian excellence and, thanks to its financial contribution made to the organisation, was accompanied to this very special celebration by the 4th Mounted Carabinieri Regiment performing the famous Historic Carosello, a demonstration of superb horsemanship and synthesis of the level of training reached by the Carabinieri. Customers won big and drove far this year with KIA - through its distributor Al Majid Motors – during the ‘KIA on Tour’ 2012 event, with Bijlani Pankaj winning an exciting trip to Ukraine to watch the Euro 2012 final and others receiving valuable prizes. The lucky winner test drove the 2.4-litre Sportage and won the trip of a lifetime. 24 other lucky participants won a range of digital gifts, including laptops, DVD players, bluetooth car kit and a home theatre. The event made its rounds in Dubai Festival City, Dubai, Bawadi Mall, Al Ain, Al Qasba, Sharjah, Ibn Batutta Mall, Dubai, Manar Mall, Ras Al Khaimah before finally pulling on the brakes in Al Raha Mall, Abu Ahabi. Hyundai has launched the redesigned 2013 Genesis Coupe to the Middle East. The Genesis Coupe made its international debut when it was unveiled in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show earlier this year. In keeping with performance upgrades, the Genesis Coupe now sports more aggressive coupe styling, complemented by improved interior materials and design. The Genesis Coupe is available with two engine options. The 3.8-litre Lambda DOHC V6 engine and the two-litre turbocharged engine are both available with a six-speed manual transmission or eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shift SHIFTRONIC manual-shifting capability. Both four-cylinder and V6 engines benefit from significant technology enhancements, with the 3.8-litre V6 engine receiving sophisticated direct-injection technology and the two-litre turbocharged engine upgrading to a more precise twin-scroll turbocharger and larger intercooler. Alfred Dunhill and Jaguar’s recent collaboration for the VIP opening of Alfie’s bar, lounge and restaurant has led to the announcement of a closer partnership for the two luxury brands. Pictured are (L to R) Nader Elmir, dunhill’s General Manager in Europe and the Middle East receiving an iconic black XJ Portfolio model, customised with interior dunhill branding,  from Jaguar Land Rover Managing Director for the MENAP region, Robin Colgan. Together, Alfred Dunhill and Jaguar will provide the ultimate VIP experience to guests of the newly opened dunhill retail emporium located in the Boulevard at Jumeirah Emirates Towers. Situated alongside the dunhill store, Alfie’s is a contemporary British bar, lounge and restaurant by dunhill, and is a perfect fit for the Jaguar brand partnership. Jaguar’s iconic black XJ Portfolio model will transport VIP customers to the dunhill hub for bespoke fittings, appointments, and restaurant engagements. The XJ Portfolio establishes a new benchmark for its class, with a combination of stunning design, contemporary luxury and intuitive technology. AUTO STAR The newly single Nandana Sen hasn’t let any residual heartbreak get in the way of being chauffered around the place. The stunning 44-year old The Forest actress was last seen getting into a Mercedes S Class presumably to go home and pack before moving to New York.From khaleejtimes.