It comes as no surprise that this is the least-radical Bangle shape to date. It looks immeasurably better in the flesh than on the page, but doesn’t quite have the perfect air of proportion of its predecessor. Given our experience of the new Five, and how we’ve warmed to its styling with familiarity, it seems fair to acknowledge the same being possible with this car.
The new (E90) 3-series is a steady, if comprehensive, evolution of the small BMW. It has a completely new bodyshell offering astonishing torsional rigidity for a car in this class, and which provides a platform for MacPherson front suspension and a bespoke multi-link rear end. There are no trick adaptive dampers, just high-quality coil-overs – this time optimised from the start to work with run-flat tyres. Furthermore, the 3-series has covered development miles in the UK following criticism of the 5-series’ harsh ride.
Naturally the car stays faithful to BMW’s front-engine, rear-drive formula, although a peek under the bonnet reveals a motor so far back in the chassis that calling it front/mid-engined might be more appropriate. There’s so much space in front of the block, you can clearly see the power steering system and the new aluminium subframe assembly.
BMW is forging a reputation as a leader in diesel technology, and the 1995cc turbocharged four-cylinder unit is a lesson in how to burn oil. It seems almost inconceivable that a few years ago 2.0-litre turbodiesels struggled to crack 100bhp: the 320 offers a staggering 163bhp and supports that figure with 251lb ft of torque.
All the latest technical vocabulary is represented: common-rail, variable-nozzle turbocharger, direct injection. It seems amazing that the fuel is now pressurised to 1600bar (23,200psi) before combustion – a car tyre is usually around about 2bar (30psi).