.......... and TopGear Magazine

[Parker]

They really like it.......

http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/BMW-i3-first-drive-2013-09-10

"It's ruddy sprightly too. That's the lightweight part coming home to roost. With a high-torque 170bhp motor and a power flow uninterrupted by gearchanges, it's at 62mph in 7.2 seconds. The addictive thing is the instant and proportional answer you get whenever you twitch your right foot. "


"And what a lovely cabin. BMW has used the i project to invent a whole new design language, of spare, ornament-free surfaces and reduced bulk in the dash and seats. It feels extremely modern and calm, but high quality."

In conclusion.......

"At first sampling then, this is a compelling electric car. It's not the first on the market, but BMW has put some original thinking into almost every part of its design and engineering. It drives sweetly, is distinctively designed, and has the reassuring range-extender option if you are anxious about running flat."

..........sounds good.

 

[Parker]

One thing none of these reviews seemed to address directly (maybe I've missed it) and maybe its a "non" concern but having never driven a CF car ..... with Thermoplastic doors .....before, I would like to know what it sounds like when you close the doors.

Is it a typical BMW "thunk" or is it something lighter less substantial altogether.

As the cars construction is so revolutionary (in the mass market) I would have thought it would have been one of the first things to be commented on - maybe the doors close and sound just like an ordinary car but again if that was the case I would have thought it worthy of just a quick mention.

I have been in many fibreglass and alternative construction cars before and closing the door has been far from a "premium" experience.

 

[Parker]

Be careful what you wish for ...........

Here is my answer and its not good. Lets hope its just a pre-production blip..........

From AutoBlog......

"The only distinct criticism we have regarding the i3 thus far ........ when we closed the front doors there was a serious amount of cheap-sounding and plastic-like rattles going on that was very un-BMW and un-premium. This worries us; while we love the fit and finish and bold idea of the i3, this new wee wondercar had better at least come across as absolutely premium and solid-sounding. As far as this early drive opportunity of admittedly pre-production cars goes, these frequently touched and used doors fail the basic requirement of a BMW experience."

Not Good. Lets hope this is being worked on.