Overall rating:

Whether you're an owner, driver or passenger in the new BMW 3 Series, it's the best yet. There's more room, the cabin is better built and there's a dazzling array of options available. But the highlight here is the new turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which manages to be both incredibly efficient and powerful at the same time.

Key Facts

Model tested: BMW 328i Sport
Pricing: £31,585 (estimated)
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol
Transmission: eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Body style: four-door saloon
Rivals: Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Volvo S60
CO₂ emissions: 147g/km
Combined economy: 44.8mpg
Top speed: 155mph
0-62mph: 6.1 seconds
Power: 242bhp at 5,000rpm
Torque: 258lb.ft at 1,250rpm

In the Metal:

It had obviously been a hot day in Barcelona, the front of the new 3 Series having melted, the kidney grilles sitting prouder and lower than ever before. Turns out the temperature was only middling, and this was just the bold new face of BMW's latest model. It's the one feature sure to split opinion, though the rest of the car could be criticised for being too evolutionary.

From behind the wheel it's much the same story, the cabin drawing inspiration from both the new 1 and 6 Series models. There's more space than before though, especially in the rear, and as you'd expect everything is beautifully screwed together and sensibly laid out. Only the integration of the satnav screen atop the dash, which looks a little like an afterthought, disappoints.

Driving it:

It's from behind the wheel that the 328i really shines, the new four-cylinder petrol engine punching far above its weight. The forced induction unit doesn't only provide punchy performance, sprinting from 0-62mph in just over six seconds, but manages a scarcely believable 44.8mpg on the combined cycle. All the while emitting less than 150g/km.

Environmental and petrolhead harmony aside though, it's the way it delivers this feat that impresses the most. Peak torque is available from only 1,250rpm - which means no matter what gear you are in you're treated to instant get up and go. And when you've got eight ratios to choose from, this means the 328i has one of the most flexible motors around, with instant acceleration when requested.

It's not just economy and speed that sit so well together, but ride and handling as well. Yes, that's right - this is a BMW that really does strike the balance between agility and comfort, even with the run-flat rubber fitted. Only the deepest of potholes catch it out, the rest of the time the suspension covering up any real surface imperfections.

As ever, all the control weights are beautifully judged, and there's plenty of communication through the steering wheel. In fact, there's only one real criticism that could be levelled at the new 328i, and that's the noise it makes. It just doesn't sound as good as one of the firm's old straight-six engines, becoming strained and coarse towards the top of the rev range, which is a real shame.

What you get for your Money:

There's a vast choice of trim levels to choose from, starting with ES through SE, Modern, Luxury, Sport and the forthcoming M Sport models. All are comprehensively equipped, and the 'Lines' concept (donated from the 1 Series) gives buyers the option of personalising their choices further with different interior and exterior design and trims.

Regardless of what trim level you select, the new BMW 3 Series is comprehensively equipped and every model comes with start-stop and the firm's ECO PRO mode. The latter improves efficiency of both the driver, through providing information about driving style, and the electrical systems such as air conditioning to eke out the best fuel economy.

Worth Noting

We haven't seen them yet, but the saloon will be joined by new Touring, Coupé and Convertible models. It's likely the latter pair will bear a 4 Series badge for the first time, differentiating and lifting them from the range like the 6 does to the 5 Series models. There's also a mini 5 Series GT in the offing, with a practical but stylish hatchback body. The technology seen in the firm's 5 Series ActiveHybrid will also make it's way into the smaller model.

Summary

Not only is the new BMW 3 Series the best yet, but the 328i may just be the best all-rounder in the range. For too long those chasing economy and efficiency have had to settle for diesel models, but with near 45mpg and sub-150g/km CO₂ figures this new four-cylinder turbo engine means buyers really can have their cake and eat it.