2001 BMW 3 Series Sport Wagon

Even as you got your first look at this handsome little hauler back in our September issue, we were venturing over to Germany for a bit of first-hand experience with several preproduction vehicles. Two days of spirited motoring solidified our initial impression: If you're one of the hip new breed of sport wagon enthusiasts, put this new BMW on your "must-drive" list.

Since the 323i Sport Wagon will be a U.S.-only model and won't arrive here until next spring, we did have to make one accommodation in the form of a next-best-thing substitute. Happily, that turned out to be a 328i version. As with the 3 Series Coupe and Sedan models, save for a larger, more powerful engine and a bit more curb weight, the 323i and 328i touring variants are pretty much functional clones. Beyond modest tuning changes to accommodate their slightly higher mass, the suspension maintains the same taut-yet-supple tuning that's made the 3 Series such a hit with driving enthusiasts the world over. Ditto for the precise steering feel and eminently capable four-wheel disc brakes with standard ABS. As an extra bonus, BMW's Dynamic Stability Control system also comes standard, whether one opts for base five-speed manual gearbox or extra-cost five-speed autoshifter.

BMW designers handled the sedan-to-wagon transition rather adroitly from a styling standpoint. Unlike the Coupe, which shares no sheetmetal with the four-door, the Sport Wagon wears the same body panels and trim from its nose to the rear doorskins. The extended roofline culminates in a sloping two-piece decklid that allows one to pop open just the glass portion or raise the entire hatch for full access to the rear cargo bay-which can swallow anywhere from 15.2 to 47.1 cubic feet of payload depending on the configuration of its 60/40 split/folding rear seatback.

By including virtually all the comfort and convenience features found on a 3 Series sedan and offering the same upline options, BMW is positioning this newcomer to be most competitive in the emerging upline performance wagon segment. Expect it to command about a $1500 premium over a comparable 323i sedan, which should put it around $29,000. Quite a sporting value, indeed.