2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2023 Nissan Versa

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered a range of models, from the 330i to the high-performance M3 Competition, with prices starting at $44,990 and reaching up to $93,500, excluding a $2,480 destination charge. Each variant featured a unique powertrain, with the 330i and 330e equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the latter incorporating plug-in hybrid technology. The M340i boasted a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, while the M3 and M3 Competition were the pinnacle of performance. The M340i xDrive, tested in Barbera Red paint and Cognac SensaTec upholstery, included options like the Advanced Driver Assistance package and Adaptive M Suspension, bringing the price to nearly $80,000. The M Performance exterior design, 19-inch wheels, and high-performance tires contributed to its appealing styling. Inside, the SensaTec upholstery and dashboard wrap provided a sophisticated look, with the Cognac colour adding a trendy contrast to the dark cabin. The 3 Series was known for its quality materials and technical design, focusing on driving enjoyment over luxury.

The 2023 Nissan Versa adopted the design language of its larger siblings, the Sentra and Altima, featuring a "floating" roof effect and a V-Motion grille. This design made the Versa appear more upscale, with a sleek profile and wide stance. The base Versa S came with 15-inch steel wheels, while the SV and SR models had 16-inch and 17-inch alloy wheels, respectively. For 2023, the Versa received styling updates, including a more elaborate grille, new wheel designs, and the Grey Sky Pearl paint for the SR model. The interior showcased creativity with large round air vents and an elaborate dashboard, despite being a budget model. While most materials were plastic, the fit and finish were commendable. The SR model featured red stitching and upholstery inserts, reminiscent of the early 2000s Sentra SE-R. The SV and SR trims offered additional convenience features like heated front seats and automatic climate control. Overall, the Versa aimed to make an economy car less dull, providing a comfortable and refined experience.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine featuring 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, achieving 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres on the evaluation route, slightly above the official rating of 9.2 L/100 km. The engine delivered 382 horsepower between 5,800 and 6,500 rpm and 368 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the power flowed to the rear wheels through an M Sport differential, with xDrive AWD standard in Canada. The M340i included M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and an M Sport suspension, with the test car featuring the optional Adaptive M Suspension. BMW claimed a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 4.3 seconds, and the car's performance was thrilling, with precise handling and a flawless transmission. The M340i excelled in driving dynamics, offering a perfect balance of power and control, making it a benchmark for sports sedans.

The 2023 Nissan Versa featured a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive. While not quick, the Versa SR test car was adequate for traffic, with the CVT providing satisfactory responsiveness. The Versa's handling was characterized by body roll in corners but maintained remarkable grip, offering a reassuring feel. The steering was fairly responsive, highlighting the car's nimbleness. The Versa delivered a comfortable ride, with the suspension effectively cushioning impacts and keeping cabin noise levels low. Overall, the Versa felt more substantial than typical subcompact cars, with handling and refinement that exceeded expectations for an entry-level model.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series, despite its traditional four-door sedan design, offered a sporty driving experience without compromising passenger comfort and practicality. The M340i featured power-adjustable front sport seats with excellent support, a perfect driving position, and a well-shaped steering wheel. Rear seat passengers had adequate legroom, making it suitable for four tall individuals, although the centre rear seat was less likely to be used. The back seat provided good thigh support, but the rigid plastic panels on the front seatbacks required caution. Standard features included a three-zone automatic climate control system, heated steering wheel, and heated front seats, with heated rear seats available. The 481-litre trunk offered ample cargo space, with a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. However, a sports wagon variant was not available in North America.

The 2023 Nissan Versa, available only as a four-door sedan, offered 416 litres of trunk space in the base S trim and 425 litres in the SV and SR trims, surpassing the Kia Rio sedan. A 60/40 split-folding rear seat was available in the SV and SR trims. The front seats provided more headroom and legroom than the Kia, although the rear seat space was slightly less. The front row felt spacious, with good outward visibility aided by a low dashboard and side glass. Standard power windows were included. Storage space was limited, with a small centre console bin and a raised shifter platform. The optional wireless charging pad was conveniently tucked away.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered the optional Digital Cockpit Professional, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a navigation system. While the digital gauges were not as impressive as Audi's Virtual Cockpit Plus, the infotainment technology was user-friendly. BMW iDrive 7.0 provided intuitive controls through various interfaces, including a gesture control system. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system, with a 16-speaker Harman Kardon system available. The Connected Package Pro included BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant, offering conversational voice recognition. A head-up display was available, though challenging to read with polarized sunglasses. The Advanced Driver Assistance Package added a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and autonomous parking capability.

The 2023 Nissan Versa S trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, three USB ports, and keyless entry. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available in the SV and SR trims, along with NissanConnect Services telematics. The SV added a 7-inch driver-information display and a wireless charging pad, while the SR featured an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, and a six-speaker audio system. Despite the tech features, the Versa's touchscreens were small, with outdated graphics and crowded menus. The digital instrument cluster display added a touch of sophistication, providing vital information alongside an analog speedometer. The Versa also included a charging indicator light for phones.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard, featuring forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, city-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The available Traffic Jam Assistant combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist for semi-autonomous driving. An Emergency Stop Assistant detected unresponsive drivers and initiated an SOS call. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS with optional adaptive LED headlights and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, including rollover resistance.

The 2023 Nissan Versa excelled in standard driver-assist tech, with automatic emergency braking, rear automatic braking, lane-departure warning, and high beam assist standard on the base S trim. The SV added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and driver attention alert. The IIHS had not published updated ratings for the 2023 Versa, but previous models received "Good" ratings in crash tests. The NHTSA awarded the Versa a five-star overall safety rating, with five stars in side-impact tests and four stars in frontal and rollover categories.