THE RULE OF THREE
Autocar UK|April 12, 2023
The continuing-nay, growing-popularity of the BMW 3 Series during the SUV revolution is worthy of not just celebration but also examination. Vicky Parrott uncovers its secrets to success
Vicky Parrott
THE RULE OF THREE

I've occasionally wondered how long it was from when The Autocar was first published in late 1895 to when one of its journalists asked the question: "How much does it matter if an everyday car is really good to drive?"

Now, this seems like a non-question to us, because we consider it critical how well a car drives. But as car makers become more focused on technology and connectivity, it's easy to see why some might argue that people don't care about finer dynamics. So long as the car is safe and easy to drive, it will be fit for purpose. Head to almost any manufacturer's online configurator and you're nearly always asked about trim selection before you're asked what engine you want. Such is the priority order of style and equipment over performance and dynamics for most car buyers.

I remember discussing this point with your friend and mine, Matt Prior, for the first time many, many years ago. We came back to the irrefutable fact that, regardless of whether the driver is really able to articulate why they like it or not, a car that handles and rides beautifully will make a driver feel more confident than will a car that's just all right.

After all, that non-enthusiast motorist might have bought the car because it had wireless Apple CarPlay and adaptive cruise control, but the fact that it also has a spectacularly well-sorted secondary ride and easy-to-modulate brakes might well be the reason why they go back and buy that model or brand of car again. It doesn't really matter if the driver doesn't consciously appreciate the dynamics so long as those dynamics are doing their thing anyway.

Esta historia es de la edición April 12, 2023 de Autocar UK.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición April 12, 2023 de Autocar UK.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE AUTOCAR UKVer todo
The venomous nature of the Cobra
Autocar UK

The venomous nature of the Cobra

Last week, Matt Prior drove a totally new kind of AC Cobra. This is a car with one of the strongest allures of all - but also an incredibly complex and controversial history.

time-read
3 minutos  |
October 23, 2024
SKODA KAMIQ
Autocar UK

SKODA KAMIQ

A long getting-to-know-you trip to Spain reveals all

time-read
2 minutos  |
October 23, 2024
THE SEVEN-YEAR TITCH
Autocar UK

THE SEVEN-YEAR TITCH

Outgoing baby Jag is plush, practical and now eminently affordable

time-read
2 minutos  |
October 23, 2024
'Our time has come'
Autocar UK

'Our time has come'

Honda may be late to the EV party, but a barrage of bold new battery-powered cars is on the way. JAMES ATTWOOD speaks to boss Toshihiro Mibe at its R&D base to find out what's in store

time-read
8 minutos  |
October 23, 2024
Lion kings
Autocar UK

Lion kings

Plush, powerful four-door cars are an endangered species - and now Peugeot has called time on its latest, the 508 PSE. STEPHEN DOBIE compares it with its most significant ancestor, the 505 GTI

time-read
6 minutos  |
October 23, 2024
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
Autocar UK

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

Wolfsburg gives the lesser-known Golf PHEV a big-impact refresh

time-read
7 minutos  |
October 23, 2024
PORSCHE PANAMERA GTS
Autocar UK

PORSCHE PANAMERA GTS

Stuttgart's latest 'bahnstormer targets driver appeal over outright punch

time-read
2 minutos  |
October 23, 2024
MERCEDES-AMG GT 63 PRO
Autocar UK

MERCEDES-AMG GT 63 PRO

Hardcore variant of V8 sports car engineered with track days in mind

time-read
3 minutos  |
October 23, 2024
TESLA REVEALS ROBOTAXI
Autocar UK

TESLA REVEALS ROBOTAXI

Firm unveils Cybercab coupé and 20-seat Robovan in autonomy push

time-read
2 minutos  |
October 23, 2024
DACIA PLOTS AMBITIOUS EXPANDED EURO LINE-UP
Autocar UK

DACIA PLOTS AMBITIOUS EXPANDED EURO LINE-UP

Firm teases something different’ ahead of impending C-segment reveal

time-read
2 minutos  |
October 23, 2024