BMW 320d ES

There wasn’t much to criticise about the way the 3-Series drove, so BMW has left that aspect of the car alone, and the new model remains the best handling car in its class. Now it has sharper looks to complement this. And with EfficientDynamics technology boosting economy and dropping emissions, the 3-Series still makes a compelling case for itself, whether you’re running it privately or as a company car.

With the 3-Series accounting for half of all BMW sales in the UK,the company has every right to refer to the executive favourite as asupermodel.

But, as many a catwalk star has found, there comes atime to face the surgeon’s knife to stay fresh in the face of youngercompetition. Hence, the arrival of this new 3-Series in Britain. Interms of design, BMW
has played it safe. The most obvious changes are at the front, wherethe bumper and headlights are new. On top of this, the bonnet has apair of creases running from either side of the BMW badge back to thewindscreen. At the rear, there’s a new bumper and a remodelled bootlid.The tail-lights now include LED indicators and there is a wide range ofnew wheel designs.

These aren’t major alterations, but togetherthey give the BMW a sportier appearance. Mind you, that’s perfectlyappropriate, as the 3-Series always was the driving enthusiast’s choicein its class – and nothing
has changed here. As soon as you hit the road, this couldn’t be moreobvious. There’s something delightfully positive and direct about thecontrols, whether it’s the accelerator, brakes or steering. As soon asyou tell the car to do something, it does it, and you get exactly thekind of feedback you want. It’s the same story with the suspension,which never feels anything other than totally composed. Through aseries of bends, gentle turns of the steering wheel put the car’s noseexactly where you want it, and the balanced handling keeps everythingunder control as you flow from one corner to the next. If there is acomplaint, it’s that such sharp handling and composure come at theexpense of comfort. There’s a firm edge to the ride about town, andalthough you feel larger bumps at higher speeds, it’s never trulyuncomfortable. And given the superb handling, we’re sure it’s a pricemost drivers will be happy to pay.

Also unchanged in the faceliftis the 2.0-litre diesel engine that powers the 320d. And, given itsgreat blend of strengths – 0-62mph in less than eight seconds,impressive flexibility and average economy of nearly 60mpg – there’s nodoubt this remains our favourite 3-Series. That’s especially true givenhow comfortable and refined it is inside, with only a little wind noiseat motorway speeds. However, you only notice that because everythingelse is so quiet, and you can soon drown it out with the stereo.
Best of all, the optional iDrive system has been much improved: it’seasier to use and has clear graphics, rounding off a truly superbpackage.