Two-door coupes have a certain allure that seem to transcend the tricky access to the back seat. They feel sporty and fun and suggest a freedom that many of us crave.
BMW’s 430i Coupe is no different. A spin-off from the 3-Series as the Bavarian manufacturer looked to capture a market that was looking for more lifestyle options than the everyday 3-Series, it has the luxury and performance to add credence to the deal. Now it has been updated with new lights, infotainment unit and adjusted suspension making for an even stronger package.
STYLING
LED headlights and fog lights are the most noticeable changes to the exterior of the refreshed 430i Coupe. A defined high shoulder line, a sleek presentation and a low sporty stance leaves a pleasing impression of a car that is effortlessly beautiful and comfortable in its skin.
This restrained yet well put together look can be seen in the interior design too changes are subtle but the overall look improved. Chrome highlights, double-stitched leather panels and a driver-centric cabin set the scene in luxurious but not lush surroundings with a new digital multi-function display adding a bit of dazzle.
Storage is functional with four cup holders in all, a couple of hidey holes and usable front door bins. No surprises that the boot is not cavernous but it will hold the weekly shop and the school bags with ease and a couple of medium-sized cases for a short trip away.
Standard inclusions feature 19-inch alloys, Dakota leather upholstery, M-Sport Luxury line, reverse camera, sat nav, keyless entry with push-button start, nine-speaker sound system, head-up display and an extensive safety package. There is a new wiper and indicator stalk that snaps back into place after use.
INFOTAINMENT
This 430i Coupe features BMW’s iDrive6 infotainment system with its easy to navigate menus operated by a dial at the bottom of the console. It boasts a great graphics package as well as ConnectedDrive, real-time traffic information and digital radio.
ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION
The 430i Coupe is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that produces 185 kW of power and a hefty 350 Nm of torque.
It is paired with a close-ratio eight-speed automatic transmission that rarely misses a beat although shifting manual does add a touch more excitement.
SAFETY
The 4-Series has yet to get an ANCAP score but does feature eight airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, cruise control, speed limiter, head-up display, blind-spot monitoring and BMW Driving Assistant amongst others.
DRIVING
Up front, the seats are nicely supportive, cuddling the small of the back, with generous under thigh support deepening the blush on a rosy picture.
Lodgings for those in the rear are not as effusive. While the kids love the thrill of a two-door, easily navigating the tilted front seat and lower roof, adults tend to find the whole duck and hope for the best routine a little more trying.
However, you can fit two adults back there in some comfort though, which is not always possible in this class, with the 430i offering surprising kneeroom and wide pews.
The 4-Series was already an excellent driving proposition with great balance, smooth power deliver and an ability to happily lean into corners. Now BMW has stiffened the suspension and lowered the ride height to reduce body roll and tweaked the steering and ABS too to offer a more enjoyable drive.
To be honest the changes seem almost imperceptible but then again maybe that’s what success looks like. In any event the BMW 430i continues to be a great companion on the road, with good handling, composed cornering and excellent grip. Steering feel is as you would expect for this segment with not much feedback from the road or tyres.
It is happy to glide along through the chaos of busy inner-city roads, assured and unharried. It is equally adept on the open road, too, cruising comfortably and easily finding extra power when pushed. While the 430i is no track devil, it is certainly up for a twirl around the twisties and will not disappoint especially in Sport and Sport+ modes.
Consumption depends on how enthusiastic you get on your drives. BMW suggests a combined figure of 5.8L/100 km and we finished on 7.4L/100km after our week which most people can live with.
BMW offers three years unlimited kilometre warranty and can offer pre-paid servicing packages for five years or 80,000 km.
SUMMING UP
There is no doubting the BMW 430i is a fun car to drive. It is also a four-seater that offers a degree of practicality. The changes in this latest iteration are minimal but do add a degree of freshness. Competitors, though, like Mercedes and Audi are playing with new models, so therein lies the challenge.
BMW 430i Coupe
Price: from $79,900 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol, RWD
Power: 185 kW
Torque: 350 Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel use: 5.8L/100km combined
What we liked:
Ride and refinement
Infotainment update
Comfortable seats
What we didn’t like:
Conservative styling
Limited storage options
